{"id":3405371,"url":"https://alion.io/job/aqa-payroll-administrator","title":"Payroll Administrator","company":{"id":1791368,"name":"AQA","domain":"aqa.org.uk","url":"https://alion.io/company/aqa-org-uk","size_band":null,"is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Workday","truth_index":null},"role":"Finance","role_family":"Finance","seniority":null,"employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"hybrid","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Manchester, United Kingdom"],"countries":["GB"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":{"min_usd":35000,"max_usd":82000,"period":"year","method":"role_country_seniority_unknown","sample_n":588},"experience_years_min":null,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"Service Desk","optional":false}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-10-28T16:01:04Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-10-28","last_verified_at":"2026-11-01T20:28:52Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":4,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":4},"description":"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’sour people who make this happen.\nPayroll Administrator\nPermanent\nManchester £25,662.00 - £27,500.00\nSmart Hybrid Working with a minimum of two days per week in the office\nLooking for an opportunity to develop your payroll knowledge and make a real impact?\nAs our Payroll Administrator, you'll join a Payroll Team responsible for delivering weekly and monthly payrolls for employees, temporary workers and associates across AQA.\nWhether 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.\nWe'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.\nWhat you'll be doing\nYou'll support the delivery of payroll services across AQA, including:\nProcessing payroll changes and supporting weekly and monthly payrolls.\nResponding to payroll queries and helping resolve issues effectively.\nMaintaining accurate payroll records and supporting compliance activities.\nInvestigating discrepancies and carrying out payroll checks and reconciliations.\nWorking with payroll systems and contributing to process improvements across the team.\nWhat we’re looking for\nWe're looking for someone who enjoys solving problems, has a keen eye for detail and takes pride in delivering a high-quality service to colleagues.\nYou’ll thrive in this role if you bring:\nExperience gained within payroll administration or a similar finance related role.\nAn understanding of payroll processes and an interest in developing your payroll knowledge.\nStrong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.\nGood organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.\nStrong communication and customer service skills.\nA proactive and collaborative approach to work.\nWhat’s in it for you?\nThis is an opportunity to become part of an experienced and supportive team where you'll be encouraged to broaden your knowledge and develop your payroll expertise.\nYou'll have the chance to:\nWork across both weekly and monthly payrolls.\nDevelop your understanding of payroll legislation and compliance.\nLearn from experienced payroll professionals.\nAccess training and development opportunities.\nContribute to improving how payroll services are delivered across AQA\nYou’ll also benefit from AQA’s wider rewards package including:\nCareer development and professional growth in a leading education charity\nComprehensive 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%- and 25-days annual leave plus bank holidays and extra closure days at Christmas.\nA 35-hour working week with flexible, hybrid working\nFree on-site gym access\nOur commitment to inclusion\nAt AQA, we're committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels they belong and can do their best work. We value the different perspectives, experiences and backgrounds our people bring, knowing they strengthen our culture, decision-making and impact. We foster an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with respect, has access to opportunities to grow and contribute, and feels able to be themselves. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences.\nHow to apply?\nTo apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role by Sunday 8th November\nInterviews will take place during the week commencing 16th November in the Manchester office.\n#MCRE\n#LI-LK1\nRecruitment Agencies\nWe have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place.\nUnsolicited CVs will be treated as a gift. We will not be subject to or liable under your terms and conditions for agency fees.\nFull Job Description\nSummary\nPurpose: We are seeking a detail-oriented and efficient Payroll Administrator to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for supporting the weekly and monthly payroll process for employees, ensuring accurate and timely processing of salaries, benefits, and deductions, while adhering to UK payroll legislation and compliance standards. You will play a key role in delivering efficient, consistent and smooth payroll operations and ensuring a high level of service to employees and management.Landscape: The Payroll Administrator is part of the Payroll Team which are based in the Manchester office and sit within the Finance Team of the Corporate Services Office (CSO). We have the overall responsibility for paying all AQA Education temporary and permanent colleagues, along with associates on a weekly and monthly basis.Reporting into the Senior Payroll Administrator but other key internal relationships include Payroll Manager, line managers, colleagues and associates, our 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.\nActivities:\nPayroll Processing:\nSupport accurate and timely end to end processing of weekly and monthly payroll, ensuring compliance with company policies and UK legislation.\nMaintain and update employee records, process pay adjustments, reconcile data, and support month-end processes.\nAccurately calculate all pay elements, processing 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).\nManage 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.\nCompliance, Legislation and Record Keeping:\nEnsure accurate and timely maintenance of payroll records in accordance with data protection regulations.\nPrepare detailed payroll reports and support month-end reconciliations, while providing ad-hoc reporting and analysis for senior leadership as needed.\nEnsure full compliance with UK payroll legislation, HMRC regulations, and statutory requirements by staying updated on legal changes.\nOversee accurate and timely submissions (e.g. RTI, P60, P45, P11D), and processing all payments to employees, HMRC, and pension providers.\nProtects AQA’s reputation and minimises risk by maintaining data and uphold internal policies and legal obligations, including HSE, Equal Opportunities, and ISMS.\nLead payroll audit preparations and ensure accurate documentation and manage archiving and storage of payroll records, ensuring compliance with all regulations.\nCustomer (External or Internal):\nDeliver consistent, high-quality customer service by building collaborative relationships, managing and resolving internal and external payroll queries efficiently, escalating where appropriate.\nProvide clear guidance on payslips, deductions, and tax matters.\nSystem Administration, Process Improvement and Innovation:\nEnsure accurate input of payroll data and assist in the maintenance of the MHR iTrent payroll system.\nDrive continuous improvement by streamlining processes, enhancing system efficiency, and integrating payroll with HR and finance systems.\nCollaborate 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.\nPeople and Culture\nAccountable for personal and professional growth through continuous learning and performance development.\nSupports and inspires peers to deliver high levels of performance by modelling positive behaviours and contributing to a high performing team status.\nTo be successful in this role, you will need to know:\nEssential:\nProven payroll administration experience with strong knowledge of UK legislation, proficiency in Excel, and excellent communication skills.\nHighly detail-oriented, organised, and capable of handling confidential information, with a proactive, team-focused attitude and ability to work independently.\nDesirable:\nHolding or working towards Payroll qualification (e.g., CIPP or similar.)\nExperience with MHR iTrent payroll software.\nExperience with RTI submissions, HMRC reporting and pension schemes.\nKnowledge of pension schemes and auto-enrolment 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