Payroll Administrator – Fixed‑Term (12 months)

About the role

Our client, a long‑established professional services practice in Cheshire, is seeking a Payroll Administrator on a 12‑month fixed‑term contract to cover maternity leave. The role is based onsite in Nantwich, Monday‑Friday, with flexible hours.

Key responsibilities

• Administer small to medium client payrolls end‑to‑end with minimal supervision.
• Operate STAR/IRIS Payroll Professional software for imports, exports and processing.
• Perform manual payroll calculations, including Director's NI.
• Apply PAYE/NIC rules and manage statutory payments such as redundancy, SMP/SAP, SPP and SSP.
• Process auto‑enrolment pension contributions and BACS payments.
• Set up new small clients and maintain payroll records.
• Stay current with payroll legislation and ensure compliance.
• Conduct payroll reconciliations and analysis independently.
• Liaise with HMRC on technical enquiries and resolve issues proactively.

Required profile

• Ability to commit to the full 12‑month contract.
• Experience in payroll administration for small‑to‑medium clients.
• Strong knowledge of PAYE, NIC and statutory payroll elements.
• Proactive attitude with good problem‑solving skills.

Required skills

• STAR/IRIS Payroll Professional software.
• PAYE/NIC calculations.
• Statutory payroll payments (redundancy, SMP/SAP, SPP, SSP).
• Auto‑enrolment pension scheme processing.
• BACS payment handling.

What we offer

• Competitive salary of £30,000‑£32,000 per year.
• Fixed‑term contract with potential for permanent placement.
• Hybrid working flexibility within a primarily onsite environment.