The Role | Payroll Assistant

Welcome to Juniper Education, where our mission is to champion educators, empowering them to shape future generations. We're more than just a support system; we're the driving force that propels schools and Academy Trusts to new heights. With our proven school education management systems and services, we address a spectrum of needs, ensuring excellence in education. In the education and tech industry, your work directly influences the lives of students and educators. Whether you're developing cutting-edge educational technology, supporting school leadership teams directly or designing solutions to enhance the learning experience, you could make a lasting and positive impact on the future.

Our mission statement says it all: We look after you, so that you can look after our children.

Dedicated to our core values, we are committed to:

Empowerment: Equipping everyone with the tools, intelligence, connections, and freedom to make informed decisions, recognised and respected by all.

Purpose: Supporting everyone to reach their highest potential, thereby enabling all children to achieve theirs.

Passion: Because we love what you do, you’re at the heart of everything we do.

Innovation: Delivering meaningful solutions with expertise and creative thinking to influence the ever-changing world of education.

Collaboration: The cornerstone of our success as it enables us to collectively harness diverse perspectives and strengths, ensuring that together, we achieve more than we could ever do alone. Every voice counts!

Are you an experienced payroll professional looking to make a difference in the education sector? We’re seeking a Payroll Assistant to join our friendly and supportive team, helping to deliver an efficient payroll and pension administration service for a network of schools.

The Role:

Reporting to the Payroll Manager, you’ll play a key role in ensuring school staff are paid accurately and on time, while supporting monthly and year-end reporting processes. You’ll act as a point of contact for School Bursars and Business Managers and work closely with external agencies including HMRC and Teachers’ Pensions.

• Process payroll documentation and maintain accurate records
• Prepare and check data for BACS payments
• Generate and distribute payslips, reports and year-to-date summaries
• Act as the first point of contact for client schools regarding payroll queries
• Liaise with external agencies including HMRC and pension providers
• Support pension processes including auto-enrolment and re-enrolment
• Maintain payroll software and ensure timely updates
• Provide training and support to school-based staff on payroll matters

What we’re looking for:

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in payroll
• Strong understanding of PAYE, NIC and statutory payments
• Experience with end-to-end payroll processing
• A collaborative and customer-focused approach
• Excellent Excel skills
• CIPP qualification (desirable)
• Experience working in education payroll (desirable)

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to further their payroll career in a purpose-driven environment. You’ll be part of a collaborative team making a real impact in schools across the region.

Juniper Education Benefits

• Day 1 right to company sick pay
• Enhanced annual leave entitlement
• Opportunity to purchase additional leave
• Entitlement to carry over leave to next entitlement year
• Day 1 access to 24/7 GP & prescription services
• Day 1 access to rewards platform
• Cycle to work scheme
• Enhanced maternity & adoption pay
• Day 1 access to employee assistance platform
• Funded development/Qualification opportunities
• Voluntary health care cash plan
• Voluntary private medical insurance
• Plus more!