Payroll Officer (Fixed Term)
ABOUT BRISTOL BEARS
Bristol Bears Rugby is part of Stephen Lansdown’s sporting group of companies which includes Bristol Sport, Bristol City Football, Bristol Flyers Basketball and each of their respective community charities.
Our ambition is ‘to inspire our community through rugby success’. Our supporters regularly attend Ashton Gate Stadium to watch the team perform in Premiership and European Cup Competitions as well as our Women’s team who play at the highest level of domestic competition.
ROLE SUMMARY
We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Payroll Officer to support the accurate and timely processing of payroll across the Club. The role will assist with day-to-day payroll operations, ensure compliance with payroll legislation and internal policies, and support the implementation and delivery of a new payroll system, Employment Hero.
The successful candidate will have hands-on payroll processing experience. Familiarity with payroll platforms such as Employment Hero and Sage Payroll would be advantageous.
PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES
Payroll Processing
- Manage end to end processing of monthly payroll in an accurate and timely manner.
- Review and validate payroll data including salaries, bonuses, deductions, and benefits.
- Ensure all payroll inputs are checked and approved prior to payroll submission.
- Reconcile HMRC reports and ensure timely submissions.
- Maintain accurate payroll records and employee data.
Payroll Administration
- Manage day-to-day payroll administration tasks including starter, leaver, and change processing.
- Maintain payroll records and ensure employee data is up to date within payroll systems.
- Work closely with HR and Finance team to ensure seamless payroll operations.
- Be the key point of contact with the pension provider, Hargreaves Lansdown.
- Administer the monthly contribution pension reports, including new starters, amendments and bonus waivers.
- Assist managers in submitting accurate information for casual employees.
- Monitor payroll mailbox, handle queries from employees and resolve discrepancies.
- Stay up to date with changes in payroll laws and regulations, implementing necessary adjustments and efficiencies
- Regularly audit the payroll function to ensure compliance
Compliance and Controls
- Conduct regular payroll compliance checks to ensure adherence to statutory requirements.
- Ensure payroll processes comply with HMRC regulations, tax laws, pension regulations and other statutory compliance.
- Support internal audits and ensure payroll documentation is maintained.
Payroll System and Implementation
- Support the implementation and transition to a new payroll system, Employment Hero.
- Assist with data migration, system testing, parallel payroll running and process documentation.
- Develop workflows for payroll reporting, BACs uploads, Pension submissions and HMRC integrations.
- Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes and automation.
- Work closely with HR and Finance teams to ensure system integration and accuracy of data.
- To contribute positively to the Bears vision and culture
KEY RELATIONSHIPS
- Finance Team
- HR Team
- Player Recruitment Team
- Bears Staff and Players
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Proven experience in payroll processing and administration.
- CIPP or other similar accredited payroll qualification.
- Experience using payroll systems.
- Strong knowledge and experience of pensions.
- Strong understanding of UK payroll compliance, legislation and HMRC processes.
- High attention to detail and strong analytical skills.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple deadlines.
- Proactive approach to problem-solving and process improvement.
- Collaborative and team-focused mindset.
- Strong IT skills
- Good communication skills with the ability to respond to payroll queries effectively.
DESIRABLE SKILLS
- Experience supporting payroll system implementation or migration.
- Previous experience of Sage or Employment Hero is beneficial but not essential.
- Previous experience of working within a sporting environment would be advantageous.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
- Responsible for ensuring all health and safety procedures are followed at all times, with relevant documentation to support
- Report all incidents and accidents as required
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
We are committed to the principle of equal opportunity and its policies for recruitment, selection, training, development and promotion are designed to ensure that no employee or potential employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, ethnic and national origin, disability or gender reassignment.
SAFEGUARDING
Bristol Rugby Club Limited is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees to share this commitment. This role would be subject to a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check.
ROLE INFORMATION
Contract Type: 1 Year Fixed Term Contract
Working Hours: 15 hours over 2 days
Salary: £16,000 per annum
Location: Bristol Bears High Performance Centre, Abbots Leigh, Bristol, BS8 3TF. Working from home opportunities can be discussed further during the recruitment process.
Estimated Start Date: 1 July 2026
Closing Date: Midnight on 16 April 2026
BENEFITS
As part of our team, you’ll have access to a wide range of benefits, including:
WORK LIFE BALANCE
- Hybrid working (where suitable for the role)
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)
PAY & FINANCIAL SECURITY
- Hargreaves Lansdown pension
- Life assurance
FAMILY FRIENDLY BENEFITS
- Enhanced parental leave
HEALTH & WELLBEING
- Employee Assistance Programme
- HPC gym access (subject to player schedules)
- Company Sick Pay
- Career development opportunities through CPD and Apprenticeship levy funding
TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE PERKS
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Discounted First Bus travel
- Electric Vehicle Scheme
FOOD & ON-SITE BENEFITS
- Subsidised meals at the HPC on training days
- Onsite parking at the HPC
SPORT, EVENTS & DISCOUNTS
- Matchday tickets for Bristol Bears Men and Women home fixtures
- Ad-hoc complimentary tickets for other Bristol Sport fixtures
- Discounts at Ashton Gate food and beverage outlets on matchdays
- Discounts with a variety of local businesses including attractions, hotels and cafes
- Discount at the Bristol Sport retail shop
- Bears Kit (where applicable for the role)
*Please note that some benefits are non-contractual and may be subject to change as well as subject to terms and conditions.