Overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Payroll Administrator Apprentice to join the Payroll Services team at The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust. Our Payroll Administrator apprenticeship offers you the chance to earn a salary, gain valuable experience and new skills, whilst supported to achieve a professional qualification.
Key Attributes
* Pro-active
* Enthusiastic
* Self-motivated
* Caring and Respectful
Role Overview
As an Apprentice Payroll Administrator you will support the payroll team by learning to process routine tasks such as starters, leavers and basic pay changes, updating information in ESR and ensuring data accuracy. You will handle simple payroll queries, assist with accuracy checks, prepare standard letters and learn to upload ad-hoc payments and adjustments. During the apprenticeship, you will also gain knowledge of tax, National Insurance, pensions and HMRC processes. You will work professionally with colleagues, follow procedures and contribute to the smooth running of the payroll service while completing the Level 3 Payroll Administrator Apprenticeship through off‑job learning and assessments.
Principal Duties & Responsibilities
1. Develop skills in processing a range of routine payroll changes, including starters, leavers, and basic pay amendments, completing tasks independently once trained and with oversight from senior payroll staff.
2. Accurately enter and update payroll information in ESR, learning to maintain data quality, follow audit rules, and apply GDPR principles while developing more confidence in system use.
3. Handle routine payroll queries more independently, using developing payroll knowledge to provide clear information, while escalating complex or sensitive issues appropriately.
4. Carry out basic payroll accuracy checks, learning how to compare reports, identify simple inconsistencies, and support compliance with audit requirements under guidance.
5. Prepare and issue standard payroll letters and forms, building confidence in producing absence‑related documents, pay notifications and statutory forms correctly and on time.
6. Upload and prepare payroll items, such as enhancements, ad‑hoc payments, and adjustments, using ESR and Web ADI once trained, ensuring work is checked and authorised before submission.
7. Apply developing knowledge of payroll deductions, including tax, National Insurance, and pensions, to review pay records and ensure correct pension details, pay tiers and capacity codes for new starters and changes.
8. Support weekly and monthly payroll cycles, including setting up assignments, working on the unique ID report, contributing to HMRC file checks, and escalating any issues or failed items appropriately.
9. Communicate effectively and professionally, explaining straightforward payroll information to staff, using appropriate judgement for sensitive matters such as overpayments or missing pay, and seeking support when required.
10. Contribute actively to the team and the apprenticeship programme, attending meetings, completing learning tasks, supporting simple information requests, and identifying small improvements to processes as part of developing workplace skills.
11. Undertake the Level 3 Payroll Administrator Apprenticeship, completing all required learning, off‑job training, assignments and assessments, and applying newly acquired knowledge and skills to day‑to‑day payroll tasks under supervision.
Personal Responsibilities
1. Work collaboratively within the team, promoting good working practices and a positive culture.
2. Maintain strict confidentiality of all personal information relating to staff and patients, ensuring compliance with GDPR regulations at all times.
3. Participate in annual reviews and work towards agreed objectives.
4. Complete all mandatory training and engage in required learning activities, workshops, assessments, and development opportunities.
5. Attend review meetings with the training provider and line manager as necessary.
6. Stay up to date with government requirements for off‑job training as part of the apprenticeship program.
7. Adhere to Trust and departmental policies and procedures, ensuring professional representation of the Trust at all times.
Organisational Values
* Care: Listen, be respectful and treat others with compassion and kindness.
* Respect: Behave with respect to everyone and encourage an inclusive culture where we respect the contribution everyone makes.
* Responsibility: Take responsibility for yourself and your team.
Visa Sponsorship
In line with UK Home Office rules, Band 2 clinical and non‑clinical roles, and Band 3 non‑clinical roles, are not eligible for visa sponsorship. Please note that most non‑clinical roles at Agenda for Change Bands 3‑6 will not meet the minimum skill or salary requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration for sponsorship, except for those listed here: Skilled Worker visa: immigration salary list - GOV.UK. Non‑clinical roles at Agenda for Change Bands 7‑9 that meet the required skill level (RQF 6) and salary threshold are eligible for sponsorship. The Trust will also accept applications from candidates who can evidence their existing right to work in the UK or who hold an alternative eligible visa.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
We are committed to equal opportunities and want to ensure our workforce is representative of the population we serve. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and diverse groups. We are committed to employing and supporting people with disabilities and encourage applications from the LGBTQ+ community. We promise to respect and encourage the use of all pronouns and to support all protected characteristics. We will advance equality and inclusivity for all staff at all levels, fostering good relations, and eliminating discrimination, harassment, and any unlawful behaviour.
Training and Compensation
The programme lasts 18 months, delivered by Smart Training and Recruitment, and is paid at £7.55 per hour for the first 12 months, increasing to National Minimum Wage for age in the final six. Candidates must hold GCSE Maths and English at grade D/3 or Functional Skills Level 1 and provide original certificates.
About The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust
At the Dudley Group our patients and staff are at the heart of all that we do and that is to provide a world class service aligned with our vision of “excellent health care, improved health for all”. We are seeking to recruit staff who share our vision and values of making Dudley Group an incredible workplace. As part of the NHS People Promise, your wellbeing is our priority, and we are committed to ensuring our employees achieve a healthy work‑life balance, supported by flexible working options and reasonable adjustments. We foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to contribute their best. We accelerate staff development through the Learning & OD Team covering communication, wellbeing, team development, cultural competency and values.
For more information, view our EDI page: Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion - The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust (dgft.nhs.uk).
#J-18808-Ljbffr