Senior Payroll Administrator

Tate; Lewes; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the HR field is seeking a Senior Payroll Administrator to deliver comprehensive payroll and administrative support. This role involves managing payroll data, resolving queries, and ensuring compliance with UK legislation. Ideal candidates will have strong Excel skills and be experienced in payroll processing within complex organisations.

Qualifications

• Understanding of UK payroll legislation and statutory obligations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel with experience in formulas and large spreadsheets.
• Experience in payroll within a large or complex organisation.

Responsibilities

• Manage payroll processes and maintain accurate staff records.
• Investigate payroll queries and liaise with external agencies.
• Support payroll audits and generate related reports.

Skills

Understanding of UK payroll legislation

Proficient Microsoft Excel skills

Experience using SAP payroll systems

Job description

Senior Payroll Administrator

30,975 to 33,784 per annum DOE

ASAP

Role Summary:

Deliver payroll, pension, audit, and administrative support as part of the Human Resources Department, ensuring all services comply with Audit and Financial Regulations, Employment Law, Fire Service policies, and guidance from line management. Contribute to month-end payroll processes and generate payroll and statistical reports for both internal and external stakeholders. As a collaborative member of a close-knit team, carry out tasks aligned with departmental priorities and objectives.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Manage a designated portfolio of staff records, ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing in line with organisational policy and employment terms.
• Input and update payroll data on internal HR and payroll systems, adhering to strict deadlines and confidentiality standards.
• Investigate payroll and pension queries received via post, phone, or email; resolve routine issues and escalate complex cases to the Payroll Manager when necessary.
• Liaise with external agencies (e.g. HMRC, DWP, local authorities, pension providers) to supply salary information and coordinate pension contribution estimates and reconciliations.
• Support monthly payroll audits, reconciliation, and reporting processes, including statutory outputs and National Statistics returns.
• Generate payroll-related reports, maintain accurate records, and ensure secure document handling and archiving.
• Provide guidance on payroll, pension, and system-related matters to employees and managers within scope of role.
• Supervise and support the Payroll Assistant in training and processing duties; step in to run payroll in the Payroll Manager's absence when needed.
• Draft correspondence, process employment references, respond to Freedom of Information requests, and contribute to maintaining department documentation.
• Collaborate with HR colleagues to ensure smooth operations, assist during team absences, and participate actively in departmental briefings

Experience:

• Understanding of UK payroll legislation and statutory obligations
• Proficient Microsoft Excel skills with the ability to work confidently with formulas, nested logic, data matching and large spreadsheets.
• Experience using SAP payroll systems or similar ERP platforms
• Proven experience working in payroll, ideally within a large or complex organisation

Please be aware this advert will remain open until the vacancy has been filled. Interviews will take place throughout this period, therefore we encourage you to apply early to avoid disappointment.

Tate is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.

Tate is committed to promoting equal opportunities. To ensure that every candidate has the best experience with us, we encourage you to let us know if there are any adjustments we can make during the application or interview process. Your comfort and accessibility are our priority, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Additionally, we value and respect your individuality, and we invite you to share your preferred pronouns in your application.