About the Role
At AQA, we're committed to advancing education and we're committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK, we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and it's our people who make this happen.
Payroll Administrator — Permanent — Manchester — £25,662.00 - £27,500.00 — Smart Hybrid Working with a minimum of two days per week in the office
Looking for an opportunity to develop your payroll knowledge and make a real impact? As our Payroll Administrator, you'll join a Payroll Team responsible for delivering weekly and monthly payrolls for employees, temporary workers and associates across AQA. Whether you've gained experience within payroll administration or a similar finance-related role, you'll have the opportunity to broaden your knowledge of payroll legislation, systems and processes while playing an active role in resolving queries, investigating issues and supporting payroll accuracy across the organisation.
We're looking for someone who enjoys problem solving, has a keen eye for detail and takes pride in getting things right. In return, you'll play an important role in helping ensure colleagues are paid accurately and on time while developing valuable payroll knowledge and experience.
Landscape
The Payroll Administrator is part of the Payroll Team, based in the Manchester office, sitting within the Finance Team of the Corporate Services Office (CSO). The team has overall responsibility for paying all AQA Education temporary and permanent colleagues, along with associates, on a weekly and monthly basis. The role reports into the Senior Payroll Administrator; other key internal relationships include the Payroll Manager, line managers, colleagues and associates, the People Group, and the broader Finance Team, while key external relationships involve the MHR Service Desk and consultants, HMRC, pension providers, and other third-party providers.
Activities
Payroll Processing
•Support accurate and timely end-to-end processing of weekly and monthly payroll, ensuring compliance with company policies and UK legislation
•Maintain and update employee records, process pay adjustments, reconcile data, and support month-end processes
•Accurately calculate all pay elements, process changes for starters, leavers, and other pay adjustments, and ensure correct calculation of holiday pay, statutory payments (SSP, SMP, Paternity Pay, etc.) and statutory deductions (PAYE, National Insurance, Student Loans)
•Manage employee benefits (Childcare Vouchers, Cycle2Work and pensions), ensuring compliance with auto-enrolment and other statutory requirements, and liaise with external agencies (HMRC and pension schemes) to resolve payroll-related issues
Compliance, Legislation and Record Keeping
•Ensure accurate and timely maintenance of payroll records in accordance with data protection regulations
•Prepare detailed payroll reports and support month-end reconciliations, while providing ad-hoc reporting and analysis for senior leadership as needed
•Ensure full compliance with UK payroll legislation, HMRC regulations, and statutory requirements by staying updated on legal changes
•Oversee accurate and timely submissions (e.g. RTI, P60, P45, P11D) and processing of all payments to employees, HMRC, and pension providers
•Protect AQA's reputation and minimise risk by maintaining data and upholding internal policies and legal obligations, including HSE, Equal Opportunities, and ISMS
•Lead payroll audit preparations and ensure accurate documentation, and manage archiving and storage of payroll records, ensuring compliance with all regulations
Customer (External or Internal)
•Deliver consistent, high-quality customer service by building collaborative relationships, managing and resolving internal and external payroll queries efficiently, escalating where appropriate
•Provide clear guidance on payslips, deductions, and tax matters
System Administration, Process Improvement and Innovation
•Ensure accurate input of payroll data and assist in the maintenance of the MHR iTrent payroll system
•Drive continuous improvement by streamlining processes, enhancing system efficiency, and integrating payroll with HR and finance systems
•Collaborate with the wider Finance team, People Group, and other departments to implement innovative, cost-effective solutions while staying informed on evolving payroll technologies, legislation, and best practices
People and Culture
•Accountable for personal and professional growth through continuous learning and performance development
•Support and inspire peers to deliver high levels of performance by modelling positive behaviours and contributing to a high-performing team status
Requirements
•Experience gained within payroll administration or a similar finance related role
•An understanding of payroll processes and an interest in developing your payroll knowledge
•Strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy
•Good organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
•Strong communication and customer service skills
•A proactive and collaborative approach to work
•Proven payroll administration experience with strong knowledge of UK legislation, proficiency in Excel, and excellent communication skills
•Highly detail-oriented, organised, and capable of handling confidential information, with a proactive, team-focused attitude and ability to work independently
•Holding or working towards Payroll qualification (e.g., CIPP or similar)
•Experience with MHR iTrent payroll software
•Experience with RTI submissions, HMRC reporting and pension schemes
•Knowledge of pension schemes and auto-enrolment requirements
Benefits
•Career development and professional growth in a leading education charity
•Comprehensive benefits including Bupa Health Insurance, Health Care Cash Plan, Life Assurance and an Electric Vehicle Leasing scheme
•Generous, combined pension contributions up to 18.5%
•25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and extra closure days at Christmas
•A 35-hour working week with flexible, hybrid working
•Free on-site gym access
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role by Sunday 8th November. Interviews will take place during the week commencing 16th November in the Manchester office.
