Wade Macdonald
Senior Payroll Officer
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Senior Payroll Officer
Cranleigh – Office based
£35,000-£40,000
About the Client
Our client is a well-established organisation within the Education sector, providing specialist services that make a meaningful difference to the lives of young people and adults. They foster a supportive and collaborative working environment where professional development is encouraged, and employees are empowered to make a positive impact. They value integrity, teamwork and continuous learning, creating a workplace where people can develop their careers while contributing to an important cause.
About the Successful Applicant
You will have significant experience managing an in-house payroll for a minimum workforce of 200, together with a recognised payroll qualification such as CIPP Level 4 or equivalent. You'll possess excellent knowledge of UK payroll legislation, pensions and statutory payments, alongside strong Excel skills, exceptional attention to detail and the confidence to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels. Experience supervising colleagues and supporting HR activities would be advantageous.
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About the Job
An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced payroll professional to take ownership of a busy in-house payroll function. Working closely with HR and Finance, you will ensure payroll is delivered accurately, compliantly and on time, whilst acting as a senior point of contact for payroll-related queries and supporting junior colleagues.
Duties will include:
- Managing the end-to-end monthly payroll process for a large employee population.
- Processing new starters, leavers, contractual changes and payroll adjustments.
- Administering statutory payments including sick pay, maternity pay and other payroll-related entitlements.
- Ensuring compliance with payroll legislation, pensions and HMRC requirements.
- Reviewing payroll data, carrying out reconciliations and validating reports before payment.
- Producing statutory returns, year-end documentation and management reports.
- Maintaining accurate payroll and HR records, including employee absence information.
- Responding to complex payroll enquiries from employees and external organisations.
- Working alongside HR and Finance to resolve payroll issues and improve processes.
- Supporting payroll system updates, testing and continuous process improvements.
- Mentoring less experienced colleagues and sharing payroll knowledge across the team.
- Assisting with wider office administration duties when required.
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What You Will Receive in Return
In return, you will join a supportive organisation where your expertise will be recognised and valued. You'll benefit from ongoing professional development, opportunities to undertake further payroll training, a collaborative working culture, the chance to mentor colleagues and play a key role in a close-knit HR and Finance team, with long-term career development opportunities available. Benefits include 25 days + BH, a health cash plan, life assurance, wellbeing support services, and free on-site parking. Additional perks include subsidised meals during term time, a structured induction programme, and access to ongoing training, alongside a financial bonus scheme rewarding tenure.
Please get in touch – Jodie.hayden@wademacdonald.com
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