What is a HR or Payroll assistant and what do they do?

WANT to work for some of the coolest companies around? Then take a job in HR and payroll.

It’s the best ‘backdoor’ entry into any top firm and with these three amazing positions, you could be rubbing shoulders with the stars too.

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An entry-level payroll or HR position usually includes full training[/caption]

Take a look at the perks you’ll enjoy in these leading TV and entertainment giants.

• Senior Payroll Specialist, Roku, Cambridge
• Payroll Administrator, Live Nation, London
• Service Lead – HR and Payroll, ITV Jobs, Manchester

Whether you have some experience or are new to the role, Sun Jobs can help you get started.

Here’s what you need to know if you are considering an assistant role in HR or Payroll.

I don’t have any experience in payroll or HR. How do I find a job? 

The good news is HR and payroll is one of the business functions that hire lots of ‘first jobbers’ as trainees.

The jobs are usually advertised as ‘assistants’ or ‘administrators’ and offer entry-level positions with full training.

As well as being a great way to start your career if you have just left school or college, they are also suitable for career changers who want to move from another industry and can demonstrate transferable skills.

What will I be doing in a Payroll or HR assistant job? 

Your exact duties will depend on your new job title but in a payroll job, your remit could include recording work hours, staff expenses, calculating tax and delivering pay slips.

You may be asked to manage enquiries from your firm’s employees or outside companies such as mortgage providers check on your employees’ salary and work status.

For a wider HR job, you will likely be supporting senior staff to deliver rotas, training, continuous personal development and also their annual reviews.  

How much will I get paid in an HR or Payroll assistant job? 

This will depend on lots of factors including the size and location of the company, whether it is a first job or a couple of rungs up the career ladder and also whether the organisation pays a bonus.

Salaries tend to range from £20,000 to almost £40,000 with an average of £32,000.

What kind of skills do I need? 

Almost every job will expect you to be proficient in common software packages such as Microsoft Excel and Outlook.

You will also stand out if you have or are working towards professional qualifications such as cipp.org.uk or cipd.org/uk.

Don’t worry if you don’t have these for your first job as you can ask to train when you join your new firm.

In terms of personal qualities, you will be dealing with people so you should possess excellent communication skills, both written and verbal and the ability to prioritise, manage time and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Attention to detail and the ability to work well in a team are also prized. 

Finally, you’ll be dealing with plenty of personal information, and money and following GDPR, so you need to have high standards of professional integrity.

Discover thousands of open vacancies for jobs all across the US now on The Sun Job Board.