Payroll Administrator

Wates; Greater London; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Wates is seeking a highly organised Payroll Administrator to join our Payroll Team in Greater London. You will ensure accurate and timely payroll processing, maintain employee records, and deliver excellent service to employees and managers.

Responsibilities include processing the full payroll cycle in COINS, handling payroll queries through our case management and Ask HR systems, and ensuring compliance with HMRC regulations and SLAs.

Qualifications

• Previous payroll administration experience.
• Experience processing payroll in a busy payroll environment.
• Strong understanding of payroll legislation and HMRC requirements.
• Proficient in Excel and payroll systems.
• Excellent attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Process the full payroll cycle and changes using COINS Payroll.
• Manage payroll queries via case management and Ask HR systems, meeting SLAs.
• Handle timesheets within payroll costing and ensure accuracy.
• Ensure payroll records comply with UK legislation and HMRC requirements.
• Support audits and maintain confidentiality of employee information.

Skills

Numerical skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Time management

Confidential handling

Teamwork

Initiative

Education

CIPP qualification in progress

Tools

COINS Payroll

Microsoft Excel

Payroll systems

Job description

We are looking for a highly organised and detail-oriented Payroll Administrator to join our Payroll Team. You will play a key role in ensuring the accurate and timely processing of payroll while providing excellent customer service to employees and managers. The successful candidate will support the end-to-end payroll process, maintain employee records, manage payroll queries through our case management and Ask HR systems, and ensure all activities are completed in line with company policies, HMRC regulations, and agreed service level agreements (SLAs)..

Payroll Processing

• Process the full payroll cycle using COINS Payroll, ensuring payroll is completed accurately and within agreed deadlines.
• Process payroll changes including: + New starters + Leavers + Contractual changes + Salary amendments + Overtime + Allowances and deductions + Employee benefits
• Validate payroll input data and ensure all payroll transactions are processed correctly.
• Reconcile payroll reports and investigate discrepancies prior to payroll sign-off.
• Process third-party payments and deductions, including: + Pension contributions + Trade union payments + Attachment of earnings orders + Court orders
• Prepare monthly payroll reports, audits, and management summaries.

Payroll Queries & Employee Support

• Support the Payroll Team in managing the payroll case management system, ensuring all queries are responded to within agreed SLAs.
• Manage and resolve payroll-related queries through the Ask HR system.
• Investigate payroll discrepancies and work collaboratively with employees, managers, HR, and Finance to achieve timely resolution.
• Provide advice and guidance on payslips, deductions, payroll processes, and general payroll matters.

Timesheet Administration

• Manage operative timesheets within the payroll costing process.
• Monitor timesheet completion and communicate outstanding requirements to relevant departments.
• Ensure timesheet information is accurate and submitted in line with payroll deadlines.

Payroll Compliance

• Ensure payroll activities comply with UK employment legislation, HMRC regulations, and company policies.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and employee data in partnership with the HR team.
• Support internal and external payroll audits.
• Ensure confidentiality and secure handling of employee information at all times., Liaise effectively with HR, Finance, Pension Providers, and departmental managers regarding payroll matters.
• Build strong working relationships across the business to support payroll accuracy and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Previous payroll administration experience.
• Experience processing payroll within a busy payroll environment.
• Good understanding of payroll legislation and HMRC requirements.
• Experience managing payroll queries and delivering excellent customer service.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills.
• Ability to perform manual payroll calculations when required.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workloads effectively.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and payroll systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
• A proactive approach and willingness to take initiative.

Desirable

• Experience using COINS Payroll.
• Experience within the construction, property services, or engineering sector.
• Knowledge of pension administration and third-party deductions.
• Understanding of payroll costing and timesheet processing.
• CIPP qualification or working towards a recognised payroll qualification.

Key Attributes

• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Customer focused
• Problem solving
• Accountability
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Planning and organisation
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Ability to work under pressure
• Strong communication skills
• Professionalism and integrity