Key Achievements:
- Assisted in processing payroll accurately and on time for all employees, reducing errors by 20%.
- Helped reconcile payroll records and deductions, recovering £3,000 in discrepancies.
- Streamlined data entry processes, saving the payroll team 5–10 hours per month.
- Supported audit preparation and statutory filings, contributing to error-free compliance.
- Improved employee query response times, enhancing overall satisfaction with payroll services.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Assist in the preparation and processing of payroll for employees.
- Maintain and update employee records, including starters, leavers, and changes to salary or benefits.
- Support payroll reconciliations, including tax, social security, and other statutory deductions.
- Assist with statutory payroll filings such as PAYE, NI (UK) or IRS filings (US).
- Respond to employee payroll queries and resolve discrepancies promptly.
- Support month-end and year-end payroll processes, including reconciliations and reporting.
- Assist with payroll data entry and maintenance in payroll systems.
- Prepare supporting schedules and documentation for audits.
- Collaborate with HR to ensure accurate employee information is reflected in payroll records.
- Help track deadlines and ensure timely payroll submissions.
- Monitor payroll accounts for accuracy and compliance.
- Assist with processing expense claims and reimbursements as part of payroll administration.
- Support process improvements and efficiency initiatives in payroll operations.
- Ensure adherence to internal controls, company policies, and statutory regulations.
- Maintain confidentiality and security of all payroll information.
- Participate in training and continuous professional development (CPD).
- Provide general administrative support to the payroll team as required.
- Assist in preparing reports and summaries for payroll management.
- Support cross-functional teams on payroll-related queries and projects.
- Contribute to ensuring compliance with payroll procedures and best practice.
What does a Payroll Assistant do?
A Payroll Assistant supports the payroll team by processing employee payroll information, maintaining payroll records and assisting with payroll calculations. They help ensure employees receive accurate and timely salary payments while supporting compliance with payroll legislation.
What qualifications do you need to become a Payroll Assistant?
Many employers recruit Payroll Assistants with previous administrative experience, GCSEs, A-Levels or relevant payroll qualifications. Experience using payroll software and a good understanding of Microsoft Excel can also be advantageous.
What skills are important for a Payroll Assistant?
Payroll Assistants require excellent attention to detail, organisational ability and numerical accuracy. Strong communication skills, confidentiality and the ability to work to strict payroll deadlines are equally important.
What career progression is available for a Payroll Assistant?
Payroll Assistants often progress into Payroll Administrator, Payroll Coordinator, Payroll Specialist, Payroll Supervisor or Payroll Manager positions as they gain experience.
What software do Payroll Assistants typically use?
Payroll Assistants commonly work with payroll systems such as Sage Payroll, ADP, Iris, Moorepay or Oracle, alongside Microsoft Excel and HR information systems.