Payroll, Pensions & Systems Coordinator

This newly created role presents an exciting opportunity to transform and enhance the BSU payroll & pension services. The Payroll, Pensions & Systems Coordinator will Support and deputise for the Payroll & Pensions Manager to deliver accurate, timely and compliant payroll and pensions services for all University employees. By streamlining existing processes, identifying and delivering system improvements, and strengthening pension engagement with our staff, this busy and varied role will enable the team to work smarter, improve the employee experience, and ensure consistent delivery of a first-class service to every employee. Sitting in the HR Department, the Payroll team of four delivers the University’s payroll and pensions services through MHR iTrent. The team manages payroll for over 2,200 employees, covering the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS) and Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), plus a separate payroll for around 150 employees with their own contractual and DC pension arrangements. Team responsibilities span payroll processing, pensions, financial accounting, system configuration, process improvement, implementation and regulatory compliance. The team works work closely with HR, Enterprise IT and our payroll software provider to maximise system capability, drive efficiencies, ensure regulatory compliance and maintain value for money. About the Role Lead the delivery of accurate and compliant payroll services, ensuring statutory obligations and deadlines are met while working closely with HR and pensions colleagues to resolve complex issues and support informed decision-making through payroll data and reporting. Drive the ongoing development of payroll and pensions systems and processes, maximising efficiency, accuracy and service quality through continuous improvement, testing and implementation of system enhancements. Oversee the administration of the University's pension schemes, ensuring compliance, high-quality data management and the delivery of accurate and timely pension communications. Support audit, compliance and financial assurance activities by providing accurate information, maintaining relevant policies and controls, and identifying and escalating financial risks where appropriate. Provide day-to-day leadership and support to the Payroll & Pensions team, contributing to payroll governance, sign-off processes and management cover when required. For more information please see the JD. About You Proven experience of full end-to-end UK Payroll Large payroll experience Process improvement experience Large system configuration & testing exeperience Defined Benefit Pension experience HE or Education Payroll/Pension experience For further information on the essential and desirable skills we’re looking for, please refer to the attached Job Description. Additional Information Salary Grade 6 - starting from £33,951 rising to £37,694 per annum The salary range shows the potential maximum pay progression in addition to any annual inflationary increase to your pay. Please note that our default position is to appoint into the lower end of the range, unless there are exceptional circumstances.   Payroll & Pensions Manager Lead the team, Sign-off of each monthly payroll, Year-End & Audits Ensure statutory compliance Auto Re-enrolment & Contractual enrolment of pensions iTrent configuration improvements Pension engagement Payroll & Pensions Administrator Full end to end of BSU Ltd payroll Pension calculations, returns, queries & audits Payroll accounting requirements Payroll, Pensions & Systems Coordinator Supporting & testing iTrent configuration improvements Oversee all payroll & pension communications with staff Oversee all monthly payroll & pension processing Point of escalation for queries Assist the Manager ensuring processes and statutory requirements are met Payroll & Pensions Assistant Processing & checking BSU payroll Responding to, or escalating staff queries Staff Benefits We offer a wide range of great benefits at BSU, including Generous pension scheme (Local Government Pension Scheme/Teacher's Pension Scheme). This is a defined benefit pension scheme which pays members a secure income for life, post-retirement Enhanced paid leave - 41 - 46 days depending on the role (Full Time) - more details here: https://apphub.bathspa.ac.uk/StaffBenefits Family friendly policies including hybrid working, flexible work environment, on-site nursery, and a sector-leading enhanced maternity scheme Employee Assistance Programme which offers access to on-demand GP appointments, wellbeing support and advice, and access to counselling Transport schemes including Electric Vehicle Scheme and Cycle to Work Wide range of discounts and financial benefits, accessed through and easy-to-use app For further details about all our staff benefits, have a look at our rewards page: https://www.bathspa.ac.uk/work-at-bath-spa/rewards-and-benefits/ We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.