Payroll Officer

We're looking for an experienced Payroll Officer to join a busy payroll team. This is a hands-on payroll role where accuracy, attention to detail and meeting deadlines really matter. You'll be responsible for making sure staff are paid correctly and on time, managing pension administration, dealing with payroll queries and ensuring everything stays compliant with HMRC and statutory regulations.

The Organisation

This forward-thinking education provider is committed to creating a positive, inclusive workplace where every member of staff can thrive. Their focus is on empowering people, strengthening leadership capability, and driving meaningful organisational change aligned to their long-term vision.

Role Purpose

• Manage day-to-day payroll processing for employees.
• Provide specialist advice on pay, pensions and benefits queries.
• Ensure payroll and pension processes are accurate, compliant and delivered on time.

Role Responsibilities

• Process monthly payroll accurately, making sure both regular and variable pay changes are entered correctly and everyone is paid on time.
• Manage all deductions properly, including tax, National Insurance, student loans and pension contributions.
• Ensure payments to HMRC and pension providers are submitted correctly and within required deadlines.
• Oversee pension administration including handling opt-ins, opt-outs and retirement paperwork.
• Complete year-end payroll tasks such as producing P60s and P11
  
  Ds and ensuring everything is compliant.
• Deal with payroll and pension queries from staff and external bodies, resolving issues clearly and professionally.
• Support the wider payroll function by assisting with monthly checks, audits, process improvements, mentoring junior staff and maintaining strict confidentiality in line with data protection regulations.

Essential Requirements

• Experience working within a payroll function.
• Strong understanding of PAYE, NI, statutory payments and payroll regulations.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines without compromising accuracy.
• Confident identifying discrepancies and resolving payroll issues.
• Strong Excel skills and good overall Microsoft Office capability.
• Ability to escalate complex matters appropriately and problem-solve independently.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave and pension scheme.
• Professional development opportunities to support continued growth.
• Inclusive, supportive environment that values innovation and wellbeing.
• Access to staff discounts and health & wellbeing initiatives.

Don't wait, apply today and be part of an inspiring educational environment that transforms lives! We have multiple jobs across this region currently so even if this one isn't quite right for you, we'd love to hear from you regardless.

Important Notice

Dovetail and Slate is a specialist education recruitment company. If this role isn't quite right, we welcome your CV and a call to explore other opportunities.

We are committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. All appointments are subject to satisfactory vetting, including a right to work check and, where relevant, an enhanced DBS, PVG (Scotland), or EWC (Wales) check, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

Dovetail and Slate Ltd phone number removed acts as an Employment Agency and an Employment Business under the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003.

We are an equal opportunities employer. By applying, you consent to your data being processed for recruitment purposes in line with our Privacy Policy.

Because education matters.

Dovetail and Slate Limited.

Because education matters. Dovetail and Slate Limited phone number removed acts as an Employment Agency.