Payroll Apprentice

Abco Payroll; Takeley; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 18,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training

Job summary

Abco Payroll is offering an apprenticeship for a Level 3 Payroll Administrator Apprentice. You will learn on the job, support payroll processing, and grow with a close-knit team delivering accurate payroll services to clients.

The role focuses on learning payroll data entry, processing, and client support, with time away for specialist training as part of the apprenticeship.

Qualifications

• GCSEs including English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above.
• Apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect existing knowledge.
• The apprenticeship includes specialist training and on‑the‑job learning.

Responsibilities

• Learn on the job by supporting payroll services for a range of clients.
• Maintain payroll records and employee data, including new starters and leavers.
• Enter and check payroll data, review timesheets and pay information, and reconcile reports.
• Provide excellent customer service by responding to client enquiries by phone and email.

Skills

Communication skills

IT skills

Attention to detail

Organisation skills

Customer care skills

Problem solving skills

Administrative skills

Number skills

Analytical skills

Team working

Initiative

Patience

Education

GCSEs including English and Maths

Job description

At Abco Payroll, most of your apprenticeship is spent learning on the job. You'll become part of our small, close-knit team, gaining hands-on experience while supporting clients and helping deliver accurate payroll services.

Wage£16,600 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

The salary quoted is a pro rata of the FTE salary of £26,530

Training coursePayroll administrator (level 3)Hours25 hours, Monday to Friday, 10.00am to 3.00pm.

25 hours a week

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands‑on experience.

As a Level 3 Payroll Administrator Apprentice, you will spend most of your time learning on the job and becoming involved in all aspects of delivering payroll services to a variety of clients. Working alongside our experienced, close-knit team, you will maintain payroll records and employee data, including setting up new starters, processing leavers and updating employee information.

You will assist with the preparation and processing of payrolls by entering and checking payroll data, reviewing timesheets and pay information, reconciling reports, and helping ensure payrolls are completed accurately and on time. You will learn how to calculate pay, pensions, statutory payments and deductions, while developing an understanding of payroll legislation, PAYE, National Insurance and workplace pensions.

The role will involve preparing payroll reports and client documentation, ensuring information is distributed securely and in accordance with data protection requirements. You will provide excellent customer service by responding to client enquiries via telephone and email, helping clients with payroll‑related questions and requests. You will use payroll software and internal systems to maintain accurate records, support payroll workflows and help the team meet key deadlines. You will investigate and resolve discrepancies, carry out quality checks and develop an understanding of the importance of accuracy in payroll.

As payroll involves handling sensitive personal and financial information, you will learn the importance of confidentiality, professionalism and data security. You will also support the wider administration of the business, including monitoring emails, answering calls and assisting colleagues where required.

As your knowledge and confidence grow, you will take increasing ownership of tasks and play an important role in helping our team provide a reliable, personal and professional payroll service to clients.

At Abco Payroll, most of your apprenticeship is spent learning on the job. You'll become part of our small, close-knit team, gaining hands‑on experience while supporting clients and helping deliver accurate payroll services.

Wage£16,600 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

The salary quoted is a pro rata of the FTE salary of £26,530

Training coursePayroll administrator (level 3)Hours25 hours, Monday to Friday, 10.00am to 3.00pm.

25 hours a week

Start dateMonday 2 November 2026

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands‑on experience.

As a Level 3 Payroll Administrator Apprentice, you will spend most of your time learning on the job and becoming involved in all aspects of delivering payroll services to a variety of clients. Working alongside our experienced, close-knit team, you will maintain payroll records and employee data, including setting up new starters, processing leavers and updating employee information.

You will assist with the preparation and processing of payrolls by entering and checking payroll data, reviewing timesheets and pay information, reconciling reports, and helping ensure payrolls are completed accurately and on time. You will learn how to calculate pay, pensions, statutory payments and deductions, while developing an understanding of payroll legislation, PAYE, National Insurance and workplace pensions.

The role will involve preparing payroll reports and client documentation, ensuring information is distributed securely and in accordance with data protection requirements. You will provide excellent customer service by responding to client enquiries via telephone and email, helping clients with payroll‑related questions and requests. You will use payroll software and internal systems to maintain accurate records, support payroll workflows and help the team meet key deadlines. You will investigate and resolve discrepancies, carry out quality checks and develop an understanding of the importance of accuracy in payroll.

As payroll involves handling sensitive personal and financial information, you will learn the importance of confidentiality, professionalism and data security. You will also support the wider administration of the business, including monitoring emails, answering calls and assisting colleagues where required.

As your knowledge and confidence grow, you will take increasing ownership of tasks and play an important role in helping our team provide a reliable, personal and professional payroll service to clients.

