Payroll Specialist

Welcome to Juniper Education, where our mission is to champion educators, empowering them to shape future generations. We're more than just a support system; we're the driving force that propels schools and Academy Trusts to new heights. With our proven school education management systems and services, we address a spectrum of needs, ensuring excellence in education. In the education and tech industry, your work directly influences the lives of students and educators. Whether you're developing cutting-edge educational technology, supporting school leadership teams directly or designing solutions to enhance the learning experience, you could make a lasting and positive impact on the future. 
Our mission statement says it all: We look after you, so that you can look after our children. 

Dedicated to our core values, we are committed to: 

Empowerment: Equipping everyone with the tools, intelligence, connections, and freedom to make informed decisions, recognised and respected by all. 

Purpose: Supporting everyone to reach their highest potential, thereby enabling all children to achieve theirs. 

Passion: Because we love what you do, you’re at the heart of everything we do. 

Innovation: Delivering meaningful solutions with expertise and creative thinking to influence the ever-changing world of education. 

Collaboration: The cornerstone of our success as it enables us to collectively harness diverse perspectives and strengths, ensuring that together, we achieve more than we could ever do alone. Every voice counts! 

We are looking for a Payroll Specialist to join our team and support the efficient delivery of our payroll bureau services for a portfolio of education clients. In this role, you will ensure staff are paid accurately and on time, monthly reporting is delivered, and all statutory and year-end payroll returns are completed in line with HMRC requirements. 

You will play a key role in supporting payroll administrators, managing client relationships, and helping to continuously improve payroll processes across our bureau. 

Key Responsibilities 

Assist in delivering accurate and timely payroll services for education clients 

Process payroll documentation, maintain payroll records, and prepare payment files for BACS 

Produce pre-payroll, month-end, year-to-date reports, and payslips securely for clients 

Act as first-line support for payroll bureau administrators, resolving complex payroll queries 

Serve as a point of contact for client account management, liaising with school bursars and business managers 

Ensure pensions administration (auto-enrolment, re-enrolment, opt-in/out) is processed accurately 

Maintain and update payroll software and client databases, ensuring enhancements are implemented timely 

Ensure all RTI submissions and year-end returns are completed in line with HMRC guidelines 

Identify and implement process improvements in consultation with the Payroll Manager 

Provide guidance and training to payroll administrators as required 

Liaise with external agencies such as HMRC, unions, and other third parties 

Participate in projects and professional development opportunities to maintain up-to-date payroll knowledge 

About You 

Minimum of 2 years’ payroll experience with a strong understanding of PAYE, NIC, and statutory payments 

Full payroll lifecycle experience 

Strong customer focus with excellent communication skills 

Team player, approachable, and proactive 

CIPP qualification desirable 

Experience in education payroll desirable 

Advanced Excel skills 

Interview process  

1st Stage Interview  

2nd Stage Interview

We are committed to a fair and comfortable recruitment process, so if you require any reasonable adjustments during your application or interview process, please reach out to a member of the team at recruitment@junipereducation.org 

Juniper Education Benefits 

Day 1 right to company sick pay 

Enhanced annual leave entitlement 

Opportunity to purchase additional leave 

Entitlement to carry over leave to next entitlement year 

Day 1 access to 24/7 GP & prescription services  

Day 1 access to rewards platform 

Cycle to work scheme 

Enhanced maternity & adoption pay 

Day 1 access to employee assistance platform 

Funded development/Qualification opportunities 

Voluntary health care cash plan 

Voluntary private medical insurance 

Plus more! 

Please note: We are unable to provide visa sponsorship at this time.  

Applications to be submitted by midnight 10th June 2026