Payroll Specialist

Location: Hybrid/Kings Hill, Kent
Salary/package: £29,000 to £33,000 per annum
Contract type: Permanent/Fixed Term
Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week

This is an exciting opportunity for experienced Payroll Specialist to join HR Connect and use their technical expertise to influence service improvements, support system enhancements and make a real impact in a collaborative, customer-focused environment.

Who we are

HR Connect, part of the Commercial Services Group (CSG) provides a full range of HR and payroll services to schools, academies and public sector organisations, combining professionalism, efficiency and a people-first approach. 

Why this role matters

The Payroll Specialist role ensures the accurate, timely and compliant delivery of payroll services across a diverse client portfolio, directly supporting organisational reliability and customer satisfaction. The successful candidate will as a technical expert within the team, guiding colleagues and maintaining strong quality controls to minimise risk.

What you’ll be doing

• Process payrolls accurately and on time, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements.

• Complete statutory deductions and submissions, resolving discrepancies before final approval.

• Provide technical guidance to Payroll Assistants and internal stakeholders on complex payroll issues.

• Perform quality checks, spot-checks and audits to maintain strong control standards.

• Coordinate and review monthly and year-to-date payroll reconciliations.

• Respond promptly to payroll enquiries, maintaining a customer-focused approach.

• Liaise with external bodies such as HMRC and pension providers to resolve queries and ensure compliance.

What we’re looking for

• Proven experience in a payroll function, ideally within a large and complex organisation.

• Proven experience using HR/Payroll systems such as iTrent in a live operational environment.

• Strong analytical and numeracy skills with attention to detail and accuracy.

• Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills.

• Excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities to meet tight deadlines.

What you’ll get in return

• Salary of £29,000 to £33,000 per annum.

• 25 days annual leave, increasing with length of service.

• Birthday Day Off.

• One Concessionary Day off during the Christmas Period.

• Life assurance cover (4x salary).

• Pension scheme with 4% employer contribution.

• Additional benefits including retail and gym discounts, health cash plan and cycle to work scheme.

• Volunteer days and access to a comprehensive wellbeing programme.

• Tailored development support with real opportunities to progress.

• Access to Learning & Development opportunities via our CSG Academy.

Why CSG?

CSG is the UK’s largest local authority-owned trading company (LATCO), generating over £700 million in revenue per annum and supporting more than 16,000 education and public sector customers globally.

We are growing through a combination of organic development, acquisitions and strategic partnerships. Our 35+ businesses deliver services across education, IT, HR, legal, energy, procurement and more, all focused on delivering meaningful impact.

As a locally owned organisation, we take pride in reinvesting a significant proportion of our profits into frontline services, helping strengthen the communities we serve.

Inclusion & Accessibility

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We encourage applications from suitably qualified people of all backgrounds.

As a member of Inclusive Employers with Silver Accreditation, we are actively building an environment that supports inclusion, flexibility and belonging for all colleagues.

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our application and interview process; please let us know if you require any.