Payroll Clerk

OCU; Stockport; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading utility contractor in Stockport is looking for a Payroll Clerk to manage payroll operations. You will ensure accurate and compliant payroll processing for employees and act as a key contact for payroll queries. Strong payroll experience and knowledge of UK legislation are essential. Join a supportive team where your expertise can make a real impact in delivering essential infrastructure.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in payroll processing.
• Familiarity with UK payroll legislation.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Run weekly and monthly payroll cycles.
• Apply deductions like PAYE tax, NI, pensions.
• Produce payslips and handle RTI reporting.
• Maintain payroll records for audits.
• Stay updated on payroll legislation.
• Act as contact for payroll queries.

Skills

Proven payroll experience

Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation & HMRC requirements

Confident with payroll software (Payrite, or similar)

Excellent Excel skills

Strong organisational and time management abilities

Clear communication skills

Tools

Payrite

Job description

Established in 1994, OCU Group is one of the fastest growing utility engineering contractors in the UK, with a long successful track record in delivering customer‑focused civil engineering solutions.

Working directly with many of the country’s leading blue‑chip power, water, telecoms and rail clients, we are looking for the very best talent to join our growing team.

We pride ourselves on empowering our employees and offering opportunities for them to take control of their own personal development and career progression in a supportive environment.

We believe that being successful is a choice.

We choose to be successful.

We are OCU, ‘One Company United’.

Payroll Clerk

📍 Location : [Stockport] | 🕒 Full time | 💰 Competitive salary + benefits

Help shape the future of OCU by making sure our people are paid accurately, on time, and always supported — so they can build the UK’s energy transition and utilities infrastructure with confidence.

Why this role matters

As our new Payroll Clerk, you’ll take the lead in delivering accurate, compliant, and timely payroll for employees paid weekly and monthly across our business. You’ll be a trusted point of contact for payroll queries, help improve processes and keep us fully aligned with ever‑changing payroll legislation.

What you'll be doing

• Running weekly and monthly payroll cycles: calculating salaries, overtime, bonuses and statutory payments (SSP, SMP, SPP)
• Ensuring correct application of deductions like PAYE tax, NI, pensions, student loans
• Producing and issuing payslips, P45s, P60s and handling Real Time Information (RTI) reporting to HMRC
• Keeping meticulous payroll records for audits and internal reporting
• Staying ahead of payroll legislation updates and ensuring compliance (e.g., tax codes, minimum wage, pension auto‑enrolment)
• Acting as the go‑to expert for payroll queries, liaising with HR, Finance, HMRC and pension providers
• Protecting sensitive data, preventing errors, and constantly seeking opportunities to refine processes

What we’re looking for

• Proven payroll experience
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation & HMRC requirements
• Confident with payroll software (Payrite, or similar)
• Excellent Excel skills and a love of detail and accuracy
• Strong organisational and time management abilities
• Clear and supportive communication skills to partner with employees and teams

Desirable (but not essential)

• Experience in high‑volume or multi‑site payroll environments
• Familiarity with pension auto‑enrolment and Time and Attendance systems

About OCU

As one of the UK’s leading utilities and energy transition contractors, OCU is tackling some of the industry’s toughest challenges. By blending experience and innovation, we’re delivering infrastructure that supports communities and a more sustainable future.

Ready to bring your payroll expertise to a role where it really matters?

Apply today and become part of something bigger.