Payroll Specialist

Welcome to Juniper Education, where our mission is to champion educators, empowering them to shape future generations. We're more than just a support system; we're the driving force that propels schools and Academy Trusts to new heights. With our proven school education management systems and services, we address a spectrum of needs, ensuring excellence in education. In the education and tech industry, your work directly influences the lives of students and educators. Whether you're developing cutting-edge educational technology, supporting school leadership teams directly or designing solutions to enhance the learning experience, you could make a lasting and positive impact on the future. 

Our mission statement says it all: We look after you, so that you can look after our children. 

Dedicated to our core values, we are committed to: 

Empowerment: Equipping everyone with the tools, intelligence, connections, and freedom to make informed decisions, recognised and respected by all. 

Purpose: Supporting everyone to reach their highest potential, thereby enabling all children to achieve theirs. 

Passion: Because we love what you do, you’re at the heart of everything we do. 

Innovation: Delivering meaningful solutions with expertise and creative thinking to influence the ever-changing world of education. 

Collaboration: The cornerstone of our success as it enables us to collectively harness diverse perspectives and strengths, ensuring that together, we achieve more than we could ever do alone. Every voice counts! 

We are looking for a Payroll Specialist to join our team and support the efficient delivery of our payroll bureau services for a portfolio of education clients. In this role, you will ensure staff are paid accurately and on time, monthly reporting is delivered, and all statutory and year-end payroll returns are completed in line with HMRC requirements. 

You will play a key role in supporting payroll administrators, managing client relationships, and helping to continuously improve payroll processes across our bureau. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Assist in delivering accurate and timely payroll services for education clients 

• Process payroll documentation, maintain payroll records, and prepare payment files for BACS 

• Produce pre-payroll, month-end, year-to-date reports, and payslips securely for clients 

• Act as first-line support for payroll bureau administrators, resolving complex payroll queries 

• Serve as a point of contact for client account management, liaising with school bursars and business managers 

• Ensure pensions administration (auto-enrolment, re-enrolment, opt-in/out) is processed accurately 

• Maintain and update payroll software and client databases, ensuring enhancements are implemented timely 

• Ensure all RTI submissions and year-end returns are completed in line with HMRC guidelines 

• Identify and implement process improvements in consultation with the Payroll Manager 

• Provide guidance and training to payroll administrators as required 

• Liaise with external agencies such as HMRC, unions, and other third parties 

• Participate in projects and professional development opportunities to maintain up-to-date payroll knowledge 

About You 

• Minimum of 2 years’ payroll experience with a strong understanding of PAYE, NIC, and statutory payments 

• Full payroll lifecycle experience 

• Strong customer focus with excellent communication skills 

• Team player, approachable, and proactive 

• CIPP qualification desirable 

• Experience in education payroll desirable 

• Advanced Excel skills 

Interview process  

• 1st stage Interview  

We are committed to a fair and comfortable recruitment process, so if you require any reasonable adjustments during your application or interview process, please reach out to a member of the team at recruitment@junipereducation.org 

Juniper Education Benefits 

• Day 1 right to company sick pay 

• Enhanced annual leave entitlement 

• Opportunity to purchase additional leave 

• Entitlement to carry over leave to next entitlement year 

• Day 1 access to 24/7 GP & prescription services  

• Day 1 access to rewards platform 

• Cycle to work scheme 

• Enhanced maternity & adoption pay 

• Day 1 access to employee assistance platform 

• Funded development/Qualification opportunities 

• Voluntary health care cash plan 

• Voluntary private medical insurance 

• Plus more! 

Please note: We are unable to provide visa sponsorship at this time.  

Applications to be submitted by midnight 18th February 2026