Payroll Administrator

AQA; Greater Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

35-hour working week with hybrid model

On-site gym access

Pension contributions

Job summary

AQA is seeking a Payroll Administrator in Manchester to support weekly and monthly payrolls for employees, temporary workers and associates. This role focuses on accurate payroll processing, compliance with UK legislation and continuous improvements within a supportive payroll team.

The successful candidate will gain payroll knowledge across varied payrolls and benefit from a smart hybrid working pattern with a minimum of two days in the office Weekly and monthly payroll execution, along with

Qualifications

• Proven payroll administration experience with strong knowledge of UK legislation and processes.
• Excellent Excel skills and numerical accuracy.
• Clear and professional communication with colleagues and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Process payroll changes and support weekly and monthly payrolls.
• Respond to payroll queries and help resolve issues.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and support compliance activities.
• Investigate discrepancies and carry out payroll checks and reconciliations.
• Work with payroll systems and contribute to process improvements.

Skills

Payroll knowledge

Excel

Communication skills

UK payroll

Tools

MHR iTrent

Job description

At AQA, we're committed to advancing education and we're committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK, we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and it's our people who make this happen.

Payroll Administrator

Permanent

Manchester £25,662.00 - £27,500.00

Smart Hybrid Working with a minimum of two days per week in the office

Looking for an opportunity to develop your payroll knowledge and make a real impact?

As our Payroll Administrator, you'll join a Payroll Team responsible for delivering weekly and monthly payrolls for employees, temporary workers and associates across AQA.

Whether you've gained experience within payroll administration or a similar finance-related role, you'll have the opportunity to broaden your knowledge of payroll legislation, systems and processes while playing an active role in resolving queries, investigating issues and supporting payroll accuracy across the organisation.

We're looking for someone who enjoys problem solving, has a keen eye for detail and takes pride in getting things right. In return, you'll play an important role in helping ensure colleagues are paid accurately and on time while developing valuable payroll knowledge and experience.

What you'll be doing

• Processing payroll changes and supporting weekly and monthly payrolls.
• Responding to payroll queries and helping resolve issues effectively.
• Maintaining accurate payroll records and supporting compliance activities.
• Investigating discrepancies and carrying out payroll checks and reconciliations.
• Working with payroll systems and contributing to process improvements across the team.

What we're looking for

We're looking for someone who enjoys solving problems, has a keen eye for detail and takes pride in delivering a high-quality service to colleagues.

You’ll thrive in this role if you bring:

• Experience gained within payroll administration or a similar finance related role.
• An understanding of payroll processes and an interest in developing your payroll knowledge.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• A proactive and collaborative approach to work.

What's in it for you?

This is an opportunity to become part of an experienced and supportive team where you'll be encouraged to broaden your knowledge and develop your payroll expertise.

You’ll have the chance to:

• Work across both weekly and monthly payrolls.
• Develop your understanding of payroll legislation and compliance.
• Learn from experienced payroll professionals.
• Access training and development opportunities.
• Contribute to improving how payroll services are delivered across AQA

You’ll also benefit from AQA's wider rewards package including:

• Career development and professional growth in a leading education charity
• Comprehensive benefits including Bupa Health Insurance, Health Care Cash Plan, Life Assurance and an Electric Vehicle Leasing scheme, generous, combined pension contributions up to 18.5%- and 25-days annual leave plus bank holidays and extra closure days at Christmas.
• A 35-hour working week with flexible, hybrid working
• Free on-site gym access

Our commitment to inclusion

At AQA, we're committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels they belong and can do their best work. We value the different perspectives, experiences and backgrounds our people bring, knowing they strengthen our culture, decision-making and impact. We foster an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with respect, has access to opportunities to grow and contribute, and feels able to be themselves. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

Full Job Description

Purpose: We are seeking a detail-oriented and efficient Payroll Administrator to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for supporting the weekly and monthly payroll process for employees, ensuring accurate and timely processing of salaries, benefits, and deductions, while adhering to UK payroll legislation and compliance standards. You will play a key role in delivering efficient, consistent and smooth payroll operations and ensuring a high level of service to employees and management.

Landscape: The Payroll Administrator is part of the Payroll Team which are based in the Manchester office and sit within the Finance Team of the Corporate Services Office (CSO). We have the overall responsibility for paying all AQA Education temporary and permanent colleagues, along with associates on a weekly and monthly basis. Reporting into the Senior Payroll Administrator but other key internal relationships include Payroll Manager, line managers, colleagues and associates, our People Group, and the broader Finance Team, while key external relationships involve the MHR Service Desk and consultants, HMRC, pension providers, and other third‑party providers.

Activities:

Payroll Processing: Support accurate and timely end to end processing of weekly and monthly payroll, ensuring compliance with company policies and UK legislation. Maintain and update employee records, process pay adjustments, reconcile data, and support month-end processes. Accurately calculate all pay elements, processing changes for starters, leavers, and other pay adjustments, and ensure correct calculation of holiday pay, statutory payments (SSP, SMP, Paternity Pay, etc.) and statutory deductions (PAYE, National Insurance, Student Loans). Manage employee benefits (Childcare Vouchers, Cycle2Work and pensions), ensuring compliance with auto-enrolment and other statutory requirements and liaise with external agencies (HMRC and pension schemes) to resolve payroll-related issues.

Compliance, Legislation and Record Keeping: Ensure accurate and timely maintenance of payroll records in accordance with data protection regulations. Prepare detailed payroll reports and support month-end reconciliations, while providing ad‑hoc reporting and analysis for senior leadership as needed. Ensure full compliance with UK payroll legislation, HMRC regulations, and statutory requirements by staying updated on legal changes. Oversee accurate and timely submissions (e.g. RTI, P60, P45, P11D), and processing all payments to employees, HMRC, and pension providers. Protects AQA's reputation and minimises risk by maintaining data and uphold internal policies and legal obligations, including HSE, Equal Opportunities, and ISMS. Lead payroll audit preparations and ensure accurate documentation and manage archiving and storage of payroll records, ensuring compliance with all regulations.

Customer (External or Internal): Deliver consistent, high-quality customer service by building collaborative relationships, managing and resolving internal and external payroll queries efficiently, escalating where appropriate. Provide clear guidance on payslips, deductions, and tax matters.

System Administration, Process Improvement and Innovation: Ensure accurate input of payroll data and assist in the maintenance of the MHR iTrent payroll system. Drive continuous improvement by streamlining processes, enhancing system efficiency, and integrating payroll with HR and finance systems. Collaborate with the wider Finance team, People Group, and other departments to implement innovative, cost‑effective solutions while staying informed on evolving payroll technologies, legislation, and best practices.

People and Culture: Accountable for personal and professional growth through continuous learning and performance development. Supports and inspires peers to deliver high levels of performance by modelling positive behaviours and contributing to a high performing team status.

To be successful in this role, you will need to know:

Essential:

• Proven payroll administration experience with strong knowledge of UK legislation, proficiency in Excel, and excellent communication skills.
• Highly detail-oriented, organised, and capable of handling confidential information, with a proactive, team-focused attitude and ability to work independently.

Desirable:

• Holding or working towards Payroll qualification (e.g., CIPP or similar.)
• Experience with MHR iTrent payroll software.
• Experience with RTI submissions, HMRC reporting and pension schemes.
• Knowledge of pension schemes and auto-enrolment requirements.