Payroll Assistant

For August 2026, Cheltenham College seeks an organised and proactive Payroll Assistant. The successful candidate will join our friendly HR & Payroll team and play an important role in delivering an accurate and efficient payroll service for staff across both Cheltenham College and Cheltenham Prep.

This role would suit a highly organised and detail-oriented individual who enjoys working with accuracy and thrives in a professional environment where no two days are the same.

About Us

Cheltenham College consists of two inter-dependent fee-paying schools within a single executive structure. College (13–18), founded in 1841, is one of the oldest Victorian public schools and is predominantly a boarding school of around 750 pupils.

Cheltenham Prep is situated on the same campus in a beautiful setting with its own sports fields, lake and views of Leckhampton Hill. The Prep is fully co-educational, day and boarding, and educates around 420 pupils aged 3–13.

Both schools are known for their strong academic standards and excellent reputation for sport, drama and music.

The Role

As Payroll Assistant, you will support the Payroll Manager in the delivery of accurate and timely payroll services across the College. The role involves assisting with payroll processing, pensions administration, statutory payments and payroll reporting, while providing a professional and supportive service to colleagues across the organisation.

Working closely with the HR & Payroll team, you will help ensure payroll operations run efficiently and in compliance with HMRC legislation and College procedures.

Key responsibilities include:

Preparing and processing monthly payroll information across a range of contract types
Inputting and maintaining payroll data for starters, leavers and contractual changes
Reviewing and processing timesheets, overtime and additional payments
Supporting statutory payments including sickness absence and family leave
Assisting with pension administration and monthly pension contributions
Responding to staff queries relating to pay and pensions
Producing payroll documentation including payslips, P45s and P60s
Supporting HMRC submissions including FPS and EPS returns
Assisting with payroll reporting, audit preparation and nominal ledger reports
Helping ensure compliance with payroll legislation, National Minimum Wage requirements and College policies

About You

We are looking for someone who:

Has excellent organisational and administrative skills
Demonstrates strong attention to detail and accuracy
Is confident using Microsoft Excel and other IT systems
Has strong communication and interpersonal skills
Can prioritise workload effectively and meet deadlines
Works well independently and collaboratively within a team
Demonstrates initiative and a willingness to learn new skills
Has previous payroll or HR systems experience, although training may be provided for the right candidate
A Payroll Administration qualification would be advantageous, though not essential

Salary: £22,495 per annum (£28,119 full-time equivalent salary). Grade C with potential to develop into a Grade D position.

Working pattern:

30 hours per week (0.8 FTE)

Hours may be worked across either 5 days per week or 4 full working days, subject to agreement.

Benefits include:

Lunch during term time, Executive Pension Scheme, complimentary membership to College’s gyms and pool as well as discounts at local retailers, health & wellbeing and hospitality venues.

Full details of what the role entails can be found in the job description.

How to apply

Please click on the application link to submit an application form. Within the application form, you will have the opportunity to upload a Covering Letter outlining your interest/suitability for the post. Alternatively, you can supply this information on the Supporting Statement section of the application form.

Closing date: Tuesday 9th June 2026 with interviews to be held shortly after.

Cheltenham College reserves the right to close this vacancy early should a suitable candidate be appointed. To avoid disappointment, early applications are encouraged.

Cheltenham College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its recruitment and selection of job applicants and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check. 

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from suitably qualified individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. We encourage all candidates to ensure that College is aware of your particular requirements should you be invited to interview.