Job Introduction
East Durham College is seeking an experienced Payroll Officer to lead the delivery of an accurate, compliant and customer-focused payroll service for our employees. This is a key role within our HR team, offering the opportunity to take ownership of the College payroll and contribute to the smooth running of an organisation that supports thousands of learners across the region.
We are looking for a payroll professional who combines technical expertise with excellent attention to detail. You'll be responsible for ensuring staff are paid accurately and on time, maintaining compliance with payroll legislation, managing pension administration and providing expert support to colleagues across the College.
As Payroll Officer, you will:
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Manage and process the College's monthly payroll from start to finish.
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Administer all payroll-related changes, including starters, leavers, contractual amendments, allowances and deductions.
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Ensure compliance with HMRC requirements, PAYE, National Insurance, pensions and statutory regulations.
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Act as the main point of contact for payroll, pension and statutory payment queries.
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Produce payroll reports and management information for senior leaders and the Finance team.
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Maintain and develop payroll systems, ensuring they remain accurate, efficient and up to date.
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Work closely with HR, Finance, pension providers, auditors and external agencies.
The successful candidate will have:
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Significant payroll experience within a busy and deadline-driven environment.
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Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, statutory deductions and pension administration.
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Excellent organisational skills and a meticulous approach to accuracy.
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The ability to manage confidential information with professionalism and integrity.
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Strong communication and customer service skills.
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Good IT skills, including Microsoft Excel and Word.
A recognised payroll qualification, or experience equivalent to this level, would be beneficial, as would experience of Teachers' Pensions and/or the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
At East Durham College, our people are at the heart of what we do. We offer a supportive working environment, opportunities for professional development and the chance to play an important role in delivering high-quality services that make a difference to our learners, staff and wider community.
If you are a highly organised payroll professional looking for your next challenge, we'd love to hear from you.
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35 days annual leave + Bank Holidays.
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LGPS Pension Scheme with up to 17.5% employer contributions.
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Access to a Cash Healthcare Plan.
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Heavily discounted Gym Membership.
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Enhanced Maternity/ Paternity and Adoption leave.
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3 days paid emergency leave per year.
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Various Paid and unpaid leave for other needs.
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Funded Continuous Professional Development (CPD) where appropriate.
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Onsite restaurant, Canteen and Hair and Beauty Salon.
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Free onsite parking.
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On site Nursery facilities (up to 5 yoa).
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Cycle to work scheme and much more.
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Access to free Beamish Tickets.
Now is the perfect time to become part of our fantastic team at East Durham College! With recent investments enhancing our already outstanding teaching facilities and further development on the horizon, the College offers an excellent environment for both staff and students. We take pride in providing access to education for all, offering clear pathways through various stages of learning with a strong focus on employment opportunities across the North East region. We’re also thrilled to have earned our fifth consecutive ‘GOOD’ rating from Ofsted.
East Durham College operates across three campuses, delivering a wide range of courses from general further education and A-Levels to specialist land-based and technical programs, ensuring there is something for everyone. As a team member, you’ll enjoy a generous holiday entitlement, Local Government or Teachers Pensions, free gym access (Willerby Grove Campus), free parking, and much more.
We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive community where everyone can be themselves and succeed. We encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply and join our dynamic workforce.
As part of our commitment to equality and diversity, East Durham College operates a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for applicants who meet the essential criteria, as part of our status as a Disability Confident Employer.
At East Durham College, we uphold Safer Recruitment and Keeping Children Safe in Education standards. This role requires an enhanced DBS check. It is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
Although this role is advertised as full-time, we believe that flexibility at work can promote work/life balance, increase your motivation, reduce stress and improves performance and productivity. We support different ways of working and can offer a range of flexible working arrangements. So, if you’re interested and need to work flexibly, we encourage you to apply and talk to us about what might be possible.
For more information about the College, please visit our Creating outstanding futures | East Durham College.
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
The college reserves the right to interview before the closing date if appropriate to the context of the field. Early applications are therefore very much encouraged.
