Payroll Assistant

ALTEN; Greater London; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

ALTEN UK is seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Assistant to join our London team. Based at our Farringdon office, you will process monthly payroll, maintain records, and ensure on-time, compliant payments while protecting employee data.

You will work closely with HR and external providers, apply UK payroll legislation, run reconciliations, and support payroll improvements. The role requires accuracy, discretion, and the ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years' payroll experience in a Payroll Assistant or similar role.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, processes and procedures.
• Experience processing payroll accurately to tight deadlines.
• Experience working with payroll systems.
• Excellent Excel skills with ability to analyse payroll data and produce reports.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills with high attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Process monthly payroll accurately and within deadlines.
• Manage payroll from start to finish including starters, leavers, changes and pay elements.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and align data with SAP records.
• Collaborate with HR and external providers for seamless payroll processing.
• Perform payroll checks, reconciliations and ensure data integrity.
• Administer the Private Medical Insurance scheme through payroll.
• Carry out pension contributions and reconciliations.
• Respond to payroll queries promptly and professionally.
• Maintain secure, confidential payroll documentation and update procedures.
• Stay updated with UK payroll legislation and HMRC requirements.
• Support payroll process improvements and system enhancements.
• Build relationships across HR, Finance and external providers.

Tools

Payroll systems

SAP

Job description

ALTEN (UK) is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 35 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, IT and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement & support sustainable transformation.

Our teams of passionate and agile engineers work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. At ALTEN, we empower talented engineers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful solutions that build tomorrow's world - today.

Join us and start building tomorrow’s world today!

About the role:

We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and experienced Payroll Assistant to join our team based at our London office in Farringdon.

We are looking for a detail-oriented, proactive, and highly organised individual who is passionate about delivering an accurate and efficient payroll service. This role plays a key part in ensuring employees are paid correctly and on time, while maintaining compliance with UK payroll legislation and supporting continuous improvement across payroll processes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Process monthly payroll accurately and within agreed deadlines.
• Manage payroll processing from start to finish, including new starters, leavers, salary changes, pensions, maternity and paternity pay, sick pay, and other payroll adjustments.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and ensure payroll data is aligned with SAP records.
• Work closely with HR teams and the external providers to ensure seamless payroll processing.
• Perform detailed payroll checks and reconciliations to ensure accuracy, compliance, and data integrity.
• Process and administer the company's Private Medical Insurance scheme through payroll.
• Process monthly pension contributions and carry out pension reconciliations.
• Respond to payroll-related queries in a timely, professional, and customer-focused manner.
• Ensure payroll records and documentation are maintained securely, accurately, and confidentially.
• Maintain payroll process documentation and ensure procedures are kept up to date.
• Stay up to date with UK payroll legislation, HMRC requirements, and company policies to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Support payroll process improvements and contribute to system enhancements.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues across HR, Finance, the wider business, and external providers.

What we're looking for:

• A minimum of 2-3 years' payroll experience in a Payroll Assistant or similar payroll administration role.
• Strong understanding of UK payroll legislation, processes, and procedures.
• Proven experience of processing payroll accurately while working to strict deadlines.
• Experience working with payroll systems.
• Excellent Microsoft Excel skills, with confidence in analysing payroll data and producing reports.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills, with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build positive working relationships at all levels and with external providers.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• A professional, approachable, and customer-focused attitude.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and integrity.

Why Join Us?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a supportive and collaborative team where you can further develop your payroll expertise, contribute to process improvements, and play a vital role in delivering an exceptional payroll service to employees across the business.