Payroll Assistant (14 month FTC)

About the role

We are looking for a Payroll Assistant to join our Finance Department on a fixed-term contract to provide maternity cover. This role requires the candidate to support with the smooth, accurate, and compliant delivery of multiple monthly payrolls, ensuring employees are paid correctly and on time. The successful candidate will be responsible for end-to-end payroll processing, including the daily tasks such as processing of new joiners, leavers, payroll changes, pension administration, statutory payments, and HMRC compliance etc.

To be successful in this role, candidates must have proven experience across the full payroll lifecycle and be confident in processing all payroll-related activities from start to finish. The role is essential in maintaining continuity and delivering an excellent payroll service to our employees & stakeholders.

Key responsibilities include:

Accurately prepare and process monthly payroll runs on a timely basis.

Accurately calculate and process payments, amendments, adjustments, deductions, holiday pay, and statutory payments.

Responsible for the day-to-day administration, including processing new starters, leavers, payrolling benefits, Statutory leave and pay including SSP, SMP and SPP.

Acting as a primary point of contact for employees regarding payroll-related queries, alongside the Payroll Manager.

Resolve and respond to queries in a timely and professional manner.

Compile standard reports and ad-hoc reports for management as needed, providing insights into payroll data.

Accurate reconciliation of various payroll-related reports

Assist in pension administration, ensuring compliance with pension scheme regulations.

Handle pension contributions and related documentation.

Support the Payroll Manager in the execution of year-end routines, including the distribution of P60s.

Ensure compliance with statutory requirements.

Collaborate with the wider finance team in relation to payroll/staff benefits tasks as required.

Assist with other finance-related tasks when needed.

Support and contribute to continuous improvements in the finance team's activities and processes, helping to streamline and optimize payroll operations.

Along with the Payroll Manager, ensure appropriate documentation of all payroll-related processes and controls.

The nature of the business involves integrating multiple acquisitions due to the continuous growth of Progeny. You will be responsible, along with the Payroll Manager for integrating various acquired companies efficiently via TUPE.

Our ideal person

Approved certification or working towards such an award would be desirable for this role (such as CIPP) but not essential.

3 years plus experience in a payroll role, with a strong understanding of payroll processes and legislation. Must have experience in end-to-end payroll.

A detailed understanding of payroll regulations, tax, and PAYE.

Understanding of pension administration.

Strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.

Excellent organisational and time management skills.

Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.

Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel is important in this role – you will need know how to do VLOOKUPS, pivot tables & basic formulas.