Susan Stephen
Perth
Summary
Varied career spanning 36 years in administrative and customer service roles across financial services, the private sector, and retail. Proven ability to thrive in fast-paced environments while delivering exceptional service. Extensive skill set includes effective communication, problem-solving, and organisational capabilities. Committed to achieving results and enhancing customer satisfaction.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work history
Payroll officer
Morris and Young C.A
Perth, Perthshire
02.2023 - Current
- Processed weekly, monthly, fortnightly and quarterly payrolls in a timely manner using Bright Pay software.
- Resolved employee queries regarding payslips.
- Verified accuracy of employee records for payroll management.
- Submitted Real Time Information returns to HMRC; maintained regulatory compliance effortlessly.
- Upheld confidentiality of staff salaries.
- Managed maternity and paternity pay computations.
- Assisted with pension scheme administration including Nest, Creative and People’s Pension.
- Handled payroll files related to new starters, leavers, and statutory payments.
- Investigated and resolved payroll discrepancies.
- Determined holiday pay entitlements with precision, maintaining compliance.
Sales Advisor, Christmas Contract
Boots
Perth
10.2022 - 12.2022
Sales Advisor
Acorn Fabrics
Perth
07.2021 - 09.2022
- Advised customers on their bespoke window dressing requirements which included 1:1 consultation, preparing detailed quotes, ordering materials, arranging manufacture/delivery and installation.
Payroll Administrator
Janan Meat
Kingswinford
04.2018 - 06.2021
- Collated, checked, and calculated all timesheets, clock cards and agency staff hours before preparing a payroll summary.
- Input employees pay to Sage 50 payroll, which was checked against the summary by the CFO
- Updated payroll summary with starter/leaver details
- Processed P45’s and P60’s
- Imported and exported payroll data and ensured payslips issued on the correct date
- Managed Nest pension records including auto enrolment and opt outs
- Updated and maintained time and attendance system ensuring all new starts were logged and given a fob.
- Delivered to tight deadlines on a weekly basis.
HR Assistant
Janan Meat
Kingswinford
11.2017 - 04.2018
- Assisted with all recruitment processes including advertisement, interview, job offers and inductions.
- Completed HR administration including maintaining employee sickness/absence and holiday records and training documentation, issuing offer letters and contracts, and ensuring all employee records kept up to date.
- Assisting the management team as the HR representative in employee cases: disciplinary and grievance
- Dealt with all pay queries
Career Break
Africa
10.2014 - 09.2017
- I accompanied my husband to Sub Saharan Africa for his career.
- Due to visa restrictions in these countries, I was unable to work however I volunteered in local children’s charities.
Bookkeeper
Newhouse News Ltd
Stirling
05.2009 - 09.2014
- Maintaining monthly and yearly accounts on Quick books Pro system.
- Preparing weekly payroll figures ready for payment
- Balancing all cash transactions/receipts, preparing banking and reconciling bank statements
- Dealing with supplier and customers queries
Customer Service Advisor
Perth Chief Office
11.2007 - 05.2009
- First point of contact for all customer complaints and where possible providing an immediate resolution in accordance with FSA requirements.
- Responsible for main branch customer reception, meeting and greeting all customers to the branch
- Responsible for exceeding personal sales and service targets.
- Dealing with initial customer enquiries or directed them to specialist advisers.
- Processing CHAPS and foreign currency payments accurately
RBS Group
05.1990 - 05.2009
- I joined the bank from school in 1990 and had a wide range of roles however relevant experience includes:
Team Leader
Perth Chief Office
01.2001 - 07.2005
- Managed a team of 15 members covering personal and business cash.
- Responsible for team Customer Service Excellence, sales targets, and ensuring all branch control processes adhered to.
- Training and coaching of team members.
- Conducted monthly 1:1’s for all team members to improve team and individual performance.
- Managed staff welfare, health and safety and disciplinary matters.
- Dealt with escalated customer complaints
Education
English and Art Higher Grades
Marr College
Troon 01.1985 - 1 1990
Skills
- Diligent and highly motivated with strong administration and organisational skills
- Proficient in Bright Pay Payroll, Sage 50 Payroll, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and Outlook
- Self-driven and self-reliant - sets aims and targets, persistent and tenacious
- Flexible attitude with the ability to prioritise and problem solve
- Excellent communicator, both written and verbal, with good relationship management skills – confident working alone or as part of a team
- Patience and diplomacy
- Knowledge of GDPR compliance
- Organisational proficiency
REFERENCES
AVAILABLE ON REQUEST
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Payroll officer
Morris and Young C.A
02.2023 - Current
Sales Advisor, Christmas Contract
Boots
10.2022 - 12.2022
Sales Advisor
Acorn Fabrics
07.2021 - 09.2022
Payroll Administrator
Janan Meat
04.2018 - 06.2021
HR Assistant
Janan Meat
11.2017 - 04.2018
Career Break
10.2014 - 09.2017
Bookkeeper
Newhouse News Ltd
05.2009 - 09.2014
Customer Service Advisor
Perth Chief Office
11.2007 - 05.2009
Team Leader
Perth Chief Office
01.2001 - 07.2005
RBS Group
05.1990 - 05.2009
English and Art Higher Grades
Marr College
01.1985 - 1 1990