Payroll & Pensions Officer

The Role

As Payroll & Pensions Officer, you will play a key role in delivering an accurate, compliant, and customer-focused payroll and pensions service.

Working within a busy HR and payroll function, you will ensure employees are paid correctly and on time while maintaining compliance with payroll legislation and pension scheme requirements.

This is a varied and fast-paced role that requires strong technical knowledge, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to manage complex payroll and pension queries.

Key Responsibilities

• Process payroll accurately from start to finish
• Reconcile payroll data and ensure timely payments
• Administer pension schemes and complete associated reporting requirements
• Maintain compliance with UK payroll legislation, including PAYE, RTI, IR35, and employment tax regulations
• Manage pension-related documentation and member records
• Respond to complex payroll and pensions queries from employees and stakeholders
• Support internal and external audits
• Ensure accurate record keeping and reporting
• Contribute to service improvement initiatives and ongoing transformation projects
• Work closely with HR, Finance, and external providers to ensure an efficient payroll and pensions service

About You: Essential Requirements

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience working within payroll and pensions in a complex organisation
• Strong understanding of UK payroll legislation, including:
• PAYE
• RTI
• IR35
• Employment Tax
• Experience administering pension schemes such as:
• USS
• NEST
• NHS Pension Scheme
• Experience using People XD or CoreHR (essential)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to manage workloads and meet strict deadlines
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills

Desirable

• Experience working within a higher education environment
• Previous involvement in payroll process improvement or transformation projects
• Experience supporting payroll audits and governance activities

What's on Offer?

• Competitive salary equivalent of £29,000 - £34,000 per annum
• Hybrid working arrangements
• Opportunity to join a respected and forward-thinking university
• Exposure to a complex payroll and pensions environment
• Initial 3-month contract with a strong likelihood of extension
• Potential for a permanent opportunity