PURPOSE
Leeds Castle is seeking an experienced Payroll Controller to take full ownership of our in-house payroll operation. This is a critical role responsible for the complete end-to-end processing of a complex monthly payroll for approximately 250 employees.
The payroll consists of around 60 salaried employees and 190 variable-paid employees, requiring a significant level of manual input, checking and calculation. The successful candidate will be responsible for all payroll preparation and processing activities through to completion, with the Payroll Manager undertaking final authorisation checks.
This role requires an exceptional eye for detail, strong technical payroll knowledge and the ability to manage a complex payroll function independently while ensuring accuracy, compliance and confidentiality at all times.
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KEY TASKS
· Process the company’s payroll on a monthly basis, ensuring all employees are paid accurately and on time.
· Ensure timely input of payroll data, including new appointments, terminations, and other relevant updates.
- Updating and calculating absence, including annual leave and statutory leave.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant payroll regulations, including tax laws, social security contributions, and employment law.
- Handle annual filings such as P60s, P11Ds, and other statutory returns.
- Administer and manage salary sacrifice and pension schemes and deductions to Company pension schemes and ensuring compliance with pension auto-enrolment regulations.
· Serve as the primary point of contact for employee payroll-related inquiries, providing prompt and clear responses to payroll queries.
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CORE ACCOUNTABILITIES
· Highly organised and methodical.
· Self-sufficient and capable of managing payroll with minimal supervision.
· Comfortable working within a complex and predominantly manual payroll environment.
· Able to build positive working relationships across the organisation.
· Committed to accuracy, compliance and excellent customer service.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE required
· High proficiency in Microsoft Office, with advanced Excel skills.
· Ability to create detailed reports and conduct financial analysis.
· At least 3 years’ experience with processing and operating in-house payroll systems within the last 6 years.
· Experience managing a complex payroll involving both salaried and variable-paid employees.
· Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, HMRC requirements and pension administration.
· Experience completing payroll reconciliations and year-end processes including P11d and P60’s.
· Ability to interpret and apply company sick pay and enhanced leave policies.
· Excellent numerical and analytical skills.
· Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
· Strong organisational skills with the ability to work to strict deadlines.
· High levels of discretion and confidentiality.
· Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
· People skills, and the ability to work across several teams.
· Flexible, adaptable approach to workload and demands with prioritising payroll processing times.
Desirable
- Experience using Access Payroll.
- CIPP qualification or equivalent payroll qualification.
- Experience working within hospitality, tourism, visitor attraction or seasonal workforce environments.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £20,000.00-£21,500.00 per year
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Maidstone ME17 1PL: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Experience of Statutory payment calculations
Experience:
- Microsoft Excel: 3 years (required)
- Microsoft Office: 1 year (required)
- Payroll: 3 years (required)
Work Location: In person
