A payroll administrator is typically found in businessess delivering their own in-house payroll or alternatively, in a payroll bureau, bookkeeping or accounting practice. The payroll administrator may sit within another business function, for example HR or Finance or may be a stand-alone role. The role may exist in the private, public or voluntary sector for businesses of varying sizes. The role delivers a customer service to employers, clients and those they employ, so both business and customer awareness are essential. As an apprentice payroll administrator you could carry out processing and changes that will result in the calculation of net pay. The role requires interaction with internal and external stakeholders. These may include HR and Finance teams, clients and Government departments such as HMRC and The Pensions Regulator.
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
As a payroll administrator, you will handle payroll queries from employees and other stakeholders. You may also be responsible for the accurate and timely completion of routine and non-routine payroll-related calculations and other information. Payroll is a constantly changing landscape so you will keep up to date with key changes affecting payroll. This can include changes to legislation, guidance, or payroll software.
A payroll administrator apprentice you will typically work within a team, often reporting to a team leader or a manager. You may have sole admin responsibilities too, for example when working in a bookkeeping practice. The work can be highly pressured to deliver accurate outputs to tight timescales such as weekly or monthly payroll outputs. To deliver a high-quality service under pressure, collaboration with colleagues and an ability to prioritise and be flexible is vital.
HOW WILL I BE TAUGHT?
Your payroll apprenticeship will be taught via blended learning; combining face-to-face and online activities in a seamless and complementary flow of learning. You will be required to come into the College on the 2nd Thursday of each month, with the remainder of your time spent in the workplace. You will be assigned a dedicated work-based tutor who will support you through your apprenticeship and ensure that you are working towards completing each assigment; building your portfolio in readiness for your End Point Assessment (EPA).
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
You must complete training in the development of the knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) of the payroll apprenticeship. You must have completed training towards English and maths qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules if you had not achieved these before the apprenticeship commenced. You will also compile a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate all that you have learned during the apprenticeship in-line with the requirements set out in in your work tasks.
HOW MUCH WILL THIS COURSE COST?
An apprenticeship will not cost you a penny. Your employer will pay for your training whilst simultaneously paying you a salary throughout the duration of your apprenticeship. You will be guaranteed the national minumum apprenticeship salary, but this is at the discretion of your employer and you could find that you could earn more depending on your age and experience.
WHAT CAN I DO NEXT?
To start your apprenticeship journey, or to find out more about the payroll administrator apprenticeship and the employers we work with, please contact our apprenticeship team on 01772 225768 or email appsinfo@preston.ac.uk.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I NEED TO KNOW?
Employers that were involved in creating this apprenticeship include: NHS Payroll Services, Harrods, Accenture, Carpetright, BHP LLP Chartered Accountants and Sainsbury's.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
All apprenticeships require an initial assessment, interview and employment in the industry. Level 3 applicants are required to hold a GCSE Grade C or grade 4 or above in Maths and/or English (or equivalent) or be prepared to work towards Maths and/or English Level 2 Functional Skills.
