Payroll Administrator

JR United Kingdom; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected public sector organisation is seeking a Payroll Assistant to join their Employee Services team. This role involves managing payroll and pension processing with a focus on accuracy and detail. Ideal candidates will have prior payroll experience and strong IT skills, contributing to a collaborative environment dedicated to community service.

Qualifications

• Experience in payroll or HR administration, ideally in public sector or education.
• Understanding of PAYE, tax codes, NI, and statutory pay.
• Familiarity with pensions schemes (Teachers’ Pensions, LGPS, NHS).

Responsibilities

• Process payroll accurately and on time, ensuring compliance with payroll rules.
• Handle queries from stakeholders and maintain employee records.
• Support HMRC and pension contributions reconciliation.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Excel skills

Team player mindset

Education

5 GCSEs including Maths and English (Grade C/4 or above)

CIPP Payroll Technician Certificate or working towards this

Job description

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Client: Anonymous Public Sector Organisation

We're currently supporting a long-standing public sector organisation in their search for a Payroll Assistant to join their Employee Services team. The role is central to ensuring accurate, timely payroll and pension processing for a variety of public clients including councils, schools, NHS organisations and local government.

This is a service-driven role where attention to detail, clear communication, and strong organisation are essential. It would suit someone with some prior experience in payroll, pensions or HR administration, ideally within a public sector or education context.

Key Responsibilities

• Process payroll accurately and in line with statutory timelines
• Handle queries from internal stakeholders, managers and employees
• Maintain employee records and ensure correct application of tax, NI, pensions (LGPS, Teachers, NHS etc.)
• Support the reconciliation of HMRC and pension contributions
• Assist in producing contracts and handling employment changes
• Help ensure the BACS payroll and third-party payments are executed on time
• Provide support with payroll audits and data integrity
• Ensure compliance with PAYE, pensions and statutory payroll rules
• Continuously seek ways to improve processes and documentation
• Collaborate closely with HR, schools and client contacts

What You'll Need

• Previous experience in payroll or HR administration (ideally public sector or education)
• Basic understanding of PAYE, tax codes, NI, and statutory pay (SSP, SMP, etc.)
• Familiarity with pensions (Teachers’ Pensions, LGPS or NHS schemes ideal)
• Strong Excel and IT skills
• Excellent attention to detail and communication skills
• A customer-first mindset with the ability to manage confidential data
• Team player, willing to flex and support others during peak periods

Desirable Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs including Maths and English (Grade C/4 or above)
• CIPP Payroll Technician Certificate or working towards this

This is a great opportunity for someone looking to grow in a stable, respected public sector organisation. You’ll be part of a friendly, collaborative team that values accuracy, service and a shared commitment to delivering for the wider community.