Payroll & Pensions Assistant

Frimley; Farnborough; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Westfield Health Cash Plan

Vivup benefits

Free parking

Modern campuses

Job summary

Weydon Multi-Academy Trust (WMAT) is seeking a Payroll Assistant to join our Payroll Team. The role supports data migration, system testing, and delivery of accurate payroll across WMAT.

It involves working between Weydon School and Tomlinscote School with occasional travel, and potential hybrid working with line-manager agreement. The successful candidate will thrive on accuracy, data handling, and continuous improvement during a period of change as we implement a unified payroll platform.

Qualifications

• Strong numerical and analytical skills with accuracy for large payroll data sets.
• Good organisational ability, able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Support Payroll Lead and Payroll Manager in delivering accurate payroll across WMAT.
• Process payroll and pensions in line with UK statutory requirements; respond to employee queries.
• Maintain HR & Payroll data across iTrent and Data Plan platforms.

Skills

Numerical skills

Analytical skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Tools

Excel

Payroll systems

Job description

Hours: Full-Time 36 hours per week/52 weeks a year

Start Date: Autumn 2026

Application Deadline: 9am, 16 September 2026

Location: The role will be based between the two Trust offices at Weydon School and Tomlinscote School. The postholder will be required to travel occasionally between the different schools and college across WMAT as needed. There may be the option for potential hybrid working, subject to the requirements of the role and in agreement with the Trust.

Background

The Weydon Multi-Academy Trust (WMAT) is a family of seventeen schools and a sixth form college, serving communities across Surrey and Hampshire. In addition, we have the School Centred Teacher Training provider, the i2i SCITT.

WMAT has recently integrated with The Prospect Trust, which has brought along wonderful opportunities for both students and staff across the organisation.

The Trust vision is clear: Stronger together, transforming lives, creating memories which are celebrated for a lifetime. Guided by our core values of aspiration, ambition, trust, and integrity, we strive to provide an inspiring educational experience for every student.

Our Payroll function plays a central role in supporting a modern, people focused Trust. We are committed to delivering accurate, efficient and service driven payroll services that ensure our employees are paid accurately and on time.

We are seeking a Payroll Assistant to join our dynamic and professional Payroll Team. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual who is motivated by accuracy, continuous improvement and delivering a high-quality payroll service. The successful candidate will be joining at an exciting time as we transition to a brand-new, unified payroll platform across the Trust. As part of a supportive and forward-thinking team, you will play a key role in maintaining the smooth day-to-day delivery of payroll while supporting data migration, system testing and the implementation of new payroll processes. Working with large volumes of payroll data and collaborating closely with colleagues across HR and Finance, you will help ensure our employees continue to be paid accurately and on time while contributing to the successful development of our future payroll system.

Key purpose of the role

• The primary function of this role is to support the Payroll Lead and Payroll Manager in delivering excellent customer service and accurate payroll across WMAT.
• The postholder will assist with the accurate processing of Payroll & Pensions, adhering to UK payroll statutory requirements, responding to employee queries, providing required data and ensuring payroll returns and external audits are delivered.
• The role will currently work across two payroll platforms, iTrent and Data plan, and will support the accurate maintenance of HR & Payroll data.

We are looking for someone who enjoys working with data, builds positive professional relationships, and takes pride in delivering an accurate and high-quality payroll service. You will be well suited to this role if you can bring:

• Strong numerical and analytical skills, with the ability to work accurately and confidently with large volumes of payroll data
• Good organisational ability, with confidence in managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines in a busy payroll environment
• Excellent attention to detail, particularly when handling confidential payroll and employee information
• Strong IT skills, including experience using Microsoft Excel, payroll systems and databases to manage and report on data
• A positive, proactive approach, with a willingness to learn new systems and support continuous improvement during a period of change

Previous payroll experience, or a strong understanding of payroll principles and processes, would be highly beneficial. Candidates with an HR background may be interested in this role as it offers the opportunity to build on existing people-focused knowledge while developing specialist payroll expertise.

What we offer

We are committed to supporting your success and wellbeing, providing a professional and rewarding working environment, including:

• A collaborative Payroll team and a supportive Trust-wide culture
• Opportunities for professional development
• Access to wellbeing initiatives and staff support resources
• A meaningful role that supports colleagues who in turn support thousands of learners
• Westfield Health Cash Plan, which includes an Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to Vivup benefits (cycle to work and lifestyle savings)
• Ample free parking
• Modern, well-maintained campuses and attractive working environments

Early applications are encouraged as the Trust may choose to interview and appoint a successful candidate on receipt of a suitable application.

Other information

WMAT takes the control and processing of employee data very seriously and is committed to acting in line with the GDPR regulations; please read the attached applicant privacy notice which explains how your data is processed.

Prior to the interview, an online search will be conducted by HR, to identify any past or current incidents or issues that might affect your suitability to work with children and undertake this role. Please note this online search will be carried out only on publicly available information and be limited to issues relating to your suitability to work with children and/or in an educational environment. Issues that arise will not automatically be a bar to your employment at the Trust but may be discussed with you at interview. This is in line with statutory guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education.

We are an equal opportunities employer that values diversity and encourages applications from all, aiming to build a respectful, inclusive culture.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified applicants. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria will be invited for an interview.

WMAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people within our care and requires all staff and volunteers to share and demonstrate this commitment. Any future offer of employment remains subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, including enhanced DBS clearance, a health check and references.