Title: Payroll & Benefits Officer Salary: £45,000 Location: Oxford Contract: 12 month maternity cover – Full-Time Hybrid: 2 days per week in the office We are looking for a capable and detail focused Payroll & Benefits Officer to join a small, collaborative HR function on a fixed term basis. This role supports the delivery of payroll, benefits and core HR administration across a UK workforce, alongside a smaller international employee population. While payroll processing is outsourced, this position retains full ownership of payroll inputs, system updates and post processing checks. You will act as the internal expert, ensuring accuracy, compliance and a positive employee experience. Key responsibilities: * Prepare, review and submit all monthly payroll data to external payroll providers in line with agreed schedules * Upload and maintain payroll information within HR and payroll systems, ensuring data integrity at all times * Review payroll outputs following provider processing, identifying and resolving discrepancies prior to approval * Manage payroll control reports and coordinate internal sign off * Work closely with Finance and external providers to ensure payroll and reporting requirements are met * Maintain accurate benefit records and support employees with enrolment and ongoing benefit queries * Coordinate benefit renewal activity and support employee engagement initiatives related to reward and benefits * Supply pay and benefit data to third party reward and reporting providers as required * Maintain accurate employee records within HR systems and electronic files * Prepare documentation to support employee changes, confirmations and references * Act as the first point of contact for routine HR and payroll queries via the shared HR inbox Skills and experience required: * GCSE level Maths and English as a minimum * Demonstrable end to end UK payroll experience, ideally within an outsourced payroll model * A recognised payroll qualification would be advantageous * Up to date working knowledge of UK payroll legislation, with a commitment to ongoing learning * Confidence supporting employees with basic pay, tax, pension and National Insurance queries * Competent user of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel * Analytical mindset with the ability to identify issues and implement practical solutions * Clear, professional communication skills, including the ability to provide precise instructions to payroll providers * Proactive, service focused approach with a strong sense of confidentiality and integrity JGA Recruitment Group Ltd ("We") are committed to equality of opportunity for all applications regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. We are also committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. We are a specialist Payroll and HR recruitment agency and recruitment business as defined in the Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003 (our business). These statements together with our privacy notices set out the basis on which any personal data we collect from you, or that you provide to us, will be processed by us