Great Western Railway (GWR)
Payroll Administrator

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This is a full time, permanent position. Salary is £30,438 plus excellent benefits package.
At GWR, we're more than a train company - we're the proud custodians of one of the UK's most iconic rail networks. Every year, we help over 100 million people travel across the South West, South Wales and London, through some of the country's most scenic routes.
About the team
The Payroll team is based in central Bristol and is responsible for the delivery of weekly and four-weekly payrolls for GWR and Heathrow Express. The team processes all payroll and pension data, while also providing support in resolving queries from employees and external organisations.
About the job
This role supports the GWR payroll function and is responsible for processing payroll data, providing day-to-day support, and producing reports for the Payroll team and wider support functions. The role plays a key part in delivering a high-quality payroll service to GWR and other company payroll services managed by GWR.
The Reward
As well as a great team environment and comprehensive training, all GWR colleagues enjoy a range of benefits including:
- on-going development
- defined benefit pension scheme with the Railways Pension Scheme
- free rail travel across the GWR network for you and your family
- company-sponsored health care plan
- discounted shopping and gym membership
- employee assistance programme and much more
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Your main responsibilities will be:
- Accurately processing payroll data from status returns, timesheets, and other business documentation within the payroll system.
- Ensuring all interfaces from internal and external sources are thoroughly checked and controlled prior to submission into the payroll system.
- Producing attendance, annual leave, and other business-related reports, as well as responding to email requests.
- Responding to colleague queries relating to payroll and attendance data in a professional and timely manner.
- Ensuring GDPR compliance for internal and external data.
- Maintaining compliance with the GWR delegated authority matrix, ensuring all managers hold the appropriate authorisation levels to submit and approve payroll data.
- Supporting the wider Payroll team with ad hoc duties and additional tasks as required.
You'll need to be:
- Experienced in working within a large payroll environment and managing tight deadlines.
- Experienced in handling multiple terms and conditions of employment.
- Proactive, with a positive and flexible can-do attitude.
- Committed to delivering excellent customer service.
- Professional, confident, and able to act with a high level of integrity at all times.


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As a minimum, you will need to have:
- Strong communication and people skills.
- Knowledge and understanding of payroll processes.
- Knowledge of statutory payroll legislation.
- Accurate and with strong attention to detail.
- Strong system skills, including excel and ideally Cyborg.
Location
The team are currently based in a modern office space in central Bristol.
Working Pattern:
Monday to Friday - 35 hours per week.
Additional Information
There will be a requirement to work occasional weekends and Bank holidays to ensure payrolls are delivered on time.
Application
Please apply online via our website https://careers.firstgroup.co.uk/brand-gwr If you have any problems applying, please email gwrrecruitment@gwr.com
Our Commitment to Inclusion
We all belong at GWR. We embrace diversity and ensure equal opportunities for all. Differences in age, gender, LGBTQIA, ethnicity, religion and disability are valued, with zero tolerance for prejudice.
We promote flexible working, review job roles for accessibility, and our support colleagues to thrive within their roles.
If you need adjustments due to a disability or neurodivergent condition, please let us know.
🔗 Exceptional Individuals – Neurodiversity
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