Payroll Consultant Trainee

Career Level 1 Trainee role developing practical skills in payroll and Business Process Services, with structured training and progression toward becoming a Payroll Consultant.

Position Description:
At CGI, we empower the next generation of innovators to shape the future of technology and security. As part of #GenerationCGI, you’ll join a community of early careers partners who are turning ambition into action and possibility into progress.

If you join our Payroll and Business Process Services (BPS) team, you’ll have the opportunity to build your skills and develop into a payroll and BPS professional. You don’t need previous payroll experience – we’re looking for people with the aptitude, attitude and willingness to learn and grow.

Working alongside an experienced managed services team, you’ll start by supporting defined payroll processing activities, with guidance and supervision along the way. As your knowledge, capability and confidence grow, you’ll take on increasingly complex activities, greater responsibility and more independence.

Payroll will be your primary area of development, giving you hands-on experience of a complex, highly controlled and time-critical business process. You may also have opportunities to broaden your experience across other BPS activities and services.

Your future duties and responsibilities:

In this role, you’ll build practical experience in payroll and Business Process Services (BPS), developing the knowledge and confidence to deliver accurate, secure and time-critical services for our clients. Supported by experienced CGI professionals, you’ll take on greater responsibility as your skills develop.

You will:

• Deliver with Accuracy: Support payroll and BPS processing, including starters, leavers and employee data changes, carrying out checks and validations to make sure information is accurate and delivered to agreed schedules.

• Build your Expertise: Develop your understanding of the payroll lifecycle, UK payroll legislation and statutory requirements, including PAYE, National Insurance and statutory payments, alongside controls, reconciliation and quality management.

• Support our Clients: Help prepare reports, documentation and service outputs, respond professionally to routine queries and learn when issues, risks or exceptions need to be escalated.

• Protect our Information: Work responsibly with personal, payroll, client and commercially sensitive information, following CGI, client and regulatory requirements and maintaining confidentiality.

• Improve how we Work: Look for opportunities to simplify, standardise and improve processes, while building your understanding of how your work contributes to successful end-to-end service delivery.

• Embrace AI and Digital Tools: Become confident using CGI-approved technology and AI to support learning, productivity, problem solving and continuous improvement, while applying professional judgement, validating outputs and using information responsibly.

• Own your Development: Take an active role in your learning through practical experience, coaching, feedback and structured training, building towards more complex work and greater independence as your capability grows.

• Collaborate and Grow: Work closely with Payroll Team Leaders, experienced Payroll Consultants, HR Solutions colleagues, clients and service partners, while taking opportunities to broaden your experience across payroll and other BPS activities where appropriate.

As a Career Level 1 Trainee, you’ll begin with defined activities supported by guidance and checking. As you demonstrate your capability, you’ll progress to a broader range of work, including more complex and legislative processing, with increasing independence.

Your development will be based on the capability you demonstrate, rather than simply time spent in the role. You’ll be encouraged to build your professional expertise through CGI learning, technical and security training, practical experience and, where appropriate, an approved payroll apprenticeship or professional qualification.

This role provides a strong foundation for a career in Payroll and Business Process Services, with the opportunity to progress towards Career Level 2 and, over time, develop into an experienced Payroll Consultant with greater responsibility for end-to-end service delivery.

Why Join Us?

At CGI, you’ll be part of a culture that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, where your perspective is valued and your ideas contribute to meaningful outcomes.

Your journey starts with a structured Early Careers Induction Programme, giving you the foundations to succeed, along with 24/7 e-learning and opportunities to gain professional certifications that build your expertise. You’ll also join our Student Kick-start Initiative, where you’ll collaborate with other graduates on creative projects that deliver impact beyond your day-to-day role.

CGI is an unconditionally inclusive workplace where you are respected, your voice is heard, and you can be yourself. We were recognised in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work List 2025 and named a UK ‘Best Employer’ by the Financial Times. We proudly hold a Gold Award in recognition of our support of the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant.

Benefits

Along with a competitive salary and a £1000 joining bonus, you’ll enjoy benefits that support every stage of your journey. You’ll share in CGI’s success through our matched share scheme, have access to private healthcare, well-being programmes, and professional training, and build financial security with a competitive pension. Beyond the day job, you’ll connect with others through early career networks, diversity groups, and social clubs that make your time at CGI both rewarding and enjoyable.

Required qualifications to be successful in this role:

We’re seeking motivated individuals who are eager to learn and build a career in Payroll and Business Process Services. You don’t need previous payroll experience or a degree – if you’re keen to learn, collaborate, and develop, we want to hear from you.

You’ll bring strong attention to detail, a professional and client-focused approach, and an interest in working with numbers, systems and data. You’ll also be curious about technology, including AI, and willing to learn how to use it responsibly to improve the way we work.

To be successful in this role, you should have:

• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing accurate, high-quality work.

• Good numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Clear communication and organisational skills, with the ability to work collaboratively and meet deadlines.

• A willingness to learn, ask questions, seek feedback and take ownership of your development.

• Confidence using technology, systems and data, with an interest in developing your digital and AI skills.

• A responsible and professional approach to handling confidential and sensitive information.

• Eligibility for Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance.

Previous payroll, HR or administrative experience may be beneficial, but it is not essential. What matters most is your aptitude, attitude and willingness to learn and develop into a skilled Payroll and BPS professional.

Skills:

• Communication