Newsquest Media Group
Trainee Payroll Administrator
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Application Deadline: 3 October 2026
Department: People
Location: Southampton
Compensation: £25,000 - £27,000 / year
Description
Newsquest Media Group is looking for a Trainee Payroll Administrator to join our Payroll team based in Ocean Village, Southampton.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build a long-term career in payroll and administration, gain hands-on experience, and learn from an experienced team. You will play an important role in supporting accurate, timely payments to employees and third parties, while developing your knowledge of payroll systems, legislation, and processes. The role offers structured training, exposure to a wide range of payroll activities and, following successful completion of probation, sponsorship to complete the IPPE Payroll Technician Certificate.
If you're organised, enjoy working with numbers and data, have a keen eye for detail and are eager to learn, we'd love to hear from you.
Office-based during initial training, with hybrid working available thereafter.
Key Responsibilities
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- Support the day-to-day administration of payroll activities.
- Assist with payroll data entry, record maintenance and document management.
- Respond to employee payroll queries professionally and accurately.
- Support the processing of starters, leavers and contract changes.
- Carry out document checks and escalate missing or incomplete information.
- Maintain payroll records, reports, audit trails and supporting documentation.
- Assist with payroll calculations, checks and validation activities.
- Support the production of payroll documentation, including payslips and P45s.
- Learn and apply payroll legislation, policies and procedures.
- Handle confidential employee information securely and responsibly.
- Work closely with Payroll colleagues and wider business stakeholders.
- Escalate risks, discrepancies or delays promptly to ensure payroll accuracy.
- Support the team during busy payroll periods while meeting key deadlines.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Strong attention to detail with a high level of accuracy.
- Basic Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook skills.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to follow processes, procedures and checklists accurately.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to meet deadlines.
- A professional approach to handling confidential information.
- Positive attitude and willingness to learn new systems and processes.
- Confidence to ask questions and seek guidance when required.
- Team player with a proactive and supportive approach to work.
- Interest in developing a career within payroll and finance administration.
- GCSE Maths and English (Grade 4/C or above) or equivalent.
- Experience using Microsoft Copilot or similar AI tools would be beneficial but is not essential.
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Benefits
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays + your birthday off
- Holiday buy scheme for extra flexibility
- Structured career progression & ongoing training
- Pension plan
- Employee Helpline counselling and advice
- Perks & discounts including:
- Gym membership
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Eye care
- Retail discounts
- Team building days & annual volunteer charity day
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