School Payroll Administrator - Leominster, Herefordshire

Marchant Recruitment; Hereford; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

We are seeking a meticulous School Payroll Administrator to join a central finance team at a secondary academy in Herefordshire. The role focuses on routine monthly payroll activities, ensuring staff remuneration is accurate, confidential, and processed on schedule.

Responsibilities include end-to-end payroll processing, record maintenance, contract changes, and responding to staff payroll enquiries. GDPR-compliant handling of sensitive data and collaboration with HR and finance are essential.

Qualifications

• proven track record in payroll administration
• experience in payroll processing for schools or public sector environments preferred
• strong numerical ability and data accuracy
• confidential handling of staff pay and personal data in line with GDPR

Responsibilities

• Assist in end-to-end monthly payroll preparation, calculation and processing.
• Maintain electronic records for salaries, deductions, pensions, overtime and sickness.
• Handle new starters, leavers and changes to contracts and salary.
• Cross-check timesheets, claims and documents before processing.
• Act as first point of contact for payroll enquiries from staff.
• Collaborate with HR and finance to resolve pay discrepancies.
• Maintain confidential personnel records per data protection rules.
• Support month-end reconciliations and payroll reporting.

Skills

Payroll administration

Attention to detail

Numerical accuracy

Communication skills

Tools

Payroll software

Spreadsheets

Job description

Location: Leominster, Herefordshire

Job Title: School Payroll Administrator

Start Date: ASAP

Salary: Dependent on experience

Contract Type: Full-time, interim (with potential for extension or permanent conversion)

About the School

Located in Reading, this thriving secondary academy prides itself on maintaining high operational standards across all supporting departments. The school provides a vibrant, welcoming environment where every staff member plays a vital role in ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. To support their busy business and administrative operations, the leadership team is seeking a meticulous and structured School Payroll Administrator to join their dedicated central finance team.

About the Role

Working in close collaboration with both the Finance and Human Resources departments, you will take ownership of routine monthly payroll administration. This is a key operational post responsible for ensuring all staff remuneration is processed accurately, confidentially, and strictly on schedule.

Key responsibilities include:

• Assisting in the end-to-end preparation, calculation, and processing of monthly payroll runs.

• Maintaining precise electronic records for salaries, statutory deductions, pension contributions, overtime, and sickness absences.

• Managing administrative workflows for new starters, leavers, salary adjustments, and contractual changes.

• Cross-checking timesheets, claims, and supporting documentation to verify accuracy before final processing.

• Serving as the primary point of contact for routine payroll enquiries from teaching and support personnel.

• Partnering with HR officers and finance leads to investigate and resolve pay discrepancies promptly.

• Administering confidential personnel records in strict accordance with data protection regulations and internal policies.

• Supporting month-end financial reconciliation and generating routine payroll management reports.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will bring proven background experience in payroll administration alongside strong numerical accuracy and organizational discipline.

Key qualifications and personal attributes include:

• Demonstrable experience running or supporting payroll administrative processes is essential.

• Prior experience within a school, academy trust, or local authority setting is strongly preferred.

• Proficiency in handling numerical data, spreadsheets, and specialized payroll/HR management systems.

• Exceptional attention to detail and a methodical approach to handling high-volume documentation.

• Complete integrity when handling sensitive personal data, with a strong grasp of GDPR guidelines.

• Strong communication skills with a customer-focused approach to resolving staff queries.

• Ability to prioritize workloads effectively while maintaining performance under strict monthly cut-off dates.

Safeguarding & Recruitment

An Enhanced DBS check with Children's Barred List clearance will be required prior to commencement, alongside satisfactory professional reference checks in accordance with safer recruitment standards.