At AQA, we’re committed to advancing education and we’re committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK, we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and it’s our people who make this happen.
Payroll Administrator
Permanent
Manchester: £23,53 5 - £26,67 5
Hybrid Working
Think payroll is just numbers? Think again.
Are you confident with UK payroll legislation?
Do you enjoy solving problems and ensuring people are paid correctly and on time?
Imagine being the go-to expert for payroll accuracy in a national organisation.
At AQA, we’re looking for someone who thrives on detail and consistency. You’ll be part of a collaborative payroll team based in Manchester, supporting both weekly and monthly payrolls. If you’re ready to take ownership of payroll processes and contribute to continuous improvement, this could be your next step.
As a Payroll Administrator, you’ll support the end-to-end processing of payroll, ensuring compliance with UK legislation and internal policies. You’ll manage pay adjustments, statutory payments, benefits, and deductions, while liaising with HMRC, pension providers, and third-party vendors. You’ll also contribute to audits, reporting, and system improvements using MHR iTrent .
You’ll work closely with the Senior Payroll Administrator s, Payroll Manager and wider Finance and People teams, gaining exposure to a broad range of payroll operations. This is a role where accuracy, confidentiality, and collaboration are key—and where your expertise will directly impact the employee experience.
What’s in it for me?
* Opportunities for personal and professional growth .
* A generous pension scheme with combined contributions up to 18.5% from day one .
* 25 days annual leave (rising with service), plus Bank Holidays and Christmas closure .
* Hybrid working – at least two office days per week (Manchester-based role) .
* Private medical insurance through BUPA
* A newly refurbished office with a gym, games room, and yoga studio .
What do I need to be successful?
* Proven experience in payroll administration .
* Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation and statutory requirements .
* Proficiency in Excel and payroll systems (MHR iTrent desirable) .
* Experience with RTI submissions, HMRC reporting, and pension schemes .
* Excellent attention to detail and ability to handle confidential data .
* A team-focused approach with the ability to work independently .
Ready to apply?
Whether you're looking to grow your expertise or bring your payroll skills to a new setting, we’d love to hear from you. Read the full job description, then upload your most recent CV along with a cover letter explaining why your skills and experience make you the perfect fit for this role .
You could wait until applications close at 23:59 on Friday 25 th July to apply, but we will be interviewing as applications come in and reserve the right to close the advert early should we find the right person, so apply today.
Interviews will be held face to face in the Manchester office week beginning 4 th August.
All applications will receive a response.
AQA is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone—regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background—is valued, respected, and supported to thrive.
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Full Job Description
Summary
Purpose: We are seeking a detail-oriented and efficient Payroll Administrator to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for supporting the weekly and monthly payroll process for employees, ensuring accurate and timely processing of salaries, benefits, and deductions, while adhering to UK payroll legislation and compliance standards. You will play a key role in delivering efficient, consistent and smooth payroll operations and ensuring a high level of service to employees and management.Landscape: The Payroll Administrator is part of the Payroll Team which are based in the Manchester office and sit within the Finance Team of the Corporate Services Office (CSO). We havethe overall responsibility for paying all AQA Education temporary and permanent colleagues, along with associates on a weekly and monthly basis.
Reporting into the Senior Payroll Administrator but other key internal relationships include Payroll Manager, line managers, colleagues and associates, our People Group, and the broader Finance Team, while key external relationships involve the MHR Service Desk and consultants, HMRC, pension providers, and other third-party providers.
Activities:
Payroll Processing:
Support accurate and timely end to end processing of weekly and monthly payroll, ensuring compliance with company policies and UK legislation.
Maintain and update employee records, process pay adjustments, reconcile data, and support month-end processes.
Accurately calculate all pay elements, processing changes for starters, leavers, and other pay adjustments, and ensure correct calculation of holiday pay, statutory payments (SSP, SMP, Paternity Pay, etc.) and statutory deductions (PAYE, National Insurance, Student Loans).
Manage employee benefits (Childcare Vouchers, Cycle2Work and pensions), ensuring compliance with auto-enrolment and other statutory requirements and liaise with external agencies (HMRC and pension schemes )to resolve payroll-related issues.
Compliance, Legislation and Record Keeping:
Ensure accurate and timely maintenance of payroll records in accordance with data protection regulations.
Prepare detailed payroll reports and support month-end reconciliations, while providing ad-hoc reporting and analysis for senior leadership as needed.
Ensure full compliance with UK payroll legislation, HMRC regulations, and statutory requirements by staying updated on legal changes.
Oversee accurate and timely submissions (e.g. RTI, P60, P45, P11D), and processing all payments to employees, HMRC, and pension providers.
Protects AQA’s reputation and minimises risk by maintaining data and uphold internal policies and legal obligations, including HSE, Equal Opportunities, and ISMS.
Lead payroll audit preparations and ensure accurate documentation and manage archiving and storage of payroll records, ensuring compliance with all regulations.
Customer (External or Internal):
Deliver consistent, high-quality customer service by building collaborative relationships, managing and resolving internal and external payroll queries efficiently, escalating where appropriate.
Provide clear guidance on payslips, deductions, and tax matters.
System Administration, Process Improvement and Innovation:
Ensure accurate input of payroll data and assist in the maintenance of the MHR iTrent payroll system.
Drive continuous improvement by streamlining processes, enhancing system efficiency, and integrating payroll with HR and finance systems.
Collaborate with the wider Finance team, People Group, and other departments to implement innovative, cost-effective solutions while staying informed on evolving payroll technologies, legislation, and best practices.
People and Culture
Accountable for personal and professional growth through continuous learning and performance development.
Supports and inspires peers to deliver high levels of performance by modelling positive behaviours and contributing to a high performing team status.
To be successful in this role, you will need to know:
Essential:
Proven payroll administration experience with strong knowledge of UK legislation, proficiency in Excel, and excellent communication skills.
Highly detail-oriented, organised, and capable of handling confidential information, with a proactive, team-focused attitude and ability to work independently.
Desirable:
Holding or working towards Payroll qualification (e.g., CIPP or similar.)
Experience with MHR iTrent payroll software.
Experience with RTI submissions, HMRC reporting and pension schemes.
Knowledge of pension schemes and auto-enrolment requirements. #J-18808-Ljbffr