Payroll Officer

The Isle of Wight College; Newport; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional educational institution in the UK is looking for a Payroll Officer to manage payroll processing and compliance. The successful candidate will ensure accurate payslips, liaise with various teams including HR, and administer pension schemes. This role requires strong attention to detail and a thorough understanding of PAYE and tax regulations. The position offers competitive benefits including 30 days of annual leave, and a supportive working environment focused on professional development.

Benefits

30 days annual leave

Comprehensive pension scheme

Cycle to Work Scheme

On-site gym access

Free parking

Qualifications

• Experience in payroll within public sector or large organisation.
• Knowledge of PAYE, pensions, tax, and compliance.
• Detail-oriented and deadline focused.

Responsibilities

• Ensure accurate payroll processing.
• Liaise with payroll agency and HR.
• Administer pension schemes.
• Resolve payroll queries quickly.
• Prepare financial reports.

Skills

Payroll credentials

Sector savvy

Legislation know‑how

System skills

Accuracy addict

People person

Team player

Pension Scheme Know How

Adaptable operator

Safeguarding pro

Education

Level 2 English

Payroll expertise

Tools

Payroll software

Excel

Job description

Love Payroll? Love People? Love a Challenge?

Payroll Officer

Salary: up to £29,582 per annum, dependent on experience and qualifications

Hours: 39 hours per week to be worked in accordance with the requirements of the role

Holiday: 30 days per annum, plus Bank Holidays and Christmas Allowance

Join us at the College and put your payroll superpowers to work!

Are you the go-to person for all things payroll?

If you are looking for a role where your expertise is valued, your ideas are welcomed, and your work genuinely matters, this is the place for you!

Why the College?

We’re more than just a workplace, we’re a community. Here, you’ll find purpose, pride, and people who genuinely care. Whether you’re supporting staff, helping students, or making payroll magic happen, you’ll be making a real difference every day.

Responsibilities

• Be the Payroll Hero: Making sure every payslip is spot‑on, every time.
• Payroll Liaison Maestro: Liaise with our payroll agency, HR, and finance teams to ensure our external partners have everything they need to keep payroll running smoothly.
• Compliance Champion: Liaise with HMRC, banks, and pension agencies to keep us on the right side of the rules.
• Problem Solver: Tackle payroll queries, spot anomalies, and find solutions before anyone else even notices there’s a problem.
• Pension Pro: Administer Local Government and Teachers’ Pension schemes, handle auto‑enrolment, and keep everyone’s future secure.
• Team Player: Work closely with HR and Finance, support audits, and help colleagues with anything payroll‑related.
• Data Detective: Keep payroll records up to date, run reports, and make sure our ledgers are always accurate.
• Continuous Improver: Suggest and implement smarter, slicker ways of working—your ideas are always welcome!
• Master the Details: Process timesheets, expenses, mileage claims, and overtime with ninja‑like precision.
• Occasional Superhero: Step in to help with ad‑hoc finance tasks, support open days, and be part of the wider College community.

Qualifications

• Payroll credentials: Level 2 English, and IT skills for slick reporting.
• Sector savvy: Hands‑on experience running payroll in a public sector/charity or large organisation setting.
• Legislation know‑how: Up‑to‑date on PAYE, pensions, tax, and compliance.
• System skills: Confident with payroll software, Excel, and digital processes.
• Accuracy addict: Detail driven, deadline focused, and always audit ready.
• People person: Clear communicator, approachable, friendly and solutions focused for every staff query, always handled with a smile.
• Team player: Collaborates with HR, finance, and agencies to help everyone stay in sync.
• Pension Scheme Know How: Hands on experience of administering pension schemes, ideally LGPS and TPS, including monthly returns, auto‑enrolment and contribution assessments.
• Adaptable operator: Thrives in fast‑paced environments and handles change with ease and a smile.
• Safeguarding pro: Committed to confidentiality, GDPR, and the College’s values.
• Ready to roll: Full driving licence and a passion for continuous improvement.

Ready to take the next step?

Send your CV and a covering letter to [e-mail], sharing how your payroll journey so far makes you the perfect fit for this role. We can’t wait to hear from you! Closing Date for applications is 5th December 2025 at 4pm.

Don’t miss out! We may close this vacancy early if we receive enough strong applications. To make sure you’re in the running, send us your CV as soon as possible. Apply today and secure your chance to join The Isle of Wight College!

Benefits and Working Conditions

Employees at the Isle of Wight College enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that enhances their work‑life balance and wellbeing. Staff are entitled to 30 days of annual leave in addition to bank holidays, and benefit from a Christmas Shutdown Holiday Allowance. The college offers an excellent pension scheme under the Local Government Scheme, providing long‑term financial security.

For those keen on environmental sustainability and fitness, there’s a Cycle to Work Scheme. Employees also enjoy Wightlink discounts for travel, discounted treatments in the Hair and Beauty departments, and free access to the on‑site gym. Convenience is provided with free onsite parking, and the campus boasts an on‑site Starbucks & Restaurant for all your refreshment needs.

Health and wellbeing are taken seriously, with an Eye Care Scheme for Display Screen Equipment users, access to the Public Benefit Scheme (Kaarp), and additional Maternity/Adoption and Sickness Benefit Schemes. The college also provides Free Counselling and Wellbeing Support, ensuring employees have access to mental health resources.

Professional growth is encouraged through CPD days, offering opportunities for mentorship and coaching, including staff development days. The college also promotes a healthy work environment with Well‑being days & activities, ensuring that staff wellbeing is a priority.

The Isle of Wight College is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age. We believe that a diverse workforce enhances our ability to provide high‑quality education and fosters a culture of mutual respect and understanding. Join us in our mission to promote equality and inclusivity in education.

The Isle of Wight College is a Disability Confidential Employer.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check. This is to ensure the safety and well‑being of our students and staff. The Isle of Wight College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.