Payroll Officer
Employment Basis: Permanent
Location: Knowsley (Hybrid working available)
We are seeking a highly organised and detail‑driven Payroll Officer to join our Finance team at Clarke Energy. In this role, you will be responsible for delivering an accurate, timely, and fully compliant payroll service in partnership with our external payroll provider. This is an excellent opportunity to play a key part in a global engineering organisation committed to quality, integrity, and innovation.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll Processing & Administration
* Deliver accurate weekly and monthly payrolls by coordinating with the external payroll provider and ensuring all required information is submitted within agreed deadlines.
* Work closely with HR to update all payroll‑related information, including starters, leavers, contractual changes, tax codes, earnings attachments, and sickness documentation.
* Review, verify, and process employee expense and subsistence claims in line with company policy.
Statutory Payments & Compliance
* Review calculations for maternity, paternity, statutory payments, salary sacrifice schemes, and childcare voucher amendments.
* Support the payroll provider with statutory submissions to HMRC, pension providers, and other regulatory bodies (e.g., PAYE, NIC, P11D, P32).
* Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of payroll legislation and HMRC requirements, ensuring all processes remain fully compliant.
Controls, Record‑Keeping & Audit
* Carry out regular checks to ensure the accuracy and completeness of payroll information supplied by the external payroll agency.
* Maintain and update employee vendor cards, ensuring records remain accurate and compliant.
* Ensure all payroll documentation is robust, well‑maintained, and audit‑ready; liaise directly with internal and external auditors when required.
* Maintain strict confidentiality and protect all sensitive employee data.
Systems, Processes & Support
* Respond to payroll‑related queries from employees and managers, delivering clear and professional guidance.
* Refer any non‑payroll employment queries to HR as appropriate.
* Support wider Finance and HR teams with administrative or payroll‑related tasks as needed.
Health, Safety & Quality
* Adhere to all Health, Safety, Environmental, and Quality Management standards relevant to the role.
Essential Qualifications & Skills
* Strong understanding of payroll processes across both weekly and monthly cycles.
* Solid working knowledge of HMRC regulations, including PAYE, NIC, and statutory payment requirements (SMP, SPP, SSP).
* Experience handling payroll lifecycle updates such as starters, leavers, tax codes, and earnings attachments.
* High level of accuracy and attention to detail in managing numerical data.
* Strong organisational skills and ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (including formulas, VLOOKUPs, and data validation).
* Effective communication skills with the ability to explain payroll information clearly.
* Strong judgment and ability to escalate issues appropriately.
* Commitment to confidentiality and data protection principles.
Desirable
* Experience working with outsourced payroll providers.
* Ability to create payroll reports for department heads.
* Experience in a fast‑paced environment.
* Proactive approach to identifying inefficiencies and improving processes.
* Payroll qualification (e.g., CIPP Foundation/Technician).
Why Join Clarke Energy?
We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including:
* 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (with extended entitlement for long service).
* Holiday buy and sell scheme.
* 7% company pension contribution.
* Health care cash plan and life assurance.
* Hybrid working opportunities.
* Reward and recognition schemes.
* Continuous training and professional development.
About Clarke Energy
Clarke Energy is a globally recognised engineering, procurement, and construction contractor specialising in the design, installation, and maintenance of sustainable energy solutions. As the largest authorised distributor and service provider for INNIO's hydrogen‑ready reciprocating engines, we operate across 29 countries, delivering high‑integrity, high‑quality solutions that support the global transition towards net‑zero.
Our culture is built on integrity, innovation, and accountability, with a strong focus on employee development and customer satisfaction.
Ready to Make an Impact?
If you are a highly organised Payroll Officer with a passion for accuracy, compliance, and excellent service delivery, we would love to hear from you.