Payroll Specialist

Location: Hybrid/Kings Hill, Kent

Salary/package: £29,000 to £33,500 per annum

Contract type: Permanent

Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week

Join HRConnect as a Payroll Specialist and play a key role in delivering high-quality payroll services across a varied client portfolio. This is an exciting opportunity to use your technical expertise to influence service improvements, support system enhancements, and make a real impact in a collaborative, customer-focused environment.

Who we are 

HR Connect, part of the Commercial Services Group (CSG) provide a full range of HR and payroll services to schools, academies and public sector organisations, combining professionalism, efficiency and a people-first approach. 

Why this role matters 

The Payroll Specialist role ensures the accurate, timely, and compliant delivery of payroll services across a diverse client portfolio, directly supporting organisational reliability and customer satisfaction. The successful candidate will as a technical expert within the team, guiding colleagues and maintaining strong quality controls to minimise risk.

What you’ll be doing 

Process payrolls accurately and on time, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements.

Complete statutory deductions and submissions, resolving discrepancies before final approval.

Provide technical guidance to Payroll Assistants and internal stakeholders on complex payroll issues.

Perform quality checks, spot-checks, and audits to maintain strong control standards.

Coordinate and review monthly and year-to-date payroll reconciliations.

Support system updates by participating in User Acceptance Testing (UAT).

Identify process issues and propose improvements to enhance efficiency and service delivery.

Respond promptly to payroll enquiries, maintaining a customer-focused approach.

Liaise with external bodies such as HMRC and pension providers to resolve queries and ensure compliance.

Mentor junior payroll staff and assist in delivering training to build team capability.

What we’re looking for

Proven experience in a payroll function, ideally within a large and complex organisation.

Proven experience using HR/Payroll systems such as iTrent in a live operational environment.

Strong analytical and numeracy skills with attention to detail and accuracy.

Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills.

Excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities to meet tight deadlines.

What you’ll get in return

Salary of £29,000 to £33,500 per annum.

25 days annual leave, plus your birthday off.

Life assurance cover (4x salary).

Pension scheme with 4% employer contribution.

Additional benefits including retail and gym discounts, health cash plan and cycle to work scheme.

Volunteer days and access to a comprehensive wellbeing programme.

Tailored learning and development support with real opportunities to progress.

Why CSG?

Commercial Services Group (CSG) is the UK’s largest local authority-owned trading company (LATCO), generating over £800 million in revenue and supporting 16,000 education and public sector customers worldwide. With more than 1,800 employees across the UK, France, Dubai and Bangkok, we are working towards becoming the global leader in education and public sector solutions.

We are expanding rapidly, with annual growth of around 25 percent, supported by a blend of organic development, acquisitions and strategic partnerships. Our 33 trading businesses deliver a wide range of services including education management, IT, HR, legal, energy, procurement and supplies.

CSG is wholly owned by local authorities, and a significant proportion of our profits is reinvested into frontline public services. Over £77 million has already been returned, reflecting our commitment to combining commercial performance with meaningful social impact.

Inclusion & Accessibility

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We encourage applications from suitably qualified people of all backgrounds.

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our application and interview process; please let us know if you require any