We are seeking a highly organised and customer-focused Payroll Officer to join our HR & Payroll team. You will play a key role in delivering a professional payroll service, acting as the first point of contact for payroll queries and ensuring the accurate and timely processing of payrolls for a defined area of the organisation.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong payroll experience—particularly within local authorities or with demonstrable experience using the iTrent HR/Payroll system.

Remote working is fully supported, giving you the flexibility to work from home while contributing to an essential and high-performing service.

Location: Maidenhead, SL6

Contract: Initially 3 months

Payrate: £15.99 up to £17.73 per hour

As our Payroll Officer, you will:

• Provide expert advice and first-line support to managers, employees, and external partners on payroll matters, ensuring compliance with legislation, policies, and procedures.
• Deliver a high-quality, customer-focused payroll service across all communication channels.
• Investigate and resolve payroll queries at first point of contact, escalating complex issues when required.
• Accurately process and reconcile payroll activities, including monthly payroll runs, LGPS reporting, Teachers’ Pensions submissions, and payroll-to-finance reconciliations.
• Ensure accurate data entry and robust audit trails in line with internal controls.
• Prioritise workload effectively to meet service deadlines and SLAs.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, internal services, and external partners to ensure smooth end-to-end payroll operations.
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure full compliance with the Data Protection Act and organisational policies.
• Support continuous improvement by identifying and contributing to enhancements in payroll processes and customer experience.
• Keep up to date with payroll legislation and best practice, using training to support service improvements.

To succeed in this role, you will need:

• NVQ Level 2, GCSE Maths & English, or equivalent experience
• Background in payroll
• Experience using the iTrent HR & Payroll system (mandatory unless extensive Local Authority payroll experience is demonstrated)
• Knowledge of Local Government (LG) and Teachers’ terms and conditions of employment
• Understanding of LGPS and Teachers’ Pension Scheme regulations

• Strong working knowledge of payroll processes, legislation, and operational procedures
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to investigate and resolve payroll queries confidently
• Clear and effective communication skills, both written and verbal
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Competent IT skills, including HR/Payroll systems and Microsoft Office
• Customer-focused mindset with commitment to service excellence
• Understanding of data protection and confidentiality requirements
• Proactive approach to improving processes and ways of working