Payroll & Systems Assistant

Joining the Hakim Group means becoming part of a close-knit family of independent optical practices across the UK and Ireland. A career here is one where empowerment, innovation and unwavering support create a truly fulfilling experience—a place where people feel valued, trusted and able to grow.

Our People & Payroll teams are central to that mission. Every colleague, every practice and every breakthrough we make is underpinned by accurate, timely and reliable payroll operations. We’re now looking for a Payroll & Systems Assistant to help us shape the future of payroll as we deliver our Payroll 2030 vision.

This role offers a competitive salary, hybrid working (4 days per week in our Darwen HQ), and the opportunity to develop into roles such as Payroll Advisor, Reporting Specialist or Technical Analyst.

You’ll also benefit from:

• Full training in iTrent, Sage and payroll compliance
• Development pathways supporting a long-term payroll career
• A vibrant, supportive culture focused on wellbeing and connection
• Access to our rewards portal with exclusive benefits
• The chance to be part of an ambitious transformation within an award-winning business

This role is the technical and operational backbone of our Payroll & Benefits function. You’ll support monthly payroll cycles, maintain data integrity, and provide essential systems support across iTrent and Sage.

As we modernise and streamline our processes, you will play a key part in ensuring accuracy, efficiency and exceptional colleague experience. You’ll help embed new practices, strengthen controls, and contribute to building a payroll function that is scalable, reliable and future-ready.

This is an excellent role for someone early in their payroll journey who wants to grow into a specialist career path while supporting one of the most important functions in the organisation.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

• Deliver accurate and timely payroll processing, including data preparation, validation and updates for starters, leavers and contractual changes.
  • Maintain high-quality data and documentation, ensuring accuracy, audit readiness and strong record-keeping across all payroll inputs and systems.
  • Provide systems support across iTrent and Sage, including running reports, supporting timesheet preparation, and assisting with system improvements and testing.
  • Support core compliance and reporting activities, including P32s, FPS/EPS documentation, Government Gateway checks and payroll reconciliation tasks.
  • Coordinate key team operations, such as dashboard updates, distribution lists, payroll communications, meeting support and maintenance of SOPs and calendars.
  • Develop technical capability, building foundational payroll knowledge (tax, NI, pensions), enhancing Excel skills and contributing to ad-hoc analysis and continuous improvement.

Our Ideal Person

We’re looking for someone who brings accuracy, curiosity and a passion for getting things right:

• Experience in payroll, HR or finance administration
• Strong attention to detail with a methodical, quality-driven approach
• Intermediate Excel skills (lookups, validation, formatting)
• Excellent organisation and communication skills
• Desirable: Exposure to iTrent or Sage
• A willingness to learn and develop into a more technical payroll role

Click apply now and a member of our recruitment team will be in touch