Background:
The Weydon Multi-Academy Trust (WMAT) is a family of seventeen schools and a sixth form college, serving communities across Surrey and Hampshire. In addition, we have the School Centred Teacher Training provider, the i2i SCITT.
WMAT has recently integrated with The Prospect Trust, which has brought along wonderful opportunities for both students and staff across the organisation.
The Trust vision is clear: Stronger together, transforming lives, creating memories which are celebrated for a lifetime. Guided by our core values of aspiration, ambition, trust, and integrity, we strive to provide an inspiring educational experience for every student.
Our Payroll function plays a central role in supporting a modern, people focused Trust. We are committed to delivering accurate, efficient and service driven payroll services that ensure our employees are paid accurately and on time.
We are seeking a Payroll Assistant to join our dynamic and professional Payroll Team. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual who is motivated by accuracy, continuous improvement and delivering a high-quality payroll service. The successful candidate will be joining at an exciting time as we transition to a brand-new, unified payroll platform across the Trust. As part of a supportive and forward-thinking team, you will play a key role in maintaining the smooth day-to-day delivery of payroll while supporting data migration, system testing and the implementation of new payroll processes. Working with large volumes of payroll data and collaborating closely with colleagues across HR and Finance, you will help ensure our employees continue to be paid accurately and on time while contributing to the successful development of our future payroll system.
Key purpose of the role:
- The primary function of this role is to support the Payroll Lead and Payroll Manager in delivering excellent customer service and accurate payroll across WMAT.
- The postholder will assist with the accurate processing of Payroll & Pensions, adhering to UK payroll statutory requirements, responding to employee queries, providing required data and ensuring payroll returns and external audits are delivered.
- The role will currently work across two payroll platforms, iTrent and Data plan, and will support the accurate maintenance of HR & Payroll data.
Our ideal candidate:
We are looking for someone who enjoys working with data, builds positive professional relationships, and takes pride in delivering an accurate and high-quality payroll service. You will be well suited to this role if you can bring:
- Strong numerical and analytical skills, with the ability to work accurately and confidently with large volumes of payroll data
- Good organisational ability, with confidence in managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines in a busy payroll environment
- Excellent attention to detail, particularly when handling confidential payroll and employee information
- Strong IT skills, including experience using Microsoft Excel, payroll systems and databases to manage and report on data
- A positive, proactive approach, with a willingness to learn new systems and support continuous improvement during a period of change
Previous payroll experience, or a strong understanding of payroll principles and processes, would be highly beneficial. Candidates with an HR background may be interested in this role as it offers the opportunity to build on existing people-focused knowledge while developing specialist payroll expertise.
What we offer:
We are committed to supporting your success and wellbeing, providing a professional and rewarding working environment, including:
- A collaborative Payroll team and a supportive Trust-wide culture
- Opportunities for professional development
- Access to wellbeing initiatives and staff support resources
- A meaningful role that supports colleagues who in turn support thousands of learners
- Westfield Health Cash Plan, which includes an Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to Vivup benefits (cycle to work and lifestyle savings)
- Modern, well-maintained campuses and attractive working environments
How to apply:
Please complete the application form by 9am, Wednesday 16 September 2026 on SAM Recruit: Payroll & Pensions Assistant - SAMPeople Recruit.
Early applications are encouraged as the Trust may choose to interview and appoint a successful candidate on receipt of a suitable application.
If you would like to have an informal conversation before applying, please email [email protected].
Other information:
WMAT takes the control and processing of employee data very seriously and is committed to acting in line with the GDPR regulations; please read the attached applicant privacy notice which explains how your data is processed.
Prior to the interview, an online search will be conducted by HR, to identify any past or current incidents or issues that might affect your suitability to work with children and undertake this role. Please note this online search will be carried out only on publicly available information and be limited to issues relating to your suitability to work with children and/or in an educational environment. Issues that arise will not automatically be a bar to your employment at the Trust but may be discussed with you at interview. This is in line with statutory guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education.
We are an equal opportunities employer that values diversity and encourages applications from all, aiming to build a respectful, inclusive culture.
We welcome applications from all suitably qualified applicants. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria will be invited for an interview.
WMAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people within our care and requires all staff and volunteers to share and demonstrate this commitment. Any future offer of employment remains subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, including enhanced DBS clearance, a health check and references.
