Payroll Assistant

We are currently looking for a Payroll Assistant to join us on a permanent full time / part-time basis in either our Axminster, Bideford, Exeter, Plymouth or Weston-Super-Mare office.

Main Duties

Have a strong level of understanding processing payroll from end to end.

The main duties (but not limited to) are the following:

• Collect, compile, and enter payroll data using appropriate software.


• Calculate and post payroll deductions.


• Process payroll by established deadlines.


• Reconcile employee deductions.


• Investigate and correct payroll discrepancies and errors.


• Update payroll records by recording changes including auto enrolment pension, loan payments, salary increases.


• Process new employees, terminations, and transfers.


• Calculate holiday entitlement.


• Prepare and print payroll reports of earnings, hours worked, PAYE tax and National Insurance, auto enrolment pension, holiday.


• Address employee's pay-related concerns and provide accurate payroll information.


• Develop, manage and maintain comprehensive payroll records.


• Ensure compliance with HMRC regulations and guidelines.


• Assistance with general office administration duties from time to time.


This job description summarises the main duties and responsibilities of the post, however the list is not exhaustive as the post-holder may be required to undertake other duties and projects of similar level and responsibility.

Ideally candidates will have the following attributes, skills, experience, and qualifications:

• Experience of payroll processing.


• Analytical, methodical, and numerical.


• A positive attitude, friendly and personable


• Resilient, able to multi-task and work independently / flexibly.


• Adaptable, organised, and conscientious.


• Takes the initiative, ability to prioritise and meet deadlines whilst working within a pressured environment.


• Professional and team orientated in approach.


• Good working knowledge of Word, Excel, Brightpay, Xero, Quickbooks and Sage.


• Experience of delivering exceptional customer service in an office-based working environment.


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with proven accuracy and an eye for detail.


• Ability to learn new IT skills quickly.


• Qualified by experience or CIPP qualified.


• Experience of working in a practice-based environment preferred but not essential.
  
  Westcotts is a Top 50+50 Accountancy Practice and Real Living Wage Employer with over 280 team members based in 16 offices across Devon and Somerset.
  
  Ideally 36.25 hours / 5 days per week however part time hours / days can also be considered.


• Flexible and hybrid or office working available.


• Annual salary review


• 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays increasing to 25 days plus bank holidays after 3 years' service.


• Death in service 3 x annual salary.


• Access to Westfield Rewards and Health scheme.


• 24-hour external Employee Assistance Programme helpline.


• Flexible benefits including Buy and Sell holiday, Cycle to Work, Payroll Charity Giving and Private Medical Insurance.


• Introducing clients and staff commission schemes.


• Pension 3% rising to 4% (but matched up to 6%) after 4 years' service.