Payroll and HR Assistant

 XPS Group is a leading UK consulting and administration business specialising in the pensions and insurance sectors. At XPS, our vision is to create a vibrant place to work where difference is recognised as a strength and where talented people can flourish and achieve their highest potential .

Our Central Functions business continues to grow and we are now looking for a HR and Payroll Assistant to join our vibrant Reading office with hybrid working. This is an exciting role and would most likely suit someone with previous experience in a similar payroll role where they have gained knowledge and experience of HR and payroll systems, and MS Office Products including Excel.

A FTSE 250 company, XPS combines expertise and insight with advanced technology and analytics to address the needs of over 1,400 pension schemes and their sponsoring employers on an ongoing and project basis. We undertake pensions administration for over one million members and provide advisory services to schemes and corporate sponsors in respect of schemes of all sizes, including 88 with assets over £1bn. We also provide wider ranging support to insurance companies in the life and bulk annuities sector.

Our people drive our success and as an XPS employee you can bring your whole self to work - Everyone is treated equally and with respect. We will provide you with the support and training you need to grow and be at your very best. It’s about inclusion and diversity, ensuring all our people feel included, that they belong to XPS and that they’re happy. Above all, it’s about ensuring everyone has a voice and feels valued. Because they are.

The Team

At XPS Group, everything we do is centred around helping members of defined benefit (DB) and defined contribution (DC) schemes receive the best outcomes and security in retirement.

We also provide wider ranging support to insurance companies in the life and bulk annuities sector.

The HR Team has expanded in support of the growth of the business over the past 18 months. The team is now going through an exciting time of defining processes, procedures and embarking on continuous improvement projects required to provide a professional and consistent service across XPS Group.

The Role

As a HR and Payroll Assistant with XPS you will:
 Ensure all HR/payroll related data, including new starters, transfers, Leavers, Family Friendly Leave, absences Electric cars, Imports, Overpayments, PSP checking, and temporary input is accurately input in line with the payroll timetable. 
 Act as the first point of contact for all HR and Payroll queries received via the HR Service portal, responding to or escalating queries as appropriate. 
 Maintain accurate records for pension contributions, season ticket loans, and flexible benefits -to ensure these are paid over to the relevant organisations in a timely manner. 
 Pension Auto Enrolment - prepare communication to be sent to employees that are enrolled to our pension scheme. 
 Pension Funds Transfer - checking and transferring funds/refunds to relevant pension schemes monthly by the deadlines set by the pension providers. 
 Process payroll reports, business reports and any ad hoc reports as required to inform business decisions. 
 Actively contribute to the constant reviewing of current practices and processes to ensure continuous improvement and provide ad hoc administrative support to the wider HR team to support ongoing HR initiatives and projects. 
 Liaison representative for all payroll related queries with company’s’ outsourced payroll provider (MHR) alongside and escalate any unresolved queries to the payroll manager within agreed SLA. 
 Ensure all payroll data is checked, validated, and signed off during the payroll window prior to finalising the payroll each month. 
 Responsible for the completion of external survey requirement (e.g. ONS) in accordance with GDPR principles. 
 Provide support to and cover for the Payroll Manager by ensuring the monthly payroll process is delivered and staff payments are made in line with SLAs. 

Your profile

Essential Criteria
Minimum Grade 4/C GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Maths. 
 Previous experience within a payroll team. 
 IT literate, with proficiency in MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel - particularly in vlookups), and confidence working with different HR and payroll systems. 
 Highly organised and planning skills - able to work on their own initiative. 
 Able to work effectively under pressure to tight deadlines 
 Ability to follow processes and procedures 
 Able to maintain confidentiality and integrity at all times 
 Have a flexible, adaptable approach and willingness to learn new skills 

 Desirable Criteria
 Possess strong communication skills both written and verbal. 
 Willing to obtain CIPD level 3 or equivalent CIPP qualification. 
 Possess an enthusiasm to develop, improve and enhance the service provided. 

What We Offer

Find out more about  Life at XPS

Find out more about  Our People Approach

We offer an attractive reward package, typical benefits can include:
Competitive salary
Participation in annual discretionary Bonus Scheme
25 days holiday plus flexibility to buy or sell holiday
Flexible Bank holidays
Pension scheme, matching contribution structure
Healthcare cash plan
Flexible Benefits Scheme to support you in and out of work, helping you look after you and your family covering Security & Protection, Health & Wellbeing, Lifestyle
Life Assurance cover, four times basic salary
XPS Rewards (offers High Street discounts and savings from retailers and services providers as well as offers available via phone)
Employee Assistance Programme for you and your household
Access to a digital GP service
Paid volunteering day when participating in Company organised events
Staff referral scheme when you introduce a friend to XPS 

What Next

If you feel XPS could be the next step on your career ladder, please apply directly via the links provided and we look forward to learning more about you. We will consider all applicants and respond swiftly.

Please discuss with the recruitment team, via phone or email, if you require any adjustments to the recruitment process. For example, we can provide materials in an alternative format, or give you extra time in interviews or tests.

If you do not feel ready to apply or still have questions, please email us by clicking here

The successful candidate will need to demonstrate the following requirements:
 Right to Work confirmation 
 DBS Disclosure check 
 Employment or educational references covering five years 
 Satisfactory credit check 

If this sounds like the right position for you, just click the “APPLY NOW” button. You will be directed to the Register Now to proceed with the online application.