Payroll, Contracts & Systems Officer

Shorefields; Chelmsford; Hybrid; GBP 33,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

EAP

Flexible working

Discounts platform

LGPS Pension Scheme

Cycle to Work

Tech Scheme

24/7 GP

Job summary

The Chelmsford Learning Partnership is seeking a Payroll, Contracts & Systems Officer to join our central team in Chelmsford. You will manage payroll processes, support pensions schemes and drive system improvements across our family of schools.

Ideal candidates will have a Level 3 Payroll qualification (or equivalent), strong knowledge of payroll legislation, and experience with HMRC reporting. This role offers a full-time, on-site position with excellent benefits within a busy education

Qualifications

• Level 3 Payroll qualification, part Finance qualification, or equivalent demonstrable experience.
• Current working knowledge of payroll and pension legislation and its practical application.
• Knowledge of HMRC requirements, pensions administration and automatic enrolment.

Responsibilities

• Managing payroll changes including starters, leavers, contract amendments, maternity, sickness and pay adjustments.
• Supporting Teachers' Pensions, Local Government Pension Scheme and HMRC reporting requirements.
• Advising managers on pay policies, allowances and payroll-related matters.
• Maintaining accurate employee records and supporting workforce data reporting.
• Leading the development and improvement of payroll and HR systems to maximise efficiency and reduce duplication.
• Supporting compliance with safeguarding, data protection and regulatory requirements.
• Working closely with schools, employees, finance colleagues and external providers to ensure a professional and responsive service.

Skills

Payroll legislation

HMRC reporting

Pensions administration

Data accuracy

Stakeholder advice

Organisational planning

Communication

Collaboration

Payroll systems experience

Education

Level 3 Payroll qualification

Tools

Excel

HR Systems

Payroll software

Job description

Position Start Date: Immediate Contract Type: Full-time Contract Term: Permanent

Application Close: 05/10/2026 Midday Date of Interviews: TBC

Payroll, Contracts & Systems Officer - Chelmsford Learning Partnership

Scale 7 - £33,119 - £36,581 per annum - 37 hours per week - all year round

Are you an experienced payroll professional with a passion for systems, accuracy and excellent customer service?

Chelmsford Learning Partnership is looking for a Payroll, Contracts & Systems Officer to join our growing central team and play a key role in delivering an outstanding payroll, pensions and contracts service across our family of schools.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys combining payroll expertise with systems improvement, problem solving and stakeholder support in a fast-paced educational environment.

What You'll Be Doing

• Managing payroll changes including starters, leavers, contract amendments, maternity, sickness and pay adjustments.
• Supporting Teachers' Pensions, Local Government Pension Scheme and HMRC reporting requirements.
• Advising managers on pay policies, allowances and payroll-related matters.
• Maintaining accurate employee records and supporting workforce data reporting.
• Leading the development and improvement of payroll and HR systems to maximise efficiency and reduce duplication.
• Supporting compliance with safeguarding, data protection and regulatory requirements.
• Working closely with schools, employees, finance colleagues and external providers to ensure a professional and responsive service.

What We're Looking For

• Level 3 Payroll qualification, part Finance qualification, or equivalent demonstrable experience.
• Current working knowledge of payroll and pension legislation and its practical application.
• Knowledge of HMRC requirements, pensions administration and automatic enrolment.
• Strong organisational and planning skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to provide advice and guidance sensitively and professionally.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently whilst maintaining high levels of accuracy.
• Experience of Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, together with payroll and HR systems.
• Experience in a similar payroll, contracts or HR administration role.
• Understanding of safeguarding within a school or academy environment.
• High attention to detail, excellent customer service skills and commitment to confidentiality.
• Ability to work collaboratively whilst also taking ownership of your workload.
• Commitment to the values and ethos of Chelmsford Learning Partnership.

Why Join Us?

• At Chelmsford Learning Partnership, you'll be part of a supportive and ambitious Trust committed to excellence, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• The opportunity to work across a thriving multi-academy trust
• Professional development and training opportunities
• A collaborative and supportive central team
• The chance to influence and improve payroll and HR systems across the Trust
• A role where your expertise genuinely makes a difference to colleagues and schools every day

We can offer you:

• Access to a 24/7 confidential Employee Assistance Programme
• Flexible and family friendly policies and we are open to discussing flexible working arrangements at the point of hire.
• Benefits platform which offers valuable discounts
• Access to the LGPS Pension Scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Tech Scheme
• 24/7 GP

Whilst there is a published closing date for this vacancy, we reserve the right to close the advert early and conduct interviews if we receive sufficient applications. Early applications are therefore strongly encouraged.

The Chelmsford Learning Partnership is committed within its schools to:

• Safeguarding and promoting the welfare and safety, and the spiritual and cultural development of children and young people;
• Promoting equality of opportunity and community cohesion where the diversity of different backgrounds and circumstances is appreciated and positively valued;
• The fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs and expects all staff, volunteers and other workers to share in this commitment.

As an equal opportunities employer, The Chelmsford Learning Partnership is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join The Chelmsford Learning Partnership.

The Chelmsford Learning Partnership is committed to fair treatment of all applicants and employees. We undertake not to discriminate unfairly against any applicant on the basis of a criminal conviction or other information declared. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to disclose all cautions and convictions, including those which would otherwise be considered spent, unless protected under current legislation and guidance.

In compliance with safer recruitment procedures and guidelines, all applications must be made on an application form, CVs will not be accepted. This appointment will be subject to pre-employment checks including an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service and satisfactory references. In line with recommended practice the school will conduct searches for information on shortlisted candidates which is publicly available on-line. The Chelmsford Learning Partnership is an equal opportunities employer.

Information about the School

The Chelmsford Learning Partnership (CLP) is an emerging multi-academy trust based in Springfield, Chelmsford. The trust was formerly known as The Boswells Academy Trust but changed name in late 2017 to reflect the growth of the trust beyond one school. There are currently 8 schools across Essex in the CLP multi academy trust.

The schools in the CLP are: Barnes Farm Primary School, Lakelands Primary School, Perryfields Infant School, Roding Valley High School, Rettendon Primary School, Runwell Community Primary School, The Beaulieu Park School, The Boswells School, The Tyrrells Primary School, William de Ferrers School and Woodville Primary School.

The Chelmsford Learning Partnership is committed within its schools to: Safeguarding and promoting the welfare and safety, and the spiritual and cultural development of children and young people; Promoting equality of opportunity and community cohesion where the diversity of different backgrounds and circumstances is appreciated and positively valued; The fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs and expects all staff, volunteers and other workers to share in this commitment.

In compliance with safer recruitment procedures and guidelines, all applications must be made on an application form, CVs will not be accepted. This appointment will be subject to pre-employment checks including an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service and satisfactory references. The Chelmsford Learning Partnership is an equal opportunities employer

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.

Mr Paul Banks
Waterhouse Business Park
Cromar Way, Chelmsford
Essex, CM1 2QE Telephone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]