Payroll Assistant

Job Description:

Job Title- Payroll Assistant

Salary - £35,000- £40,000

Location - Coventry

Payroll Processing & Administration

• Lead on the preparation and submission of payroll hours and variable pay data for c.500 employees

• Validate payroll inputs including overtime, absences, starters, leavers, and contractual changes

• Coordinate payroll timelines and submissions with the outsourced payroll provider

• Review payroll reports and outputs for accuracy prior to final sign-off

• Ensure payroll deadlines are met consistently

Tax, Compliance & Controls

• Ensure correct application of PAYE, National Insurance, pension contributions, and statutory payments

• Support compliance with HMRC requirements and payroll legislation

• Assist with year-end processes including P60s, P11Ds (where applicable), and audits

• Maintain accurate payroll records and documentation

Stakeholder Support

• Act as the first point of contact for payroll queries from employees and managers

• Liaise with HR, Finance, and the outsourced payroll provider to resolve discrepancies

• Support onboarding and offboarding processes from a payroll perspective

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls, and data accuracy

• Support system updates, testing, and process changes with the payroll provider

Person Specification



Essential

• Previous experience in a payroll role, ideally processing payroll for a large workforce (300+ employees)

• Strong understanding of payroll hours processing and UK payroll tax basics

• Experience working with an outsourced payroll provider

• High level of accuracy and attention to detail

• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage deadlines

• Confident communicator, able to liaise with internal teams and external partners

Desirable

• Payroll qualification (e.g. CIPP) or working towards one

• Experience with payroll systems and HRIS platforms

• Knowledge of pensions auto-enrolment

• Experience supporting payroll audits or year-end processes

Key Competencies

• Ownership and accountability

• Confidentiality and discretion

• Problem-solving mindset

• Ability to work under pressure during payroll cycles

• Collaborative and service-focused approach