North East Learning TrustThe North East Learning Trust is a multi-academy trust founded by The Academy at Shotton Hall in Peterlee.A family of 13 schools, NELT also deliver initial teacher training through their outstanding school-based provider, North East SCITT, to ensure new teachers are trained to the highest standards. North East Learning Trust exists to give children across the North East of England the very best education and is founded on deeply held principles that every child has the right to an excellent education.The Trust holds a simple vision that "Every child experiences excellence every day." This is shared by all schools and staff in the Trust and is the guiding principle of everything they do. Nigel Wright are delighted to be partnering with North East Learning Trust as they embark on the next phase of their exciting growth journey.Job Role: Payroll AssistantJob Purpose:To administer the Trust’s payroll, providing essential support to the Payroll Manager ensuring the accurate, timely and effective processing of all payroll-related transactions while maintaining quality standards in accordance with Trust policies and statutory requirements.Reporting to the Payroll Manager, the Payroll Assistant will provide administrative support for all payroll activities. The post holder will be responsible for accurately processing payroll and pension changes, maintaining related systems, and ensuring all payroll-related tasks are completed within required timeframes.  Additionally, the Payroll Assistant will maintain up-to-date records in compliance with Trust policies and relevant legislation.Duties and responsibilities:

• Input and verify payroll data for accuracy under the Finance & Payroll Manager's direction.
• Process payroll records for joiners, leavers, retirements, and benefits accurately and on time, through monitoring of employee self-service workflows and other manual instructions.
• Calculate and process all payroll-related transactions, payments, deductions and statutory deductions.
• Prepare and review validation reports to reconcile payroll records and perform manual calculations of payments and statutory payments (e.g., SSP, SMP) when needed.
• Liaise with HR and business units on pensions, sickness, statutory leave, and staff changes.
• Issue tax forms (e.g. P45s) and manage system distribution of other statutory statements (e.g. P60’s and payslips).
• Act as systems administrator for HR Information System, including security, configuration, and housekeeping.
• Maintain and update payment, deduction, and calculation parameters.
• Administer the payroll inbox and address payroll-related queries daily.
• Support colleagues and employees with payroll deadlines, submissions, and best practice guidelines.
• Engage with auditors, regulators, and software vendors as needed.
• Assist with special projects, audit, year-end routines and other tasks as assigned by management.

The Ideal Candidate:The successful candidate will have:

• 5 GCSE's grade 9-4 (A-C) or equivalent, including English and Maths.
• Relevant qualifications in Payroll or an advanced apprenticeship as a Payroll Administrator or equivalent or the required experience. 
• Sound working knowledge of payroll systems.  iTrent being desirable.
• Some experience/knowledge of working  on the full end to end payroll process.
• Experience of accurately inputting data and maintaining records.
• Excellent IT skills including the use of Excel.
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to work as a team

Whats in it for you:

• Flexible working arrangements 
• Generous annual leave entitlement of 32 days plus bank holidays
• Local government pension scheme
• Modern office spaces 
• Many other benefits such as wellbeing resources, discounts and access to learning and development