Finance Division
A vacancy has arisen within the University’s central Payroll team. The University has an established Payroll Team, divided into 2 functions – Main Payroll and Casual Payroll. This position is within the Main Payroll that operates on a monthly cycle, to pay staff across the University. You will process and maintain large quantities of varied and often complex documentation, crucial to the operation of the Payroll Office. This is a busy team and you will be expected to become familiar with the University’s departments, their activities, people, and ways of working.
Location: Great Clarendon Street, Oxford (with hybrid working at least 1 day a week in the office)
Salary £28,437 – £32,108 per annum
Contract: Full time, Permanent
About Us
Spanning the historic streets of the “city of dreaming spires”, the University of Oxford has been ranked the world’s leading university for ten consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Here, you’ll contribute to an organisation which delivers ground-breaking research that tackles global challenges - from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions - and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations. Apply now to become part of our extraordinary legacy.
The Finance Division is integral to the University, aiming to enable world-class research and education by collaborating on sound financial strategy to provide long term resources, underpinned by excellent operational and professional services.
What We Offer
Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:
- 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
- One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
- A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.
- An excellent contributory pension scheme.
- Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
- Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.
About the Role
Payroll administration
- Reviewing and processing of new starters onto the payroll system, checking P45 figures, Starter Checklist forms, and ensuring correct tax codes are applied in accordance with HMRC regulations. Able to calculate manually PAYE tax deductions and NICs.
- Calculating salary arrears and advances where necessary. Calculating under/overpayments including the preparation and input of adjustments to the payroll system to ensure correct records.
- Checking all received data from departments is complete, accurate, and correctly authorised.
- Calculating and checking of entitlements under both the University’s occupational sickness and parental leave schemes, as well as statutory regulations. Input of absence data to the payroll system.
- Payslip collation and preparation, and general filing at the end of each month, plus annual preparation of manual records for e-filing.
Payroll and employment tax advice
- Provision of general payroll advice and guidance. A confident and professional approach to communication at all levels will be necessary, whether oral or written, as the post holder will have daily communication with employees, departmental administrators and senior staff.
- Prompt responses to correspondence received from third parties, including HMRC, letting agents, banks and building societies, and courts (Attachment of Earnings Orders).
Assurance and control
- An up to date awareness of relevant legislation, including HMRC guidance on PAYE tax matters, University statutes, and any data protection regulations in respect of payroll matters.
- The ability to sort work by category and department, then prioritise it; new starters, leavers, pensions, NICs, fees, overtime, sickness and parental leave.
- Provide cover across the Payroll team.
Use of technology
- This role requires you to use the University’s People XD (CoreHR) HR/Payroll system, its related Discoverer reporting tool and Oracle Financials system for input and enquiry purposes, and to be proficient in using Microsoft Office.
Other
- A commitment to demonstrating respect, courtesy and consideration in interactions with members of the University community.
- The post holder may be called upon to undertake other tasks or projects as commensurate with the grading and nature of the post; and to support and provide cover for colleagues as required.
About You
You will have:
- The ability to work to a high standard in an organised and efficient manner, based on attention to detail.
- You will be expected to deal with people at all levels, therefore you should be able to demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Experience of working within a large, busy and complex UK payroll team, with a good, basic knowledge of PAYE/NI regulations.
- Good Microsoft Office skills are required.
Desirable selection criteria:
- Experience of the Higher Education sector
- Knowledge of the PeopleXD (CoreHR) payroll system although training will be given.
Application Process
To apply, please upload:
- A covering letter/supporting statement
- Your CV
- The details of two referees
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 21 August
Interviews will take place in late August/early September and will be held face-to-face.
