Part-Time Payroll & Benefits Administrator

The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) purpose is to have a global impact by fundamentally reimagining the way science and technology translate into end-to-end solutions and delivering these solutions in programmes and platforms that respond to humanity’s most challenging problems.

EIT will ensure scientific discoveries and pioneering science are turned into products for the benefit of society that can have high-impact worldwide and, over time, be commercialised to ensure long-term sustainability.

Led by a faculty of world experts, EIT seeks to solve the world’s most challenging problems across four high-risk, high-reward, high-impact humane endeavours: Health, Medical Science and Generative Biology; Food security and Sustainable agriculture; Clean Energy Generation and Storage; and Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.

EIT is investing significant resources in a new world-class research and development facility in the Oxford Science Park. Set for completion in 2027, the state-of-the-art campus includes 300,000 sq ft of research laboratories, an oncology and preventative care clinic, and educational and meeting spaces. Together, they create the perfect environment for EIT experts to take ground-breaking ideas from research to broad implementation. The new facility will further EIT’s current partnership with the University of Oxford and become the new home for Ellison Scholars.

EIT is committed to cultivating a community where excellence is achieved through collaboration, trust, innovation and tenacity. We foster an environment where everyone’s experience and expertise are valued. We are curious and resilient in our efforts to drive long-term, sustainable innovation to meet humanity’s most enduring challenges.

We are seeking a detail-oriented and organised Part Time Payroll and Benefits Administrator to manage accurate and timely payroll processing and oversee employee benefits. The role involves managing the relationship with our current third-party payroll bureau to ensure data accuracy in line with the payroll calendar, with a future expectation to transition payroll in-house, so experience with both outsourced and internal payroll processes is ideal. Working closely with the Talent and HR team, the successful candidate will also administer employee benefits, ensuring timely enrolment, liaising with providers and brokers, maintaining records, supporting renewal processes, and promoting employee awareness of available benefits. This role also ensures compliance with statutory regulations and serves as the first point of contact for payroll and benefits queries.

Key Responsibilities:

• Process payroll accurately and on schedule, including salaries, variable pay, bonuses, and deductions. They will also oversee stipend and maintenance payments to Ellison Scholars and such roles.
• Ensure compliance with tax, pension, and employment regulations.
• Maintain and update employee payroll and benefit records (new hires, terminations, pay changes).
• Administer employee benefits and statutory deductions such as pensions, insurance, and tax withholdings.
• Generate payroll reports for HR, finance, and management teams.
• Respond to employee enquiries regarding payslips, deductions, and payroll issues.
• Liaise with external agencies (e.g. 3rd party payroll, benefits providers, advise employees on navigating HMRC) as required.
• Support audits by preparing and providing payroll documentation.
• Stay updated on changes to payroll legislation and best practices.

Essential and Desirable Skills, Qualifications & Experience:

• Proven experience in payroll administration, HR, or accounting.
• Knowledge of payroll systems (in house system being Oracle Fusion and agency portal being Pay Circle).
• Strong understanding of payroll legislation, tax codes, and statutory requirements.
• Excellent numerical and analytical skills with strong attention to detail.
• High level of integrity and confidentiality when handling sensitive information.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills to meet deadlines.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for dealing with employees and stakeholders.
• In depth experience of payroll processing and able to operate autonomously in role.
• Highly detail conscious and comfortable with large volumes of data coming in from multiple sources.
• Confident, assertive, and challenging when managing 3rd party relationships and ensuring SLA’s are adhered to.
• Payroll certification (e.g., Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), Payroll Technician Certificate) desirable.
• Flexible in approach to work and managing own time and hours to reflect and fulfil needs of monthly payroll cycle.

We offer the following salary and benefits:

• Salary: Dependent on experience + travel allowance + bonus (pro-rated)
• Enhanced holiday pay
• Pension
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection
• Private Medical Insurance
• Hospital Cash Plan
• Therapy Services
• Perk Box
• Electric Car Scheme

Why work for EIT:

At the Ellison Institute, we believe a collaborative, inclusive team is key to our success. We are building a supportive environment where creative risks are encouraged, and everyone feels heard. Valuing emotional intelligence, empathy, respect, and resilience, we encourage people to be curious and to have a shared commitment to excellence. Join us and make an impact!

Terms of Appointment:

• You must have the right to work permanently in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary.
• You will live in, or within easy commuting distance of, Oxford.
• During peak periods, some longer hours may be required and some working across multiple time zones due to the global nature of the programme.
• This position is likely to be part-time initially (2-3 days per week), with potential to go full time in the future.