Payroll Assistant
Axminster / Plymouth / Weston-Super-Mare / Exeter / Bideford

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.

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

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.

Attributes, Skills, Experience and Qualifications

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

• Experience of payroll processing.
• CIPP qualified would be preferred but not essential, as qualified by experience will also be considered.
• Good working knowledge of Word, Excel, Brightpay, Xero, Quickbooks and Sage.
• Experience of working in a practice-based environment preferred but not essential.
• 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.
• 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.

Terms / Benefits

• 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.

How to apply

To apply for this position, please upload your CV along with a covering letter providing information on why you feel you would be suitable for the role in particular in regards to the desired attributes, skills, experience and qualifications. Please also state your current salary (if applicable), salary expectations and available start date.