The Role

We are seeking a highly organised and detail-focused Payroll Assistant to support the accurate, timely and compliant delivery of payroll for teaching and support staff across the Trust’s schools. Working closely with the Payroll Manager and outsourced payroll provider, the postholder will play a key role in ensuring excellent service to colleagues, while also supporting HR administration, recruitment and onboarding activities (approximately 10–20% of the role).

This is an ideal opportunity for someone with strong administrative or payroll experience who is looking to develop their skills within a supportive and professional HR and payroll team.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll

• Support monthly payroll processing, ensuring data is accurate and submitted on time via the HRMIS (Every).
• Capture and coordinate payroll changes, liaising with the outsourced payroll provider as required.
• Assist with payroll checks, including basic calculations and review of pre-payroll reports.
• Act as a first point of contact for payroll queries, providing clear and professional responses.
• Monitor absence-related salary adjustments and support the issuing of template correspondence.
• Support pension administration, overtime queries, P45 processing and statutory reporting.

HR Administration, Recruitment and Onboarding

• Generate offer letters, contracts and contractual changes via the HR system.
• Process starters and leavers accurately and within agreed timescales.
• Support pre-employment checks, Single Central Record maintenance, induction and probation tasks.
• Assist with workforce data returns, including the School Workforce Census.

General

• Support payroll and HR audits and data returns.
• Contribute to the development of HR systems, processes and Trust-wide people initiatives.
• Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate professionalism at all times.

The Person

You will have:

• A good standard of education, including GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent).
• Administrative experience (essential), ideally within payroll or HR.
• High levels of accuracy, organisation and attention to detail.
• Strong IT skills, particularly in Word, Outlook and Excel; experience of HR or payroll systems is desirable.
• Excellent communication skills and a customer-focused approach.
• The ability to prioritise, meet deadlines and work both independently and as part of a team.
• A clear understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding within an education environment.

A relevant payroll qualification, or willingness to undertake training, is desirable.

About Maiden Erlegh Trust

Maiden Erlegh Trust is a growing community of schools across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for every child and young person. With around 800 staff and 5,000 students across eleven schools, including primary, secondary, special and alternative provision, we are proud of the diversity that shapes our expertise.

We Aim High, Be Inclusive and Work Together. These values drive our focus on high-quality education for all through collaboration, inclusion and continuous improvement.

Through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, colleagues access high-quality professional learning at every stage of their career, supported by mentoring, leadership opportunities and our annual MET Staff Conference, a day that brings colleagues together to share best practice and learn from one another.

Joining our Trust means being part of a community that invests in people and values expertise, playing a direct role in shaping the lives and outcomes of young people.

Further information about working with us, and insight from colleagues across the Trust, can be found here on our website.

Further information about working at Maiden Erlegh Trust can be found on our website here. Staff wellbeing and professional development are central to how we work, and colleagues across the Trust benefit from a wide range of opportunities and schemes designed to recognise their contribution and support their growth.

Our benefits include:

Pension Scheme: Generous employer contributions, with auto-enrolment into either the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or the Local Government Pension Scheme, both Career Average Revalued Earnings schemes.

Annual Leave: A generous holiday entitlement, which increases with length of service.

ME Day: One additional day’s leave each year to attend a special personal event, such as a child’s sports day or graduation, or a family celebration.

Professional Development: A comprehensive programme of professional learning through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, including opportunities to both attend and deliver CPD. Colleagues also take part in our annual MET Staff Conference, bringing staff together for a full day of workshops, networking and shared learning. Apprenticeship Levy funding and professional development networks are also available.

Hybrid Working: For eligible roles, a flexible approach to working arrangements, balancing remote and office-based working where appropriate.

Perkbox: Access to a wide range of discounts and wellbeing resources, with 25 Perk points each month that can be exchanged for goods and services.

Wellbeing and Health: Free flu vaccinations for all staff and free eye tests for eligible colleagues.

Employee Assistance Programme: Access to 24/7 confidential support, discount vouchers and additional wellbeing resources.

Mental Health First Aid: Trained Mental Health First Aiders available across the Trust.

Recognition and Community: Regular celebration of staff achievements, milestones and contributions across our schools, reinforcing a strong sense of belonging within the #TeamMET community.

Employee Referral Scheme.

Working for our Trust means contributing to something larger, supporting the education and life chances of children and young people every day.

Additional Information
If you believe this is an environment where you can thrive, develop and make a meaningful contribution to the future of our Trust and its schools, please contact recruitment@maidenerleghtrust.org for an informal discussion.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as we reserve the right to close the advert and interview at any time.

Maiden Erlegh Trust is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.