Payroll & Pensions Officer

Are you an experienced Payroll professional looking for a role where your expertise really matters?

Would you like to join a growing organisation where you'll be part of a supportive team, have genuine responsibility, and benefit from a 9-day fortnight and excellent work-life balance?

We're recruiting for a Payroll & Pensions Officer to join the finance team of a growing organisation providing essential care, education and support services to children and young adults across the UK.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with solid payroll experience who enjoys working in a busy environment, takes pride in getting the detail right and wants to develop their knowledge across both payroll and pensions.

The opportunity

You'll join a dedicated payroll team responsible for processing the pay of approximately 750 employees across seven monthly payrolls.

Working closely with the Payroll Manager, you'll play an important role in ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time, while also supporting the administration of workplace pensions and dealing with payroll-related queries.

What makes this role particularly interesting is the variety and complexity involved. You'll gain exposure to payroll across both care and education environments, including different employment arrangements and the nuances that come with a diverse workforce.

You'll also have the opportunity to get involved in projects and process improvements, including an upcoming payroll project, giving you the chance to develop your experience beyond day-to-day processing.

And you'll be joining an organisation that's continuing to grow, with new schools, children's homes and support services being developed, meaning there is plenty of scope for learning, development and internal progression.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the processing of seven monthly payrolls for approximately 750 employees
• Checking and managing timesheets, absence information and payroll inputs
• Supporting accurate payroll calculations and payment processing
• Carrying out payroll checks, variance analysis and regular audits
• Ensuring payroll activity complies with HMRC legislation and internal policies
• Administering workplace pension schemes, including auto-enrolment
• Assessing employees for pension eligibility and calculating contributions
• Managing pension submissions and maintaining accurate records
• Supporting salary sacrifice arrangements
• Acting as a point of contact for employee payroll and pension queries
• Liaising with pension providers and internal stakeholders
• Maintaining and updating payroll databases and systems
• Working with Finance, HR, IT and the payroll system provider to resolve issues
• Supporting payroll-related budgeting and reporting
• Ensuring payroll information is handled in line with GDPR and data protection requirements
• Supporting the Payroll Manager with an upcoming payroll project and process improvements

Why join?

This is more than simply another payroll position. You'll be joining an organisation where the work you do directly supports people delivering life-changing care, education and support.

In return, you'll receive:

• 9-day fortnight, giving you an excellent work-life balance
• 28 days' annual leave, including public holidays
• Employer pension contribution of 3%, with 5% employee contribution
• Comprehensive learning and development opportunities
• Support towards relevant professional development
• Blue Light Card and employee benefits discounts
• Mental health and wellbeing support
• Access to confidential wellbeing clinics and reflective practice
• Cycle to Work scheme
• After 12 months' service, access to Medicash, including GP access and a range of health and wellbeing benefits
• Additional high-street discounts

A role with purpose

Every month, your work helps ensure hundreds of people providing vital care, education and support are paid accurately and on time.

You'll also be joining at an exciting point in the organisation's development, with continued growth across its services and genuine opportunities to build your career through learning, development and internal progression.

If you're an experienced Payroll professional looking for a role that combines technical responsibility, variety, purpose and a genuine work-life balance, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today for a confidential conversation and to find out more.