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Location: Reading
Employment Type: Permanent, Full Time
Grade: Associate
Hybrid
REQ003789
About XPS Group
XPS Group is a prominent and growing UK consultancy and administration firm within the pensions and insurance sectors. As a FTSE 250 company with over 2000 employees, we leverage expertise alongside advanced technology to serve over 1,400 pension schemes and their sponsors. Our goal is to foster a workplace where diverse talents thrive.
About The Role
The HR Team has expanded in support of the growth of the business, and alongside business as usual, the team is also re-defining processes, procedures and embarking on continuous improvement projects required to provide a professional and consistent service across XPS Group.
Key Responsibilities
- Support with data input for all HR/payroll activity in line with the payroll timetable. The data will include changes to resourcing e.g. new starters, internal moves, leavers, planned and unplanned absences (e.g. sickness, maternity) and other ancillary request e.g. benefit payments/deductions etc and ensuring all payroll data is checked, validated, and signed off during the payroll window prior to finalising the payroll each month.
- Ensure all pension processes - auto enrolment and pension fund transfers are adhered to for employees enrolled in the pension scheme and to relevant pension schemes monthly by the deadlines set by the pension providers.
- Act as the first point of contact for all Payroll queries received via the HR Service portal, responding to or escalating queries as appropriate.
- Actively contribute to the constant reviewing of current practices and processes to ensure continuous improvement and provide ad hoc administrative support to the wider HR team to support ongoing HR initiatives and projects.
- Responsible for the completion of external survey requirement (e.g. ONS) in accordance with GDPR principles.
- Provide support to wider payroll team by ensuring the monthly payroll process is delivered and staff payments are made in line with SLAs.
- Support and contribute to payroll projects, as required.
- Due to the changing nature of the business, the job holder may from time to time be required to undertake other activities of a similar nature that fall within their capabilities.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
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Essential
Your Profile:
- Previous experience of with a medium sized payroll.
- Minimum Grade 4/C GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Maths.
- IT literate, with proficiency in MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel).
- Exposure to working with HR/payroll systems.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Ability to follow processes and procedures.
- Ability to always maintain confidentiality.
- Have a flexible, adaptable approach and willingness to learn new skills.
Qualifications
- Minimum Grade 4/C GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Maths


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What We Offer
- Enjoy a competitive salary, annual discretionary bonus, and 25 days’ holiday with buy/sell flexibility. Benefits include pension matching, healthcare plans, life assurance, and retailer discounts. We support our team with a flexible benefits scheme, employee assistance, and digital GP service. Participating in volunteering events is encouraged with paid volunteer days available. Referral bonuses are offered for introducing suitable candidates to XPS.
How To Apply
Interested candidates should submit applications via Apply Now option or contact recruitment@xpsplc.com for more information. Join XPS Group and contribute to a dynamic and inclusive workplace.
Equal Opportunities Statement
XPS Group is committed to diversity and equal opportunities. We welcome applications from all candidates, irrespective of sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or belief. As a Disability Confident employer, we ensure accessible and supportive work settings for all employees.
Eligibility
Any employment offer made will be conditional upon you satisfying DBS Disclosure checks, Employment or educational references, Satisfactory credit checks and eligibility to work in the UK before an offer can be made. XPS Group is not able to provide sponsorship to employees.
Who Are We
To find out more please visit: www.xpsgroup.com
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