Payroll Analyst

About Avante Care & Support

Avante Care & Support is a leading provider of high-quality residential and community care dedicated to older adults, operating primarily across Kent and South East London.

Role Overview

Situated at Avante Care & Support’s Head Office in Faversham, this role requires occasional visits to various care services in Kent and South East London. As a vital contributor to the Payroll Team, the Payroll Analyst will manage the preparation of monthly and four-weekly payroll cycles, ensuring employee payroll information is accurate and consistently maintained.

Keeping current with payroll and pension legislation, including HMRC updates, is crucial to ensure all practices remain compliant. The role also supports the Payroll Manager by assisting in data collection and reporting activities.

Main Responsibilities

• Complete payroll processes smoothly and within the required schedules.
• Develop and implement payroll procedures and guidance to minimize errors and enhance operational efficiency.
• Oversee administration tasks related to pensions and employee benefits.
• Manage the life assurance scheme utilizing payroll data.
• Handle employee lifecycle administration including right-to-work verification, compliance, and onboarding support.
• Address queries related to payslips, tax, pension, and benefits.
• Collaborate with the People and Organisational Development department to introduce processes improving recruitment and absence management linked to payroll.
• Verify payroll reconciliations and ensure accurate entries to the nominal ledger.
• Assist in the year-end audit both before and during the audit period.
• Meet all payroll and reporting deadlines, adhering strictly to the year-end schedule.
• Provide cost analysis and updates regularly.
• Aid the Payroll Manager in gathering data for both statutory and internal reports.

Internal Audit Duties

• Conduct routine internal payroll audits across all Avante service locations.
• Document audit outcomes and ensure resolution of any issues identified.
• Communicate audit results to Payroll and Finance Managers.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support home administration teams and other departments as necessary.
• Comply with Avante Care & Support’s policies covering confidentiality, health and safety, and fire regulations at all times.
• Uphold and promote the company’s Equal Opportunities Policy, appreciating cultural and social diversity.

Candidate Profile

• Possess a minimum of five years’ experience in a payroll environment, ideally addressing all aspects described in this role.
• Hold a CIPP Level 3 qualification and maintain ongoing Continuous Professional Development (CPD).
• Exhibit the ability to prioritize tasks effectively and meet tight deadlines.
• Demonstrate strong communication abilities, capable of explaining complex information clearly across various teams and management levels.
• Show proficiency in Microsoft Excel including advanced functions such as lookups and conditional summations.
• Experience with Workforce and Staffology payroll software is preferable.
• Possess excellent presentation and analytical skills, particularly in assessing payroll procedures.
• Be adept at monitoring data and simplifying documentation and reporting workflows.
• Thrive under pressure with a determined and collaborative team-oriented approach.
• Hold a valid driving license and have access to a vehicle to visit services for audits and meetings.
• Be able to pass a DBS check as this role requires occasional attendance at care homes.

Why Join Avante Care & Support?

This role offers the chance to become an integral part of the payroll function, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in payroll delivery. Collaboration across multiple departments such as Payroll, Finance, and People and Organisational Development creates a dynamic work environment.

Benefits

• Complimentary DBS check
• Participation in a pension scheme
• Access to 24/7 GP and wellbeing support
• Life Insurance coverage
• Staff recognition programs
• Discounts with over 800 retailers