About the role
Seeking a permanent Senior Payroll Officer to join an organisation within the higher education sector, managing the end-to-end payroll function. Reporting directly to the Accountant and supporting a small, collaborative team. You will play an important role in ensuring the smooth and accurate running of payroll processes and wider financial activities. The role suits someone who enjoys detailed work, values accuracy, and thrives in a structured, deadline-driven environment.

The working pattern will be between 8.30/9.00 am and 5.00/5.30 pm, with a 30-minute lunch.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage payroll processes end-to-end, including data input, statutory submissions, and posting payroll costs to the nominal ledger.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders to ensure all employee changes are accurately reflected in payroll.
• Process overtime, statutory payments and payroll-related deductions, including loans and benefit schemes.
• Administer HMRC requirements, including tax code updates, P45s, P60s, and student loan deductions.
• Prepare and submit pension contributions, including auto-enrolment processes.
• Act as the first point of contact for payroll and pension queries, maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
• Reconcile payroll control accounts and prepare financial postings.
• Raise invoices related to payroll cost recharges and support financial processes across the team.
• Assist with broader finance duties such as purchase ledger processing, bank reconciliations, and income recording when required.
• Provide support during busy periods and cover key finance tasks in the absence of colleagues.

What you'll need to succeed

• Strong payroll experience
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to meet recurring deadlines
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a professional approach when dealing with stakeholders
• A flexible and collaborative mindset, with willingness to support wider team responsibilities
• Background working in the higher education sector
• Experience using Mercury accounting software is desirable.

What you'll get in return

• Competitive annual salary ranging from £35,000 - £40,000, dependent on experience
• Additional annual bonus of £3,000, paid monthly
• Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days (including bank holidays)with additional leave awarded after long service
  • Hybrid Working available
• Additional benefits include; free meals during working hours, access to on-site fitness facilities, and discounted travel schemes (e.g. bus, rail, and cycle-to-work).

What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.