At AQA, we’re committed to advancing education and we’re committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK, we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and it’s our people who make this happen.
Payroll Administrator
Permanent
Manchester: £23,530 - £26,670
Hybrid Working
Think your attention to detail could help pay up to 40,000 Exam Board Associates on time?
Imagine being the go-to expert for payroll accuracy and compliance.
Ready to make a measurable impact in a high-trust environment?
At AQA, we know that accurate payroll is more than just numbers—it’s about trust, precision, and service. If you're confident with payroll systems and spreadsheets and thrive on getting things right first time, this could be your next step.
As a Payroll Administrator, you’ll be part of a team responsible for delivering timely and accurate payroll services to our Associates (Examiner, Moderators) on a weekly basis. You’ll handle everything from processing starters and leavers to managing Associate expenses and ensuring compliance with PAYE, NIC, pensions, and auto-enrolment regulations. You’ll also be the first point of contact for payroll queries, working closely with internal teams and external partners like MHR Global.
You’ll gain exposure to a wide range of payroll processes, contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, and play a key role in safeguarding data and financial accuracy — while also handling enquiries and providing clear, timely support to stakeholders.
What’s in it for me?
What do I need to be successful?
Ready to apply?
Whether you're looking to grow your expertise or bring your payroll skills to a new setting, we’d love to hear from you. Read the full job description, then upload your most recent CV along with a cover letter explaining why your skills and experience make you the perfect fit for this role.
You could wait until applications close at 23:59 on Sunday 13th July to apply, but we will be interviewing as applications come in and reserve the right to close the advert early should we find the right person, so apply today.
Interviews will be held face to face in the Manchester office from week beginning 21st July.
All applications will receive a response.
AQA is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone—regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background—is valued, respected, and supported to thrive.
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Summary
Deliver designated administration activity for all monthly and weekly payroll preparation and production within AQA, including administration of employee expenses, ensuring that an accurate, efficient, consistent and compliant service is delivered in line with the Payroll department objectives, key performance indicators and service level agreements.Section 1 – Accountabilities
Customer (External or Internal)
Ensures consistent and effective customer service is delivered to all internal and external customers; and builds productive and collaborative working relationships to ensure successful delivery of service level agreements.
Proactively handles first line internal and external customer queries, using appropriate communication channels and escalating where appropriate, in order to ensure that customers’ expectations are managed effectively and that all queries are followed up in a timely and efficient manner, delivering excellent customer experience at all times.
Demonstrates commercial flexibility by undertaking other responsibilities which are of a commensurate level as business needs change.
Finance
Ensures that all transactional processes are executed on time, with high levels of accuracy and as efficiently as possible to improve the overall cost efficiency of the department and minimise the risk of error which could result in a financial impact.
Proactively keeps abreast of developments in legislation and best practice relating to PAYE, NIC, auto enrolment, pensions and other payroll related activity to raise the level of expertise and quality of advice within the department providing the organisation with a value for money service.
Internal Processes
Ensures all business process that impact on payroll, such as starters/leavers and annual salary reviews are delivered effectively and collaborate with internal colleagues to find solutions to issues that could hinder the ability to provide timely and accurate payments to colleagues.
Takes personal responsibility for the effective delivery of the payroll cycle of work using judgement to refer or resolve issues and meets or exceeds established service levels and KPIs in line with departmental objectives maximising AQA’s ability to meet its strategic objectives
Protects AQA’s reputation and minimises risk by ensuring the security processes for various electronic files, reports, and documentation are followed, all data is up-to-date and password protected and access is managed and auditable as appropriate.
Drives a culture of continuous improvement by seeking opportunities for development of the process and procedures operating within Payroll to maximise the overall efficiency and performance of the Payroll department.
Ensures AQA is safe and legally compliant by applying AQA’s policies and other legislative requirements including but not limited to HSE, Equal Opportunities and ISMS.
People and Culture
Takes personal responsibility for career and personal development and growth by seeking opportunities to improve knowledge skills and experience and fully participating in performance management discussions, coaching opportunities and objective setting.
Supports and inspires peers and other team members to deliver high levels of performance by modelling corporate behaviours with confidence and providing feedback and support to achieve a high performing team status.
Section 2 – Key Relationships
Key internal relationships:
Department Managers
Colleagues and Associates
People Services Team
Pensions Manager
Key external relationships:
SAGE Helpdesk
Schools and Centres contacts
Section 3 – Person Profile
Knowledge
Sound knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of payroll processing - A/I
Good understanding of the need for financial controls, data protection and confidentiality - I/P
Qualification
Holding or working towards the CIPP Technician qualification - A
Good standard of education including Maths and English - Grade C or above - A
Skills
Highly effective communication and interpersonal skills - A/I
Strong keyboard skills, including proficiency in the use of desktop word processing, excel spread sheets and email software - A/I
Ability to use computerised business systems with speed and accuracy - A/I/P
Ability to deal with written and telephone enquiries from internal and external customers effectively - A/I/P
A high level of customer service focus - A/I/P
Able to work effectively as part of a team - A/I/P
Methodical and accurate methods of working - A/I/P
Highly numerate - A
Behaviours
Communication - I/P
Flexibility - I/P
Customer focused - I/P
Personal contribution - I/P
Continuous excellence - I/P
Experience
2 years’ experience of working in an end to end payroll environment - A/I
Experience of working in a service driven environment to deadlines - A/I
AQA’s Behaviour Framework which is assessed through the selection/probation process
Assessment key (criteria to be assessed at the selection stage)
A – application (it is essential to provide evidence on application for shortlisting purposes)
I - interview
T – test (or work sample)
P – probation
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