Payroll & Finance Administrator

Eaton Syalon is supporting a reputable engineering firm in Burton-on-Trent to recruit a Payroll & Finance Assistant. This role offers a brilliant opportunity to join a busy, supportive finance function where you'll play a key part in managing payroll and assisting the finance function.

Reporting to the Regional Finance Manager, the role offers the chance to work within a collaborative, people-focused team. This position is ideal for someone who has end-to-end payroll experience and is confident with payroll systems, keen to support continuous improvement and maintain high standards of accuracy and service.

• Process full-cycle payroll using Sage 50 Payroll, ensuring timely and accurate salary payments.
• Maintain up-to-date payroll data, including starters, leavers, absences, pay changes, and timesheet entries.
• Act as the main point of contact for payroll queries, responding promptly via the shared mailbox.
• Handle pension scheme administration, including contributions and scheme updates.
• Provide payroll and time data reports to the Finance team for project cost recharges and monthly accounts.
• Compare and reconcile approved timesheets with project tracking data, flagging any discrepancies.
• Coordinate with internal teams to ensure internal recharge invoicing for staff and equipment is accurate.
• Administer employee benefit schemes, including private medical and Health Shield.
• Ensure third-party payments such as union fees are processed on schedule and in full.
• Support statutory compliance, including the correct processing of SSP, SMP, and other statutory entitlements.
• Assist with annual reporting processes including P60s, P11Ds, and PSA calculations.
• Keep payroll systems aligned with legal and regulatory updates (e.g. minimum wage or statutory pay changes).
• Identify and implement improvements to payroll systems and processes.
• Provide administrative support for immigration-related processes (e.g. A1 certificates).
• Offer occasional cover for finance approval of expenses and other ad hoc tasks as required.

• Proven experience running payroll independently, ideally in a busy or multi-variable environment.
• Solid knowledge of Sage 50 Payroll.
• Clear and professional communication skills, with a collaborative approach to cross-functional work.
• Well-organised with the ability to meet deadlines and manage competing priorities.
• Understanding of employment legislation relevant to payroll and statutory obligations.
• Comfortable using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Outlook, and Teams.

Desirable:

• Experience working with both weekly timesheet-based and monthly salaried payrolls.
• Familiarity with benefits administration and defined contribution pension schemes.
• If this role sounds like a good fit for your experience and skillset, and you're looking to join a supportive team in a progressive business, we’d love to hear from you.