Payroll Technician

As part of a supportive and collaborative team, you will help deliver accurate, timely and compliant payroll services to a large and diverse workforce. The team is responsible for processing payroll changes, maintaining employee records, supporting payroll enquiries and ensuring payroll activities are completed in line with statutory requirements, University policies and payroll deadlines. Working closely with colleagues across Payroll & Pensions, Human Resources and other departments, you will contribute to providing a professional, customer-focused service while developing valuable knowledge and experience within payroll administration. We are committed to continuous improvement, teamwork and service excellence, creating an environment where colleagues are supported to learn, develop and build rewarding careers., We are seeking a Senior Payroll Technician to join the Payroll & Pensions team and support the delivery of accurate, timely and compliant payroll services across King's College London. In this role, you will be responsible for delivering a high-quality and customer-focused payroll service across the University. The post holder will provide technical support to Payroll Team Leads and offer operational cover during periods of absence. They will take responsibility for managing payroll overpayments, working closely with the Payroll Manager and communicating effectively with affected employees to ensure timely and appropriate resolution. The role holder will support the Payroll Manager in addressing urgent operational priorities and will develop broad expertise across all areas of the payroll function. They will actively contribute to payroll process improvement and modernisation initiatives, identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and service delivery. This includes creating clear process documentation, visual guides, and training materials to support knowledge sharing and team development. The Senior Payroll Technician will be expected to mentor, coach, and upskill colleagues, providing support across all levels of the team through shadowing and knowledge transfer. They will also build and maintain strong working relationships with stakeholders across Finance, HR, and other University departments. This is a full-time post (35 hours per week). The successful candidate will be offered a fixed-term contract for 12 months., At King's, we believe that the diversity of our community and a culture that is welcoming, open, inclusive and collaborative, are great strengths of the university. The Equality Act of 2010 protects the rights of our students and staff and provides a framework to fulfil our duties to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and in addition, to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between those who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. At times, this will include balancing rights and beliefs that can feel in tension. We are committed to free speech and to academic freedom, believing that our foundational purpose as a university, is to create spaces where a wide range of ideas, including ideas that are controversial, can be discussed and debated, and where members of our community can express lawful views without fear of intimidation, harassment or discrimination. When engaging in the robust exchange of ideas, we ask that our community is mindful of our Dignity at King's guidance. We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the person specification section of the job description. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible. Artificial intelligence (AI) is evolving rapidly, and we recognise its growing role in professional work. Applicants may use AI tools to support preparation of their application, for example to research the role or structure written responses. However, applications must reflect the applicant's own work and experience. AI tools should not be used during interviews or assessment activities unless this has been agreed in advance as a reasonable adjustment. Further guidance on the use of AI in recruitment can be found We reserve the right to close adverts early due to the volume of applications we receive. While the closing date may change, all adverts will close at 23:59 to allow sufficient time for applications to be submitted on that day. We encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment as once we have closed a vacancy you will be unable to submit your application. To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our pages.

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience: Essential criteria

• Demonstrable experience working in a payroll environment, including processing payroll transactions and resolving payroll queries.
• Strong knowledge of payroll legislation and statutory requirements, including PAYE, National Insurance, pensions, family leave and statutory payments.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities, work autonomously and meet strict payroll deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail, analytical skills and commitment to maintaining accuracy, confidentiality and compliance when handling payroll data.
• Ability to perform complex payroll calculations accurately, including Gross-to-Net calculations, pension contributions and payroll adjustments.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to explain complex payroll matters clearly and professionally.
• Experience identifying and implementing process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy and customer service.
• Experience of investigating and resolving payroll discrepancies, overpayments or complex payroll issues.
Desirable criteria
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Outlook and Word
• Experience using integrated HR and Payroll systems and producing payroll reports or data analysis.
• CIPP Qualification, or working towards a recognised payroll qualification
• Experience leading or contributing to payroll process improvement, system enhancement, or transformation projects.
• Experience of University or public sector payroll & pension arrangements
  
  King's College London is a world-leading university with a strong commitment to excellence in education, research and professional services. The Payroll & Pensions team sits within Finance, Procurement & Analytics and provides a vital service to employees across the University.
  
  Grade and Salary : £39,076 - £43,909 per annum inclusive of London Weighting Allowance Job ID : 158425