Payroll Apprentice
EXPERTAX LIMITED
WATFORD (WD17 1JJ)
Closes in 20 days (Tuesday 1 September 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 12 August 2026
Contents
Summary
We are a firm of accountants and process payroll for a portfolio of clients. This comprises 40 monthly payrolls, plus weekly, fortnightly and annual schemes. Most are small, director-only companies and businesses with small teams, but larger and more active payrolls give the apprentice experience of different payroll types and frequencies.
- Wage
-
£17,000 a year
- Training course
- Payroll administrator (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday to Friday 9am - 5:30pm with 1 hour lunch.
37 hours 30 minutes a week
- Start date
-
Monday 7 September 2026
- Duration
-
1 year
- Positions available
-
1
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
Payroll duties will include:
- Processing weekly, fortnightly, monthly and annual client payrolls
- Obtaining payroll information from clients and following up where necessary
- Processing starters and leavers
- Processing changes to pay, hours and other payroll information
- Dealing with statutory payments and routine payroll adjustments
- Preparing payslips and payroll reports
- Making RTI submissions to HMRC
- Assisting with workplace pension submissions and administration
- Maintaining accurate payroll records
- Dealing with routine client payroll queries
- Monitoring payroll deadlines and ensuring submissions are made on time
- Developing towards taking responsibility for a portfolio of payroll clients
The role will also include some company secretarial work, principally:
- Preparing and filing confirmation statements (CS01s)
- Maintaining Companies House information and dealing with routine filings
- Assisting with share transfers
- Assisting with share issues and different classes of shares/alphabet shares
- Other company secretarial work as required
Where you'll work
42-44
CLARENDON ROAD
WATFORD
WD17 1JJ
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
EMA TRAINING LIMITED
Training course
Payroll administrator (level 3)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- gather, analyse and process payroll data and information
- resolve different types of queries that may be presented from payroll customers such as employees, clients, management, explaining and documenting responses
- deal with complaints, following processes and escalating complex situations
- meet client or customer needs in line with service level agreements
- provide customer service using agreed systems and processes, taking ownership for work applying agreed processes for checking
- adhere to deadlines and process schedules both internal and statutory, mitigating the impact on the business, employees and clients of deadlines not being met by reprioritising tasks when dealing with conflicting or changing demands
- select appropriate media for communication etc recognising the advantages and risks related to each method
- escalate concerns relating to deadlines in a timely manner, suggesting solutions
- use the appropriate communication media for each stakeholder for each situation. Examples may include ‘phone, face-to-face, email and letters, communicating and engaging professionally, accurately and appropriately, respecting the principles of data protection and confidentiality
- Build and maintain trust and sound relationships with stakeholders to deliver quality payroll services
- develop and maintain strong working relationships with team colleagues, supporting and collaborating to achieve results, seeking advice when appropriate within parameters of the role
- use computerised payroll software and spreadsheet packages such as MS Excel
- use systems and processes to support the payroll function. Examples may include the provision of accounting information and the Real Time Information submissions to His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
- gather, analyse and process payroll data and information
- resolve different types of queries that may be presented from payroll customers such as employees, clients, management, explaining and documenting responses
- deal with complaints, following processes and escalating complex situations
- meet client or customer needs in line with service level agreements
- provide customer service using agreed systems and processes, taking ownership for work applying agreed processes for checking
- adhere to deadlines and process schedules both internal and statutory, mitigating the impact on the business, employees and clients of deadlines not being met by reprioritising tasks when dealing with conflicting or changing demands
- select appropriate media for communication etc recognising the advantages and risks related to each method
- escalate concerns relating to deadlines in a timely manner, suggesting solutions
- use the appropriate communication media for each stakeholder for each situation. Examples may include ‘phone, face-to-face, email and letters, communicating and engaging professionally, accurately and appropriately, respecting the principles of data protection and confidentiality
- Build and maintain trust and sound relationships with stakeholders to deliver quality payroll services
- develop and maintain strong working relationships with team colleagues, supporting and collaborating to achieve results, seeking advice when appropriate within parameters of the role
- use computerised payroll software and spreadsheet packages such as MS Excel
- use systems and processes to support the payroll function. Examples may include the provision of accounting information and the Real Time Information submissions to His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
Training schedule
The Payroll Administrator standard is delivered in two elements; the CIPP (Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals) knowledge units and work based projects designed by the provider, to meet employer needs.
The knowledge units provided will cover topics such as:
- National Insurance
- PAYE
- Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
- Statutory Parental Leave
- Statutory Deductions
The last four months of the qualification will entail completing the following as part of the End Point Assessment:
- Knowledge Test
- Project Report
- Professional Discussion
The qualification will be delivered over 12 months (8 months for training and 4 months for EPA). The training sessions will take place online bi-weekly with your allocated trainer. In between training sessions you will be assigned a workplace task to support in implementing your knowledge.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Administrative skills
- Number skills
- Team working
About this employer
Expertax provides comprehensive accounting services to businesses of all sizes. Alongside accounts preparation our services include bookkeeping and VAT returns, payroll, company secretarial services, tax planning and more.
Our team consists of experienced accountants and bookkeepers who have worked with businesses in various industries. Our experts are equipped with the latest knowledge and tools to provide accurate and reliable accounting services to our clients.
Our approach is to provide proactive and responsive service to our clients. We are always available to answer questions and provide guidance. We also provide ongoing support to help our clients stay on top of their finances and make informed decisions.
https://expertax.uk/ (opens in new tab)
Company benefits
31 days holiday, including bank holidays
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
Opportunity for a full-time position within the team upon completion of the apprenticeship programme.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
EMA TRAINING LIMITED
EMA Training
apply@ematraining.co.uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000047662.
Apply now
Closes in 20 days (Tuesday 1 September 2026 at 11:59pm)