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Course contents

• gather, analyse and process payroll data and information
• resolve different types of queries that may be presented from payroll customers such as employees, clients, management, explaining and documenting responses
• deal with complaints, following processes and escalating complex situations
• meet client or customer needs in line with service level agreements
• provide customer service using agreed systems and processes, taking ownership for work applying agreed processes for checking
• adhere to deadlines and process schedules both internal and statutory, mitigating the impact on the business, employees and clients of deadlines not being met by reprioritising tasks when dealing with conflicting or changing demands
• select appropriate media for communication etc recognising the advantages and risks related to each method
• escalate concerns relating to deadlines in a timely manner, suggesting solutions
• use the appropriate communication media for each stakeholder for each situation. Examples may include ‘phone, face‑to‑face, email and letters, communicating and engaging professionally, accurately and appropriately, respecting the principles of data protection and confidentiality
• Build and maintain trust and sound relationships with stakeholders to deliver quality payroll services
• develop and maintain strong working relationships with team colleagues, supporting and collaborating to achieve results, seeking advice when appropriate within parameters of the role
• use computerised payroll software and spreadsheet packages such as MS Excel
• use systems and processes to support the payroll function. Examples may include the provision of accounting information and the Real Time Information submissions to His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
• gather, analyse and process payroll data and information
• resolve different types of queries that may be presented from payroll customers such as employees, clients, management, explaining and documenting responses
• deal with complaints, following processes and escalating complex situations
• meet client or customer needs in line with service level agreements
• provide customer service using agreed systems and processes, taking ownership for work applying agreed processes for checking
• adhere to deadlines and process schedules both internal and statutory, mitigating the impact on the business, employees and clients of deadlines not being met by reprioritising tasks when dealing with conflicting or changing demands
• select appropriate media for communication etc recognising the advantages and risks related to each method
• escalate concerns relating to deadlines in a timely manner, suggesting solutions
• use the appropriate communication media for each stakeholder for each situation. Examples may include ‘phone, face‑to‑face, email and letters, communicating and engaging professionally, accurately and appropriately, respecting the principles of data protection and confidentiality
• Build and maintain trust and sound relationships with stakeholders to deliver quality payroll services
• develop and maintain strong working relationships with team colleagues, supporting and collaborating to achieve results, seeking advice when appropriate within parameters of the role
• use computerised payroll software and spreadsheet packages such as MS Excel
• use systems and processes to support the payroll function. Examples may include the provision of accounting information and the Real Time Information submissions to His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
  

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

6 GCSEs including English and Maths at Grade C/4 a (grade 4/C or above)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Problem solving skills
• Administrative skills
• Number skills
• Analytical skills
• Team working
• Initiative
• Patience

Other requirements

No two days are exactly the same. You could be updating payroll records, importing new starter details, reconciling payroll data, preparing reports, responding to client queries by phone and email, or helping maintain the systems that keep payroll running smoothly and on time.

Our ethos is simple: payroll is personal. Behind every payslip is a person relying on us to get it right. We look for people who genuinely care about accuracy, confidentiality, and delivering excellent service to clients.

About us

Abco Payroll Ltd is an independent payroll bureau providing outsourced payroll and pension services to businesses across a wide range of industries throughout the UK. We pride ourselves on delivering a personal, professional and reliable service, helping employers manage their payroll responsibilities accurately, efficiently and in compliance with ever-changing legislation.

At Abco Payroll, we believe that payroll is personal. Behind every payslip is a real person relying on us to get things right, which is why accuracy, confidentiality and exceptional customer service are at the heart of everything we do. We work closely with our clients to understand their needs and provide tailored solutions, building long‑term relationships based on trust, expertise and responsiveness.

As a small, friendly and close‑knit team, we offer an environment where every member of staff plays an important role and is encouraged to contribute to the success of the business. Unlike larger organisations, our team members gain exposure to all aspects of payroll processing and client support, creating excellent opportunities for learning and development.

Our services include payroll processing, workplace pension administration, statutory payments, payroll reporting and ongoing support for employers navigating payroll legislation and compliance requirements. We invest in technology, training and professional development to ensure our team remains up to date with industry changes and best practices.

For apprentices, Abco Payroll offers the opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in a supportive workplace while working towards a nationally recognised qualification. You will learn from experienced payroll professionals, develop valuable technical and customer service skills, and gain a thorough understanding of payroll processes, legislation and business operations.

We are looking for individuals who are keen to learn, have a strong attention to detail and take pride in delivering high‑quality work. In return, we offer a supportive environment where you can build a rewarding career within the payroll profession and become part of a team that genuinely cares about its clients, colleagues and the service it provides.

https://www.abco-payroll.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

MBKB LTD

Nicki Bevan

[e-mail]

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000052628.