Payroll and People Systems Assistant

North East Combined Authority; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 16,000 - 17,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary pro-rata

11.5% pension

25 days annual leave

Public holidays

Hybrid working ( Newcastle office 1x/w

Enhanced family-friendly benefits

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

National Energy Action (NEA) is a national charity focused on reducing fuel poverty across the UK. We are recruiting a part-time Payroll & People Systems Assistant (22.5 hours per week) to support Finance and People & Culture teams, ensuring accurate payroll processing and robust HR data.

You will maintain employee records, support year-end processes, and help optimise HR systems. This role offers a supportive environment with pro-rata pay and hybrid working in Newcastle.

Qualifications

• Experience processing payroll and maintaining employee records.
• Knowledge of UK payroll legislation and auto-enrolment.
• Good Excel skills.
• Strong organisation, accuracy and confidentiality.
• GCSE English & Maths (Grade C/4+)

Responsibilities

• Prepare and process monthly payroll.
• Support PAYE, NI, pensions, RTI and statutory requirements.
• Prepare payroll journals, reconciliations and payments.
• Respond to payroll queries and support year-end processes.
• Maintain accurate employee data in Iris Cascade.
• Produce people reports and support data quality checks.
• Work with Finance and People teams to align payroll/HR data.
• Support HR systems testing, reporting and improvements.

Skills

Payroll processing

UK payroll legislation

Excel

Confidentiality

Education

GCSE English & Maths (Grade C/4+)

Payroll qualification (CIPP)

Tools

Iris Cascade

Sage 50 Payroll

Job description

About Us

National Energy Action (NEA) is the national fuel poverty charity, working across England, Wales and Northern Ireland to help everyone live in a warm, healthy home. We support vulnerable households, influence policy and deliver practical programmes that improve lives. Our teams are friendly, knowledgeable and passionate about making a difference.

The Role

We’re recruiting a part-time Payroll & People Systems Assistant (22.5 hours per week) to support both our Finance and People & Culture teams. You’ll help ensure accurate, timely payroll processing, maintain employee records and support the effective operation of our HR systems. This is a great opportunity to develop your payroll and HR systems experience within a supportive national charity.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and process monthly payroll
• Support PAYE, NI, pensions, RTI and statutory requirements
• Prepare payroll journals, reconciliations and payments
• Respond to payroll queries and support year-end processes
• Maintain accurate employee data in Iris Cascade
• Produce people reports and support data quality checks
• Work with Finance and People teams to align payroll/HR data
• Support HR systems testing, reporting and improvements

What You’ll Bring

• Experience processing payroll and maintaining employee records
• Knowledge of UK payroll legislation and auto-enrolment
• Good Excel skills
• Strong organisation, accuracy and confidentiality
• GCSE English & Maths (Grade C/4+)

Desirable

• Experience with Iris Cascade, Sage 50 Payroll or similar
• Experience preparing payroll journals and reconciliations
• Experience supporting audits or year-end processes
• Understanding of HR processes
• Payroll qualification (e.g. CIPP)

What We Offer

• £16,364–£17,164 per annum (pro-rata), Level 2 Points 6–9
• 11.5% non-contributory pension
• 25 days annual leave + 3 Christmas closure days (pro-rata)
• Public holidays
• Flexible and hybrid working (minimum one day per week in Newcastle office)
• Enhanced family-friendly benefits
• Employee Assistance Programme and benefits platform

Additional Information

Hybrid/home working is subject to H&S and GDPR checks. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. CVs are not accepted. No agency enquiries.

Closing date: 12:00 noon, Tuesday 27 October 2026

Interviews: Week commencing 09 November 2026

NEA is an equal opportunities employer. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.