Payroll and Finance Assistant

POST: PAYROLL AND FINANCE ASSISTANT

RESPONSIBLE TO: HEAD OF FINANCE

Work pattern: Full-time or Part-time
Location: Head Office, Carlisle

Job Purpose
The Payroll and Finance Assistant will be primarily responsible for the accurate and timely processing of
weekly payroll for approximately 80–100 employees, supporting the monthly payroll for salaried staff, and
managing related statutory submissions and reporting. The role will also provide administrative ad hoc
accounts assistant duties, including providing cover for the purchase and sales ledger functions when
required and for a full time role, may utilise your skills to assist other departments within the business.

Please note that for a part time position, due to the timing of the payroll processing, the working hours would
predominantly be at the front end of the week.

About you
About You
You are an organised and detail-focused individual with a strong foundation in payroll administration and a
willingness to support wider business functions. You take pride in delivering accurate work and thrive in a
role where confidentiality, reliability, and professionalism are essential. You’re a team player who enjoys
helping others and are comfortable working across different departments to meet shared deadlines and
objectives.

You’re also adaptable and open to supporting general finance and administrative tasks, bringing a flexible
and proactive approach to day-to-day operations. Whether processing weekly wages, booking travel and
accommodation, or assisting with ledger entries, you’re someone who gets the job done efficiently and with
care.

To be successful in this role, you will:

• Have experience working in a payroll function, ideally including weekly payroll processing.
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of PAYE, National Insurance, RTI submissions, pensions, and

CIS.

• Be confident using payroll software and Microsoft Excel for data entry, reconciliations, and

reporting.

• Show excellent attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in all aspects of business administration.
• Be able to handle confidential information with integrity and discretion at all times.
• Work well independently, but also thrive in a collaborative team environment.
• Be organised and able to manage multiple tasks and deadlines without compromising quality.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with staff, managers, and external bodies when required.

• Be open to learning new systems and processes, and willing to assist across purchase/sales ledger

duties and other admin tasks as needed.

Key Responsibilities
Payroll Duties:

• Accurately prepare and process weekly payroll for hourly-paid employees (circa 80–100 staff),

ensuring correct pay, overtime, bonuses, and deductions.

• Assist with monthly payroll for salaried staff, including directors and senior managers.

• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements including Real Time Information (RTI) submissions

to HMRC.

• Administer and report on pensions, including auto-enrolment duties and submissions to pension

providers.

• Process Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) payments and deductions for subcontractors.

• Maintain accurate payroll records and audit trails in accordance with internal and external audit

requirements.

• Prepare payroll-related reports and costing analysis to support internal budget control and project

costing.

• Reconcile payroll control accounts as needed and assist with year-end payroll processes including

P60s

• Liaise with employees to resolve payroll queries in a timely and professional manner.

Accounts Assistant Duties:

• Provide occasional cover and support to the accounts team, including:

o Processing purchase ledger invoices and supplier payments.

o Sales ledger tasks such as invoice generation and credit control follow-up.

o Filing and document management.

o Assisting with month-end procedures and reconciliations as directed.

Other Duties

• Provide administrative support for other departments within the business, where required

Other Responsibilities
Confidentiality
To observe and maintain strict confidentiality in respect of guests, clients and all company information.

Health and Safety
To carry out the duties in accordance with the company’s Health and Safety policies and procedures.

Diversity
Have due regard to equal opportunities at all times, and to work in a fair and reasonable manner towards all
people, ensuring service standards are maintained for all staff.

Quality
Provide support in striving to create a client service culture with total commitment to quality.

Other Duties
The duties and responsibilities in this role profile are not exhaustive. The post holder may be required to
undertake other duties from time to time within the general scope of the post. Any such duties should not
substantially change the general character of the post. Duties and responsibilities outside the general scope
of this grade of post will be mutually agreed with the post holder.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

PAYROLL AND FINANCE ASSISTANT

All criteria detailed below are essential, unless stated as “D” (desirable).

Criteria Competency

Education and
qualifications

• GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths at Grade C / 4 or above.
• A recognised payroll qualification or AAT Level 2 or above would be desirable, but

not essential where relevant experience has been achieved (D)

Experience, knowledge
and understanding

• Excellent numerical/analytical skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Good organisational skills
• Good time management and the ability to work to deadlines
• Minimum one year’s experience in a payroll or accounts role.
• Experience of Microsoft Office programs.

Skills

• Approachable, professional, and a good team player.
• Methodical and process-driven, with a proactive approach to problem solving.
• Confident communicator with good interpersonal skills.
• Reliable and able to work with minimal supervision when needed.

Personal qualities and
commitment

• Adopt a proactive, “can-do” attitude.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality
• Flexible approach to work tasks with a willingness to support the business where

required

Other factors
• Right to work in the UK

• Satisfactory DBS and reference checks
• Willingness to work flexible hours where required