Job Description

POST: PAYROLL AND FINANCE ASSISTANT (FTC)

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, life assurance 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 and P11d.
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

o 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

o Right to work in the UK


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