Payroll Officer

Are you looking for a varied and rewarding role within a purpose-led organisation? We’re seeking a Payroll Officer to join our supportive central HR team.

• This is a fixed term contract for 12 months to cover maternity leave
• Part time – 27.5 hours per week. Ideally the hours will be worked over five days, however, for the right candidate we can be flexible and are willing to discuss preferred working hours if you are selected for interview.
• Actual salary is circa £21,710 per annum. The full-time equivalent salary is circa £29,605 per annum.
• Excellent benefits – including pro rata of 28 days leave + bank holidays, life assurance, a health cash plan + much more (see the full list below)
• We are open to this role being hybrid with some remote / home working

Love where you work!

Established in 1943, our network of Learning Locations provides day and residential outdoor education courses for all ages. We aim to create outstanding opportunities for everyone to learn about nature.

We value each of our team members and understand that every role is vital to deliver our mission, so, we provide great benefits* to reward and support you while you work with us.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll help deliver accurate monthly payroll administration, support colleagues across our UK-wide network, and play a key part in an exciting project to review and potentially upgrade our HR/payroll systems. Your responsibilities will include:

• Processing monthly payroll changes (new starters, leavers, pay updates, statutory payments)
• Supporting managers with queries and system use (ResourceLink)
• Maintaining accurate employee data and records
• Generating reports and supporting HR data needs
• Contributing to systems improvement and change projects

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with systems, data, and people—and who values getting the details right.

Where you’ll be based

The role is based at Field Studies Council Head Office, near Shrewsbury, with hybrid working options available. Your time in the office will be dependent on business needs.

Our Head Office is situated on the same estate as our Preston Montford Field Centre. The 12-hectare site is managed to provide a rich range of habitats, including ponds, a wildflower meadow, ancient orchard, the remains of a walled garden and even a Bee hotel!

Who we’re looking for

• Experience in payroll, with confidence using payroll systems (ResourceLink experience is a bonus)
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organisational skills
• Knowledge of current payroll and employment legislation
• A professional and proactive approach, able to work both independently and as part of a team
• A positive attitude aligned with the values and mission of the Field Studies Council

If you don’t meet every requirement but feel you have the right skills and attitude, we’d still love to hear from you. We value potential and are happy to support the right candidate to grow into the role

* Your benefits whilst working with us will include:

• Financial - We offer competitive salaries, sick pay, pension schemes, life assurance 5 x your annual basic salary, pro rata of 28 days annual holiday entitlement plus bank holidays and a further 2 extra loyalty days dependent on length of service.
• Health and Wellbeing - Eligible employees are automatically provided with a Health Cash Plan which you can use to help pay for routine health appointments as well as give you the ability to seek second opinions from top doctors! We also provide our team members with access to a 24hr Counselling Helpline Service.
• Discounts – When you join the team you are also enrolled into our reward programme which gives you discounts on your favourite brands and opportunities to earn cash back on everyday purchases!
• Additional benefits - We endeavour to offer flexible working options where roles permit and are committed to providing our employees with appropriate quality learning and development opportunities.

If you have any queries regarding this vacancy, please contact the Hiring manager, Trevor Fitch (Payroll Manager) on [email protected]

The closing date for receipt of your completed application is 14th May 2025.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we’re in receipt of sufficient applications. Please apply early to avoid disappointment.

Interviews are scheduled to take place at Field Studies Council Head Office on 22nd May 2025

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by email.