A large mixed mainstream secondary school requires a Payroll and Finance Assistant, where you'll play a vital role in ensuring an efficient, accurate, and timely payroll service for approximately 500 employees. This is an exciting opportunity for a detail-oriented payroll professional to develop their career within a dynamic and supportive team. Key Responsibilities: Working closely with the Payroll Manager, you will assist in delivering a seamless payroll function by: Managing payroll data, processing new starters, leavers, pay adjustments, claims, and expenses with accuracy. Handling HMRC tax codes, student loans, and overseeing auto-enrolment, ensuring compliance with LGPS, TPS, and NEST pension schemes. Processing statutory payments, including SMP, SSP, and holiday pay, with the ability to conduct manual payroll calculations. Preparing payroll reports, exporting data for analysis, and ensuring approval procedures are followed. Administering monthly payroll adjustments and time sheets. Investigating and resolving payroll discrepancies, responding promptly to payroll-related queries. Supporting real-time and year-end HMRC submissions, including P60s. Conducting regular compliance checks and assisting with statutory reporting. Processing monthly payroll journals and finance ledger reconciliations. Liaising with auditors regarding payroll matters. Managing payroll documentation, ensuring best practices and compliance with GDPR. What We’re Looking For: To be successful in this role, you should have: A foundation-level payroll qualification (e.g., AAT, CIPP) or equivalent experience. GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths at Grade C or above. Recent and relevant experience in a busy finance or payroll environment Strong knowledge of payroll processes, ideally within a school or academy setting. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and payroll/finance systems. A high level of confidentiality and understanding of secure financial practices. Excellent attention to detail, organisation, and problem-solving skills. If you're looking for a rewarding payroll role within a forward-thinking organisation, apply today and become part of a team that values excellence and professional growth.