School Finance & Payroll Officer

Location: Newton-le-Willows
Hours: Full-time, all year round
Contract: Temporary, with the potential to become permanent
Start Date: November 2026
Working Hours: Monday–Friday, 8.30am–4.30pm
Salary: NJC Grade 18–21, £32,578–£34,237

Job Purpose

The Finance and Payroll Officer will manage payroll for teaching and support staff, ensuring salaries, pensions and deductions are processed accurately and on time.

The role will also support the day-to-day finance function, including monthly accounts, reconciliations, VAT, procurement and financial reporting. The post-holder will work closely with managers, staff and external providers and provide cover for the Finance and Payroll Manager when required.

Key Responsibilities

Finance

• Use ‘iplicit’ system to support day-to-day financial administration and maintain accurate financial records.
• Complete month-end finance tasks and ensure transactions are recorded accurately.
• Complete account reconciliations, including payroll and balance sheet accounts.
• Review the trial balance and investigate discrepancies.
• Prepare journals for accruals, prepayments and other adjustments.
• Manage VAT records, returns and reconciliations.
• Support procurement processes and manage supplier contracts.
• Monitor compliance with finance, VAT, pension and procurement requirements.
• Maintain finance policies and procedures.
• Provide financial information for audits, inspections and reporting.
• Support managers and colleagues with finance procedures.

Payroll

• Use ‘People First from MHR’ system to maintain accurate payroll and employee information.
• Manage the payroll process for teaching, therapy and support staff, ensuring salaries are processed accurately and on time.
• Process overtime, salary changes, deductions and other payroll adjustments.
• Ensure salary scales, increments, sick pay, maternity pay and other entitlements are applied correctly.
• Check payroll information and complete reconciliations before payroll is processed.
• Work with HR to confirm new starters, leavers and contract changes.
• Liaise with the payroll provider to ensure staff are paid accurately and on time.
• Support the submission of payroll information to HMRC and pension schemes, including LGPS and TPS.
• Respond to staff queries about pay and pensions.
• Collect and check timesheets and other payroll information, ensuring the necessary approvals are in place.
• Maintain records relating to auto-enrolment, staff insurance and death-in-service benefits.
• Assist with pension queries and annual scheme renewals.
• Ensure payroll information is stored securely and filed correctly.

General Responsibilities

• Maintain confidentiality and comply with data protection, safeguarding, health and safety and other relevant policies.
• Work professionally with colleagues, managers and external professionals.
• Attend meetings and training as required.
• Contribute to the smooth running of the organisation and support its overall aims.
• Provide guidance and support to colleagues where appropriate.
• Carry out other reasonable duties as required by the Chief Executive.

The establishment is committed to safeguarding, ensuring the safety and welfare of young people. Employment is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

For this role you need to be a UK resident and eligible to work in the UK

Teem Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers