The Trust is looking to appoint an experienced and highly effective Payroll and Pensions Officer who is committed to supporting the Multi Academy Trust in the delivery of an efficient and effective payroll, pension and benefits administration service. The Trust currently runs its payroll and third party payments via an outsourced provider, MHR’s iTrent.  This post has been created to establish in-house advice and compliance, freeing up our staff to pursue school improvement.

The Payroll & Pensions Officer will work seamlessly as a member of the People team while collaborating very closely with Finance colleagues, Headteachers and school business managers (Academy Business Partners) within the academies to ensure that pay and benefits are provided in a timely and accurate manner. The post will ensure the effective and efficient processing of the payroll in line with Trust policies, providing payroll advice and explanation to staff and managers.  Payroll inputting is carried out by Academy Business Partners and the People Team.

The role requires liaison with the various pension funds and employee benefits scheme providers to resolve queries and ensure smooth administrative practices.  The post will ensure adherence to good payroll, benefits and pension administration practice, implementing audit recommendations as appropriate.  The post holder will need to liaise closely with the external payroll provider and hold it to account for delivery of the service in line with the Service Level Agreement and contract.

Experience in using payroll systems is essential, as is a good understanding of teachers’ and school support staff pay and pension schemes, including the Burgundy and Green Book terms and conditions.  The ability to communicate complex pay and pension information clearly to a wide range of staff and managers in an understandable way is essential.  Candidates with substantial prior experience of iTrent are particularly welcomed.  Equally as important as technical ability and experience is the motivation to work as an effective and proactive team member, working together during peak activity.

This is a year-round post due to the need for monthly payroll processing.  However, there is flexibility otherwise in working days/times and a considerable amount of homeworking available, including during all school holidays.  The post is intended to be 80% of full time, which is 29.6 hours per week or 4 days per week.