Entry-Level Payroll Associate — Training & Career Growth

IRIS; Manchester; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

IRIS Software Group is seeking a Client Payroll/Pensions Associate to support payroll teams in delivering outstanding service to clients. You will organise client data, verify transmissions, and update schedules in a fast-paced, collaborative environment at our Manchester office.

No prior payroll experience is required; we value mindset, organisation, and willingness to learn. This role offers a clear progression path in Payroll, HR or Tech within IRIS.

Qualifications

• Strong organisation and attention to detail.
• Confident communicator and team player.
• Comfortable using Microsoft Office (especially Excel).
• Eager to learn and grow in a professional environment.
• Proactive, positive and committed to client success.

Responsibilities

• Processing and organising client payroll/pensions documentation.
• Maintaining payroll data and monthly trackers.
• Verifying audit logs, HMRC and BACS transmissions.
• Supporting Payroll Managers with admin and scheduling.
• Managing P60 distributions and archiving client data.
• Liaising with payroll teams, schools and pensions schemes to resolve queries.

Skills

Attention to detail

Strong organisation

Confident communicator

Team player

Eager to learn

Proactive

Excel

Microsoft Office

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

About IRIS

IRIS Software Group is one of the UK's largest privately held software companies, trusted by 100,000+ businesses, schools and accountancy firms to keep their operations running. Our software pays 1 in 6 UK employees, supports over 12,000 schools, and is relied on by 91 of the top 100 UK accountancy firms.

We're a Great Place to Work® certified employer, recognised for our commitment to well-being, inclusion and development - and we're growing fast.

Kickstart Your Payroll Career with IRIS Software Group

Are you highly organised, detail focused and looking to build a career in payroll?

Join one of the UK’s largest and most trusted software providers as a Client Payroll/Pensions Associate and gain hands on experience in a fast paced, supportive environment.

We're inviting enthusiastic individuals to take part in an In Person Assessment Centre at our Manchester office (M1 4DY) on Wednesday 4th November 2026, a unique opportunity to meet our team, showcase your skills and get a feel for the IRIS culture.

Please only apply for these roles if you are available to start on Monday 23rd November 2026.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Client Payroll/Pensions Associate, you’ll support our payroll teams in delivering outstanding service to our clients. From organising client data and checking transmissions to verifying BACS files and updating schedules, this role is essential to our payroll operations.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Processing and organising client payroll/pensions documentation.

• Maintaining payroll data and monthly trackers.

• Verifying audit logs, HMRC and BACS transmissions.

• Supporting Payroll Managers with admin and scheduling.

• Managing P60 distributions and archiving client data.

• Liaising with payroll teams, schools and pensions schemes to resolve queries.

This role is a fantastic introduction to the world of payroll with a clear pathway for progression.

What We’re Looking For

We’re not expecting previous payroll experience, we’re looking for the right mindset:

• Strong organisation and attention to detail

• Confident communicator and team player

• Comfortable using Microsoft Office (especially Excel)

• Eager to learn and grow in a professional environment

• Proactive, positive and committed to client success

Whether you’re a school or college leaver, returning to work or ready for a fresh start, we would love to meet you!

Why Join IRIS?

At IRIS, you’ll join a global software group that supports over 100,000 customers across 135 countries and pays 1 in 8 UK employees.

We offer:

• A structured onboarding and training programme

• A welcoming and collaborative team culture

• Real career progression opportunities in Payroll, HR or Tech

• The chance to learn from one of the UK’s most established payroll providers.

How to Apply

Submit your CV and register your interest today. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend our Assessment Centre in Manchester on Wednesday 4th November 2026.

Apply now and take your first step into a career with impact at IRIS.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Impact: Your work will influence millions globally.

• Growth: Continuous learning and career development opportunities.

• Belonging: A culture that celebrates diversity and empowers every individual.
  

Ready to Apply?

Click Apply - we’re excited to learn about your unique perspective and experience. If you need adjustments during the process, let us know. We’re committed to making this opportunity accessible to everyone.

What to expect from our hiring process

Our process is designed to be fair, transparent and straightforward. Stages vary depending on the role — more senior positions may involve additional steps, and some areas include role-specific assessments such as a technical test or case study — but typically you can expect:

1. Application review — we assess your experience and potential

2. Initial call — a short conversation to learn about you and share more about the role

3. Skills assessment — tailored to the position, e.g. case study, coding challenge or portfolio review

4. Final interview — meet the team and explore how you'll make an IMPACT at IRIS

We'll always walk you through the specific stages at the start of the process so you can prepare with confidence.

If you need any adjustments or accommodations during the process, let us know, we’re committed to making this experience accessible for everyone.