Payroll & Pensions Officer

Role overview

Phenix Learning & Care Group is hiring a Payroll & Pensions Officer in Tiverton for a permanent full-time position. The role is central to making sure employees are paid accurately and on time while also supporting pension administration and compliance across the organisation. The post carries a salary of £30,775.68 per year, based on 37.5 hours each week over 52 weeks.

This opportunity sits at the intersection of payroll, pensions, compliance, reporting, and cross-team coordination. The successful person will help keep payroll operations running smoothly across multiple payrolls, support statutory and internal policy compliance, and contribute to the wider business through accurate data handling and project support.

Key duties

• Support managers in completing and approving monthly timesheets on time and in line with policy.
• Maintain absence information and ensure payroll data remains compliant with statutory and internal requirements.
• Assist the Payroll Manager with processing correct payments for around 750 employees across seven monthly payrolls.
• Work with HMRC rules, pension arrangements and variance analysis during payroll processing.
• Administer workplace pension schemes, including auto-enrolment checks, employee assessments, contribution calculations and submissions.
• Respond to pension questions, liaise with pension providers and keep pension records accurate and up to date.
• Ensure pension activity follows legislation, regulatory expectations and salary sacrifice rules.
• Carry out routine payroll audits and maintain database accuracy.
• Work with the Head of Finance, IT and ADP to troubleshoot and resolve system issues.
• Help prepare payroll-related budget information and support the annual budgeting cycle.
• Handle payroll queries and maintain compliance with data protection and GDPR requirements.
• Support the Payroll Manager with a payroll project, including implementation of changes and improvements.

What the employer is looking for

• Hands-on experience in internal payroll processing, including both academic and 52-week payrolls.
• Good understanding of payroll law and best practice; CIPP or a similar qualification is preferred.
• Strong accuracy and the ability to stay effective in a busy, deadline-led environment.
• Self-driven, adaptable and able to manage time well, with strong customer service skills.
• Comfortable working independently as well as collaboratively within a team.
• Solid IT capability, including practical use of Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook and Teams.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills and the ability to build effective working relationships across departments, with managers and stakeholders.

Rewards and benefits

• Permanent full-time employment at 37.5 hours per week.
• Annual salary of £30,775.68.
• 9-day fortnight working pattern.
• 28 days of annual leave, inclusive of public holidays.
• Pension contributions of 5% from the employee and 3% from the employer.
• Access to learning and development opportunities.
• Discounts through Blue Light Card and the company benefits platform.
• Mental health and wellbeing support, including monthly confidential check-ins and group reflective practice sessions.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Enhanced DBS cost covered by the employer.
• After 12 months of service, eligibility for Medicash, life assurance at 2x annual salary and additional retail discounts.

Additional information

This role requires an enhanced DBS check. Successful applicants will also go through pre-employment screening, including online and social media checks, and reference validation. The organisation states that it values diversity and aims to provide an inclusive workplace where people can bring their authentic selves to work without discrimination.

The position offers exposure to payroll work across care and education settings, including multiple payrolls and compliance-heavy processes. It is suited to someone who enjoys detail, pace and meaningful work with measurable impact.

Working environment

The role is based onsite in Tiverton, England, United Kingdom.