Payroll Administrator Apprentice

AVARA FOODS LTD

Northants (NN13 7DN)

Closes in 31 days (Monday 23 March 2026)

Posted on 19 February 2026

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Summary

We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Payroll Administrator Apprentice to join our Payroll team. You will support the accurate and timely processing of payroll while developing knowledge of PAYE, National Insurance, pensions, statutory payments, and payroll legislation in line with HMRC requirements.

Wage

£23,809 a year

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Payroll administrator (level 3)
Hours
Monday - Friday, 8.30am - 5.00pm

40 hours a week

Start date

Friday 1 May 2026

Duration

1 year 6 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

Key responsibilities include:

  • Assist in processing weekly and monthly payrolls
  • Input and maintain employee payroll data including starters, leavers, contractual changes, tax codes and benefits
  • Support calculations for gross pay, overtime, bonuses, deductions, and statutory payments (SSP, SMP, SPP, etc.)
  • Help ensure compliance with PAYE, NIC, Auto Enrolment pensions and other statutory requirements
  • Assist with Real Time Information (RTI) submissions to HMRC
  • Support payroll reconciliations and reporting
  • Respond to payroll queries from employees and managers in a professional and confidential manner
  • Maintain accurate payroll records in line with GDPR
  • Work collaboratively with HR and Finance teams
  • Complete apprenticeship training, coursework and End-Point assessment requirements

Where you'll work

Clarke Building
Buckingham Road
Brackley
Northants
NN13 7DN

Training

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

Training provider

CT SKILLS 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 successful applicant will complete a Level 3 Payroll Administrator Apprenticeship.

To meet the requirements of the programme apprentices, need to spend 6 hours a week undertaking off-the-job learning, which will include:

  • Formal training, including online learning and learning events
  • 1-2-1s with your apprenticeship coach and line manager
  • Observing and shadowing colleagues
  • Writing up learning reflections for your portfolio

To successfully complete the qualification, apprentices need to complete an End Point Assessment.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English and Maths (grade 9-4)

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
  • Problem solving skills
  • Administrative skills
  • Number skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Initiative
  • Confidentiality

About this employer

You may not have heard of us, but there’s a good chance you’ve enjoyed our products. Avara Foods is one of the UK’s leading food businesses, supplying chicken and turkey to the country’s major supermarkets and well-known restaurants.

We own and manage our entire supply chain, from farms to factory and all the way to the customer door – meaning we have careers that cover a whole range of functions. We have major processing sites across England and an agricultural network of over 350 farms, spanning from North Yorkshire to the South Coast and Wales. 

 

https://www.avarafoods.co.uk (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

  • 31 days holiday
  • 5% pension
  • Life assurance/insurance
  • Wellbeing resources, free online health advice & support, wellbeing assessments

After this apprenticeship

  • The right candidate may move into full-time employment with Avara Foods and opportunities for further development in line with their future career aspirations

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

CT SKILLS LIMITED

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000016309.

Apply now

Closes in 31 days (Monday 23 March 2026)

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.