Payroll Officer

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Officer to join a busy education organisation to support payroll operations during a period of growth and onboarding of new schools from September. This role will involve managing payroll processes independently while also providing support across payroll administration and HR-related activities. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing for teaching and support staff, whilst assisting with the integration of new schools and maintaining compliance with payroll and employment regulations. Key Responsibilities • Process and administer monthly payroll for teaching and support staff. • Manage payroll changes including additional hours, salary amendments, pay progression, and contractual variations. • Ensure accurate processing of teacher pay scales and annual pay progression awards. • Administer statutory payments including sick leave and other payroll-related absences. • Input and maintain payroll data, ensuring accuracy and compliance at all times. • Support the onboarding of new schools joining from September and provide payroll assistance during implementation. • Liaise with managers and employees regarding payroll queries and discrepancies. • Work closely with HR to ensure employment changes are reflected accurately in payroll systems. • Maintain employee records and support recruitment administration where required. • Assist with payroll reporting, reconciliations, and audit requirements. • Support wider HR administrative functions as needed. Essential: • Proven experience working in payroll administration or payroll officer roles. • Experience processing payroll independently. • Strong understanding of payroll legislation, statutory payments, and payroll best practice. • Knowledge of teacher pay scales, pay progression, and education sector payroll processes. • Experience managing sickness absence and payroll adjustments. • Excellent attention to detail and accuracy. • Strong organisational and communication skills. • Ability to manage workloads effectively in a fast-paced environment. Desirable: • Experience using IRIS, Every, or similar payroll systems. • Previous experience within the education sector. • HR administration or recruitment experience. • Experience supporting payroll implementation or onboarding projects. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced payroll professional who enjoys working autonomously while contributing to a wider HR and payroll function.