Payroll Administrator

JR United Kingdom; Reading; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A public sector organisation seeks a Payroll Assistant to support their Employee Services team. The role is crucial for payroll and pension processing while ensuring compliance with statutory regulations, suited to those with previous payroll experience. Join a collaborative and supportive team dedicated to community service.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in payroll or HR administration, ideally in public sector or education.
• Basic understanding of PAYE, tax codes, NI, and statutory pay.
• Familiarity with pensions such as Teachers’ Pensions or NHS schemes.

Responsibilities

• Process payroll accurately and in line with statutory timelines.
• Handle queries from internal stakeholders and employees.
• Ensure compliance with PAYE, pensions, and statutory payroll rules.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Excel

IT skills

Customer-first mindset

Team player

Education

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

CIPP Payroll Technician Certificate

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.