Payroll Assistant

We are seeking a highly organised and detail-oriented Payroll Assistant to join our busy finance team. The successful candidate will have previous payroll experience, ideally within the construction industry, with a strong understanding of CIS , subcontractor payments, statutory payments, and payroll administration.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment and takes pride in ensuring employees and subcontractors are paid accurately and on time.

Key Responsibilities

• Process weekly and monthly payrolls accurately and within deadlines.
• Administer payroll for employees and subcontractors.
• Process subcontractor payments in line with CIS regulations.
• Calculate and apply CIS deductions correctly.
• Verify subcontractor status with HMRC where required.
• Process statutory payments including:
  • Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
  • Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) (where applicable)
  • Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) (where applicable)
• Calculate deductions including tax, National Insurance, pensions, attachment of earnings, and other authorised deductions.
• Ensure payroll records are maintained accurately and confidentially.
• Process starters, leavers, salary changes and holiday pay.
• Reconcile payroll reports and resolve payroll queries promptly.
• Prepare payroll journals and assist with payroll reporting.
• Maintain accurate CIS records and assist with monthly CIS returns.
• Liaise with HMRC regarding payroll and CIS queries.
• Ensure compliance with current payroll legislation and company policies.
• Provide excellent support to employees and subcontractors regarding payroll enquiries.
• Assist with year-end payroll processes, including P60s and other statutory requirements.

Skills & Experience

Previous experience in a Payroll Assistant or Payroll Administrator role.

Good understanding of payroll legislation.

Experience processing subcontractor payments.

Working knowledge of the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS).

Experience calculating CIS deductions.

Knowledge of Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).

Understanding of PAYE, National Insurance and pension deductions.

Strong numerical and analytical skills.

Excellent attention to detail.

Ability to manage confidential information.

Strong organisational and time management skills.

Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.

Excellent communication skills.

Desirable

Experience within the construction industry.

Experience using payroll software such as Sage Payroll, Construct or similar.

Knowledge of auto-enrolment pensions.

AAT qualification or payroll qualification (desirable but not essential).

Personal Attributes

Reliable and trustworthy.

Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.

Able to work independently and as part of a team.

Proactive with a positive attitude.

Able to prioritise workload and meet strict deadlines.

Professional and approachable.

Benefits

Competitive salary.

Company pension.

Holiday entitlement.

Training and development opportunities.

Supportive working environment.

Career progression opportunities.