Payroll Administrator Apprentice

WE CONTRACTING LIMITED

CHESTER (CH1 4JE)

Closes in 30 days (Friday 10 October 2025 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 9 September 2025

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Summary

As a Payroll Apprentice, you will gain hands-on experience in all aspects of payroll processing within the umbrella company sector. You will work closely with the Payroll team to ensure contractors and employees are paid accurately and on time, while also studying towards a recognised payroll qualification.

Wage

£15,704 to £25,396.80, depending on your age

National Minimum Wage

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Company performance related bonuses throughout the year as targets are met

Training course
Payroll administrator (level 3)
Hours
Monday to Friday 8.30am- 5.30pm 1 hour for lunch 40 hours

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 20 October 2025

Duration

1 year 8 months

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

  • Assist in the preparation and processing of weekly payroll for umbrella employees
  • Check and input expenses claims from employees
  • Respond to payroll-related queries from employees, agencies, and internal – over email and the phone
  • Learn and apply payroll legislation, including IR35 and umbrella employment regulations
  • Participate in training sessions and complete apprenticeship learning modules on schedule
  • Provide general administrative support to the payroll team

Where you'll work

3RD FLOOR
WATERGATE BUILDINGS
NEW CRANE STREET
CHESTER
CH1 4JE

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

MBKB LTD

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

A 100% tailored training and assessment program will be delivered to support you throughout your Apprenticeship, (21 months including endpoint assessment) topics covered include:

  • Business and Customer Awareness
  • Payroll Core
  • Pensions
  • Technical Payroll
  • Regulations and Compliance
  • Systems and Processes
  • Planning and Prioritization
  • Analysis skills
  • Using Systems and Processes
  • Producing Quality and Accurate Information and Reports

You may need to complete Level 2 maths and English Functional skills (if you cannot evidence prior grades)

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

Maths and English (grade 4/C and above)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • IT skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Customer care skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Presentation skills
  • Administrative skills
  • Number skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Creative
  • Initiative
  • Non judgemental
  • Patience

Other requirements

Our office has three flights of stairs, so you will get your steps in!

About this employer

We Contract is a leading umbrella company providing payroll and employment services to contractors, freelancers, and temporary workers across the UK. With a focus on compliance, efficiency, and service excellence, we support thousands of workers each week, ensuring timely and accurate payments while navigating complex employment legislation.

http://www.we-contract.co.uk (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

This role is perfect for someone looking to build a career in payroll and finance within a dynamic and supportive environment.

Progression into Payroll Administrator, Senior Payroll Administrator, or possibly other teams such as Operations or Finance. 

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

MBKB LTD

Nicki Bevan

recruit@mbkbgroup.com

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000341249.

Apply now

Closes in 30 days (Friday 10 October 2025 at 11:59pm)

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