Payroll Advisor

Place Partnership are seeking to appoint an experienced Payroll Advisor to lead our end-to-end payroll service, ensuring every colleague across our Trust is paid accurately, on time, and in full compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements. Working within our central HR Shared Services function, the successful candidate will manage the relationship with our external payroll provider and respond to complex payroll, pension, and salary queries from colleagues across the Trust. The role requires demonstrable experience in payroll management, reconciliation, validation, authorisation, audits, and year-end processes. They will combine strong numerical, analytical and IT skills with excellent relationship management both internally and externally. Reporting to the HR Operations Manager and line managing the Payroll Assistant, they will build capacity, resilience, and high standards within the payroll function. Working closely with both the HR and Finance Shared Services Teams, the Payroll Advisor will undertake work specific to the education sector, including supporting the timely submission of the School Workforce Census (SWC) and the accurate administration and reconciliation of Teachers' Pensions (TPS) and the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). They will ensure working with our third party payroll provider that statutory payments, auto-enrolment duties and HMRC requirements are met, maintaining clear audit trails across multiple academies. The successful candidate will be committed to delivering an excellent customer experience, with the confidence to challenge data and resolve anomalies. They will strengthen controls and streamline processes, so our payroll service remains robust, responsive, and fit for purpose in a busy, people-centred education environment.

• Experienced in statutory payroll compliance and pension scheme processes, including TPS and LGPS.
• Highly organised, detail-focused, and data-driven.
• An excellent communicator with the ability to explain complex matters clearly to a range of stakeholders.
• Professional, discreet, and able to handle highly confidential information with integrity.
• Proactive and enthusiastic, with a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Positive, collaborative, and an effective team player with strong leadership skills.
  
  The successful candidate will be based in either Maltby or Wakefield Central Offices, depending on their current location.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking and ambitious organisation, driven by a genuine passion for the wellbeing, care and education of young people. Place Partnership represents the voluntary merger of two strong and successful Trusts in South and West Yorkshire: Maltby Learning Trust, established in 2014, and Accord Multi Academy Trust, founded in 2016. Both organisations shared a clear ambition - to grow our families of schools, extend the impact of our work, and ensure more children, families and communities could benefit from high-quality education. We recognise that by coming together, we will create a larger organisation with greater capacity to deliver exceptional learning experiences, strengthen school improvement, and contribute more meaningfully to the wider education system. From 1 September 2026, we will comprise 12 academies, supporting children and young people from early years through to Post 16. We treat people with care and compassion, building belonging, and hold high expectations because everyone matters. We recognise that our people are our greatest strength, and as such, we offer a comprehensive suite of benefits as part of our commitment to wellbeing and professional growth. For full details, please see our recruitment pack.