Job Description

This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic experienced payroll professional to join our busy Finance team.

Reporting directly to the Finance Director and working closely with the Finance Manager and HR team, this role has overall responsibility for managing and administering the payroll and pension systems for approx. 650 staff, covering all aspects of the operation across the whole school.

To be successful in this role you will have relevant qualifications and have experience of managing large payroll and pension schemes. In addition, you will be a team player with a positive "can do" attitude, flexible approach, and excellent interpersonal skills.

Previous experience within an educational setting would be an advantage but is not essential.

We aspire to deliver exceptional every day, whilst creating a welcoming and supportive environment where individuals can thrive, find their exceptional, and be celebrated. Our 3 cornerstone values are Humility, Engagement and Kindness. If this sounds like a cultural fit for you, and you meet the job requirements, we would love to hear from you.

MORE INFORMATION & HOW TO APPLY

The post is permanent, 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

We encourage you to apply even if you feel that you do not meet all the required qualifications. Frequently cited statistics show that women and underrepresented groups are more likely to only apply to jobs if they meet 100% of the listed qualifications. We encourage you to break that statistic and apply if you think you have what it takes to join us.

CLOSING DATE

The closing date for receipt of applications is midday on Sunday 14th December 2025, however, please note that early applications are encouraged as they will be reviewed as received, and the vacancy may close early should a successful appointment be made.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

Taunton School is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of gender, marital status, sexual orientation, race, ethnic origin, nationality, religion, disability, or age. We particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups.

Candidates will be assessed against relevant criteria only (i.e. skills, qualifications, abilities, experience) in selection and recruitment.

SAFEGUARDING

Taunton School operates in a regulated sector and adheres to the Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) statutory guidance. We are committed to working together to safeguard children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

If you are shortlisted for interview the HR team may carry out an online search via Google to check presence and activity, as part of the School's due diligence. As a regulated sector we are required to request references prior to interview unless your permission is not granted.

Offers of employment are subject to satisfactory safeguarding and pre-employment checks as part of the School's due diligence, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. These include, but are not limited to, ID and Right to Work in the UK, satisfactory references, a successful enhanced DBS check, and satisfactory online searches.

This job is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and subsequent amendments. You are not entitled to withhold information about convictions which would otherwise be considered as 'spent'. All applicants must therefore declare all previous convictions and cautions, including those that would normally be considered "spent", except those that are classed as protected offences.

It is a condition of employment that the employee should not have been convicted of a criminal offence against children, nor have been dismissed from or resigned from a previous employer for misconduct of a similar nature.

If you have not heard from us within 2 weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has unfortunately been unsuccessful. Due to numbers of applications received for our jobs, we do not provide feedback at this stage.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 30,000.00-34,500.00 per year

Benefits:

Additional leave Bereavement leave Company events Company pension Cycle to work scheme Discounted or free food Employee discount Enhanced maternity leave Enhanced paternity leave Free or subsidised travel Free parking Health & wellbeing programme On-site gym Referral programme Sick pay
Application question(s):

Do you hold a CIPP or equivalent qualification?
Experience:

Payroll: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person