Payroll Trainee

Sumer Group; Uckfield; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

PayAssist, part of Simmons Gainsford and the Sumer Group, is looking for a Payroll Trainee in Uckfield. This role offers hands-on payroll work and study support toward a CIPP qualification, with guidance from experienced colleagues and exposure to a varied client portfolio.

You will learn payroll processing, data input, PAYE calculations, pension contributions and reports while developing professional communication and client service skills within a supportive team.

Qualifications

• A genuine interest in developing a career in payroll and a willingness to learn.
• Strong numerical skills and confidence working with figures.
• Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to producing accurate work.
• Good organisational skills, with the ability to manage tasks and meet deadlines.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with a friendly and professional approach.
• A proactive attitude and willingness to ask questions, take feedback on board and develop new skills.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, or a willingness to develop these skills.
• The ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while gradually building independence.
• Previous payroll experience would be beneficial but is not essential. We welcome applications from candidates at the beginning of their careers who are enthusiastic about learning and keen to work towards a professional qualification.

Responsibilities

• Support the team with accurate and timely processing of payrolls for a portfolio of clients across different pay frequencies.
• Input and check payroll data, including starters, leavers, salary changes and employee deductions.
• Learn to calculate PAYE, National Insurance, statutory payments and pension contributions.
• Assist with the preparation of payroll reports, employee payslips and payroll reconciliations.
• Support the preparation of BACS payment files and ensure payroll information is processed accurately.
• Assist with workplace pension administration, including auto-enrolment and employee changes.
• Respond to payroll queries from clients, HMRC and colleagues, with guidance from experienced team members.
• Develop an understanding of payroll legislation and ensure client payrolls are processed in line with current requirements.
• Build positive relationships with clients and colleagues through clear, professional communication.
• Work towards your CIPP qualification, applying what you learn through your studies to your day‑to‑day role.

Skills

Numerical skills

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Willingness to learn

Tools

Excel

Job description

Payroll Trainee

Department: Payroll

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Uckfield

Description

PayAssist is a specialist outsourced payroll bureau based in Uckfield, providing payroll services to businesses of all sizes across the UK. We have built a strong reputation for delivering reliable, compliant and personalised payroll solutions to clients across a wide range of industries.

As part of Simmons Gainsford and the wider Sumer Group, PayAssist combines the benefits of a close-knit, local team with the backing, resources and opportunities of a larger organisation.

At PayAssist, we pride ourselves on delivering a friendly, personal service where relationships matter. Our team works collaboratively to provide exceptional client service while supporting one another to learn, develop and build long-term careers.

We are now looking for a motivated and organised Payroll Trainee to join our growing team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to begin or develop their career in payroll, gaining hands‑on experience while receiving study support towards a CIPP payroll qualification. You will learn from experienced colleagues, develop your technical knowledge and work towards managing payrolls for a varied portfolio of clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Supporting the team with the accurate and timely processing of payrolls for a portfolio of clients across different pay frequencies.
• Inputting and checking payroll data, including starters, leavers, salary changes and employee deductions.
• Learning to calculate PAYE, National Insurance, statutory payments and pension contributions.
• Assisting with the preparation of payroll reports, employee payslips and payroll reconciliations.
• Supporting the preparation of BACS payment files and ensuring payroll information is processed accurately.
• Assisting with workplace pension administration, including auto-enrolment and employee changes.
• Responding to payroll queries from clients, HMRC and colleagues, with guidance from experienced team members.
• Developing an understanding of payroll legislation and ensuring client payrolls are processed in line with current requirements.
• Building positive relationships with clients and colleagues through clear, professional communication.
• Working towards your CIPP qualification, applying what you learn through your studies to your day‑to‑day role.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• A genuine interest in developing a career in payroll and a willingness to learn.
• Strong numerical skills and confidence working with figures.
• Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to producing accurate work.
• Good organisational skills, with the ability to manage tasks and meet deadlines.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with a friendly and professional approach.
• A proactive attitude and willingness to ask questions, take feedback on board and develop new skills.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, or a willingness to develop these skills.
• The ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while gradually building independence.
• Previous payroll experience would be beneficial but is not essential. We welcome applications from candidates at the beginning of their careers who are enthusiastic about learning and keen to work towards a professional qualification.

Why Join Us?

Joining PayAssist means becoming part of a friendly and supportive team where your development is a priority. You will receive study support towards a CIPP qualification, alongside practical, on‑the‑job training to help you build the knowledge and confidence needed to progress in your payroll career.

You will gain exposure to a diverse client portfolio, learn from experienced payroll professionals and develop valuable technical and client service skills. As part of Simmons Gainsford and the wider Sumer Group, you will also benefit from the opportunities and resources of a larger organisation while working within a close-knit team.

If you are organised, enthusiastic and keen to start a career in payroll with the support to gain a recognised professional qualification.

Belong @ Sumer

At Sumer, we know everyone’s journey is different. That’s why we’re committed to fairness, removing barriers, and giving people the support they need to do their best work. If you need any support during the hiring process, just let us know.

Our values represent what matters most to us and guide how we work every day:

• We Shine Together
• We Do the Right Thing
• We Make It Count

We know diverse teams make us stronger. That’s why we’re creating an inclusive workplace where everyone belongs and differences are valued and celebrated.