Payroll Assistant

James Fisher and Sons plc; Aberdeen City; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - GBP 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering services company is seeking a Payroll Assistant for a 12-month fixed-term contract in the United Kingdom. The role involves processing payrolls, maintaining records, and supporting financial tasks while ensuring compliance. Applicants should have experience in payroll management and a strong attention to detail. This position offers hybrid working and opportunities for career development within a supportive culture.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Career development pathways

Inclusive culture

Qualifications

• Experience managing end-to-end payroll processes and producing financial reports.
• Skilled in documenting processes and identifying effective controls.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Flexible and adaptable approach to work.
• Proactive problem solver.
• Able to work effectively to tight deadlines.
• Strong IT proficiency, including experience with payroll software.

Responsibilities

• Process monthly and quarterly payrolls accurately and on time.
• Submit RTI returns to HMRC within deadlines.
• Maintain statutory records and manage third-party payments.
• Administer company pension schemes.
• Complete year-end tasks, including P11Ds.
• Support improvements to payroll processes.
• Handle employee and business payroll queries.
• Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies.
• Work with HR and Finance to ensure accurate data.
• Build strong relationships across the team and wider business.
• Support finance transformation and HR system implementation projects.

Skills

End-to-end payroll processes management

Financial reporting

High attention to detail

Strong communication skills

Flexible and adaptable

Proactive problem solving

IT proficiency

Tools

Payroll software

Job description

About the Role

Payroll Assistant
12 Months Fixed Term Contract
Preston or Barrow-in-Furness, Hybrid working

The Role: We’re looking for a Payroll Assistant to join us and help deliver accurate, timely payroll while ensuring full compliance with payroll rules and regulations.

The role can be based in either Preston or Barrow-in-Furness with hybrid working available.

If you have previous experience in payroll, thrive on detail and enjoy supporting smooth business operations, we want to hear from you!

What you’ll be doing:

• Process monthly and quarterly payrolls accurately and on time.
• Submit RTI returns to HMRC within deadlines.
• Maintain statutory records and manage third‑party payments.
• Administer company pension schemes.
• Complete year‑end tasks, including P11Ds.
• Support improvements to payroll processes.
• Handle employee and business payroll queries.
• Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies.
• Work with HR and Finance to ensure accurate data.
• Build strong relationships across the team and wider business.
• Support finance transformation and HR system implementation projects.

What we're looking for:

• Experience managing end-to-end payroll processes and producing financial reports.
• Skilled in documenting processes and identifying effective controls.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Flexible and adaptable approach to work.
• Proactive problem solver.
• Able to work effectively to tight deadlines.
• Strong IT proficiency, including experience with payroll software.

Why join us?

• Competitive salary and benefits package aligned with experience.
• Clear pathways for career development and organisational visibility.
• Inclusive and supportive culture that values individual contributions.
• Meaningful work with impact across safety, innovation, and global operations.

About Us:

James Fisher is a global engineering services company with over 50 years of experience delivering complex offshore energy projects in some of the world’s most challenging environments. We operate across Energy, Defence, and Maritime Transport, leveraging cutting-edge technology and deep expertise to support the full lifecycle of our customers’ assets.

Our One James Fisher strategy unites our capabilities under a single vision, building a stronger, more cohesive business within the Blue Economy.

Due to the volume of applications, we receive for our vacancies, on occasion applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.

James Fisher and Sons are committed to taking positive action on diversity and strongly encourage applications for candidates from all backgrounds. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and recognise that our success depends on our talented and diverse workforce