Payroll Assistant

(Temporary)

Location: Leatherhead Contract: Initial 3-month temporary contract with the possibility of becoming permanent Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week Working Pattern: Hybrid (3 to 4 days per week in the office) Start Date: Mid-September 2026 Pay Rate: £15.38 to £17.95 per hour PAYE or £19.52 to £22.85 per hour via Umbrella Company Additional Benefits: Parking provided and paid for by the employer

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Assistant to join a team of three in a busy and supportive payroll team on an initial three-month contract. This is an excellent opportunity for a payroll professional with end-to-end payroll experience who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment and delivering a high-quality service to employees and managers.

Day-to-day of the role:

• Assist in the processing of monthly payrolls for approximately 988 salaried employees and 211 bank staff.
• Manage payroll administration activities in line with payroll deadlines and procedures.
• Process new starters, ensuring all required payroll documentation and employee details are accurate and complete.
• Process leavers, including final salary calculations, holiday adjustments, and deduction reconciliations.
• Review and process overtime claims, investigating discrepancies and liaising with managers to resolve issues.
• Administer statutory payments, including maternity pay, paternity pay, and shared parental pay.
• Support payroll changes including salary amendments, contractual changes, and deductions.
• Monitor and respond to payroll-related queries through the payroll inbox.
• Process court order deductions and prepare associated payment files.
• Verify bonus payments and other payroll-related payments before submission.
• Maintain payroll records and electronic documentation using payroll and HR systems.
• Support overpayment recovery processes and maintain accurate recovery records.
• Produce and analyse payroll reports, identifying and investigating discrepancies.
• Assist with pension reconciliations and payroll-related financial reporting.
• Work closely with HR and operational managers to ensure payroll information is accurate and up to date.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Proven payroll administration experience.
• Experience processing payroll from start to finish.
• Strong understanding of payroll legislation and statutory payments.
• Experience handling payroll queries and providing excellent customer service.
• Excellent attention to detail and numerical accuracy.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive employee information.
• Good Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.

Desirable: Experience using IRIS Cascade payroll software, experience with large employee populations, knowledge of pension administration and payroll accounting processes.

Benefits:

• Competitive hourly rate.
• Opportunity for contract extension or permanent placement.
• Hybrid working model with flexibility.
• Free parking provided by the employer.

If you have proven payroll experience and are looking for your next contract opportunity, please submit your CV and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are interested in this position.