Payroll & Benefits Manager

Teaching Personnel; Northampton; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A multi-academy trust in Northampton is seeking a Payroll & Benefits Manager to manage payroll processing and employee benefits administration. The ideal candidate will be CIPP Level 3 qualified with significant experience in payroll, ideally within the education sector. Responsibilities include end-to-end payroll processing and ensuring compliance with HMRC regulations. This role offers an opportunity to join a collaborative People & Culture team. Competitive salary and full-time contract are provided.

Qualifications

• Experience in payroll processing within education or public sector is essential.
• Strong compliance knowledge regarding HMRC regulations is necessary.
• Ability to handle payroll changes efficiently is required.

Responsibilities

• Process end-to-end monthly payroll for employees.
• Manage payroll changes such as starters and leavers.
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements for payroll.
• Administer employee benefits and pension schemes.

Skills

Payroll experience

Attention to detail

IT skills including Excel

Knowledge of HMRC regulations

Education

CIPP Level 3 qualified

CIPP Level 5 desirable

Tools

Every HR

Staffology

Job description

Location: Northampton
Salary: £45,000
Contract: Full-time, Fixed Term (12-month maternity cover)
Start Date - ASAP

A multi-academy trust based in Northampton is seeking an experienced Payroll & Benefits Manager to join its People & Culture team. This role is responsible for delivering accurate, compliant payroll and pensions services across multiple schools.

Responsibilities

• End-to-end monthly payroll processing for all employees
• Manage payroll changes including starters, leavers, contracts, and pay amendments
• Administer employee benefits including salary sacrifice and childcare vouchers
• Manage LGPS (Buckinghamshire & West Northamptonshire) and Teachers' Pension Scheme administration
• Ensure compliance with HMRC and statutory requirements (PAYE, NI, SSP, SMP)
• Complete payroll reconciliations, reporting, audits, and year-end processes
• Submit accurate returns and payments to HMRC, pension providers, and third parties
• Act as first point of contact for payroll-related queries
• Work closely with HR, Finance, and school-based teams
• Support continuous improvement of payroll processes and systems

Qualifications

• CIPP Level 3 qualified (Level 5 desirable)
• Proven payroll experience within education or the public sector
• Strong knowledge of HMRC regulations and payroll compliance
• Experience administering LGPS and Teachers' Pension Scheme
• Excellent attention to detail and data confidentiality
• Strong IT skills, including Excel and payroll systems (Every HR, Staffology or similar desirable)
• Able to manage deadlines and work accurately under pressure

This is an excellent opportunity to join a collaborative People & Culture team in a values-driven education organisation, playing a key role in delivering a high-quality payroll service.

If this opportunity is of interest to you, please attach your CV to the application or email me directly at [e-mail]

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ's on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers i