Civil Aviation Authority
Lead Payroll Analyst
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Senior Payroll Analyst
Salary
£41,092 up to £51,000 dependent upon experience
Contract Type
Permanent, Full-time
Security Level
SC
Location
Aviation House – Gatwick – min 2 days in the office per week.
Visa Restrictions
This position does not offer visa sponsorship
Closing Date
26th October 2026
Interview Date
6th November 2026
We are the UK's aviation and aerospace regulator and recognised as a world leader in its field. Our activities are diverse, enabling the aviation industry to meet the highest safety standards, and we pride ourselves on our ability to adapt to the constantly evolving aviation environment.
The Role
The Senior Payroll Analyst oversees the operational delivery of payroll services, ensuring payroll, pension and statutory payment processes are completed accurately, on time and in compliance with relevant legislation and organisational policies. The role supervises and develops the Payroll Analyst, manages the resolution of complex queries and escalations, and supports the Payroll & Accounting Services Manager in maintaining effective controls, managing risks, implementing process improvements, and delivering an efficient, customer-focused payroll service to the organisation.
Core Accountabilities
- Oversee and manage the end-to-end payroll process, ensuring payroll is delivered accurately, on time and in compliance with statutory and organisational requirements.
- Supervise and support the Payroll Analyst, providing guidance, training and day-to-day direction.
- Act as the first point of escalation for complex payroll queries and issues, ensuring timely resolution.
- Review payroll outputs, reconciliations and controls to ensure accuracy and integrity of payroll data. Escalate queries and issues as appropriate, applying professional judgement to challenge outcomes and recommend effective solutions.
- Administer and manage payroll-related activities including pensions, statutory payments, deductions and employee benefits.
- Work closely with People & Culture to ensure employee data and contractual changes are accurately reflected in payroll.
- Ensure compliance with HMRC requirements, pension regulations, employment legislation and internal policies.
- Prepare month-end, year-end and audit activities by preparing payroll reconciliations, reports and supporting documentation.
- Provides support, guidance and mentoring to junior members of the payroll team, helping to develop their knowledge and capability.
- Maintain and develop payroll procedures, controls and documentation to support effective governance and audit readiness.
- Support the Payroll & Accounting Services Manager in identifying and implementing payroll process improvements and system enhancements.
- Provide operational oversight and continuity for the payroll function during periods of Payroll & Accounting Services Manager or Payroll Analyst absence.
- Produce payroll reports and management information to support business decision-making and statutory requirements for senior managers.
- Maintain confidentiality and security of employee information in accordance with GDPR and data protection requirements.
- Undertake other payroll-related duties as required to support the effective operation of the payroll function.
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About You
Essential
- CIPP qualified or qualified by experience with substantial experience in payroll administration within a complex organisation.
- Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, PAYE, National Insurance, statutory payments and pension administration.
- Experience of supervising, mentoring or supporting colleagues within a payroll function.
- Strong payroll accounting and reconciliation skills, with the ability to prepare payroll journals, reconcile payroll to the General Ledger and identify, investigate and resolve discrepancies accurately and efficiently.
- Experience of payroll reporting, controls and compliance activities.
- Excellent organisational skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and payroll systems.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and meet strict payroll deadlines.
Desirable
- Experience of employee expenses administration.
- Knowledge of double-entry accounting principles.
- Experience of supporting internal and external audit activities.
- Experience of identifying and implementing payroll process improvements.
Additional Information
For many appointments within the CAA, these roles require access to operationally sensitive infrastructure and/or Nationally Protected information. For these roles the post holders must undergo National Security Vetting and achieve the appropriate level of clearance.
To be vetted we will usually expect a reasonable period of residency in the UK so that meaningful checks can be undertaken. For this role this will need to be 5 years.
If you do not meet these requirements, we may not be able to accept your application. For more information on CTC and SC clearance please visit - Vetting explained - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) For more information on BPSS clearance please visit - BPSS clearance
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The CAA is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct. To help ensure transparency and protect the independence and reputation of the CAA, candidates invited to interview will be required to complete a Declaration of Interests form, disclosing any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest that could influence, or be seen to influence, their ability to perform the role objectively and impartially.
Relocation & Property
The CAA will be relocating from Aviation House (Our Gatwick Office) to new premises in a few years’ time. Our move is driven by strategic, operational and environmental considerations.
We will be moving to a new local home, up to a 15-mile radius of Aviation House, to minimise disruption for our valued colleagues and customers.
We are now working with colleagues and visitors to understand what we need in our new office, before we start our property search. We will sell Aviation House and land, vacate the site and move to new premises, but we do not expect to move before 2028.
Inclusive Recruitment
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome applications from all backgrounds. As a Disability Confident employer, candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be guaranteed an interview. Find out more about the Disability Confident Scheme. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
Use of Artificial Intelligence by candidates in the CAA recruitment process
We recognise that many of our candidates find Artificial Intelligence to be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be rejected on that basis.
Working With Us
Explore What We Offer section on our careers website to find out about our benefits and how we support work-life balance.
Our Values
Do The Right Thing, Never Stop Learning, Build Collaborative Relationships, Respect Everyone – For more information please Click Here
Closing Date: 26th October 2026
Interview Date: 6th November 2026
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
No recruitment agencies please.
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