Job Title: Payroll Officer Location: Antrim Salary: £18.85 per hour Working Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday–Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm Duration: Temporary: – up to 6 months initially, with review to extend as services require Application Deadline: 3pm, Friday 15th May 2026 About the Role: On behalf of our client, Apple Recruitment Services are delighted to be recruiting a Payroll Officer to support a busy Finance Department within a local government organisation. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced payroll professional to join a fast-paced team environment, delivering a high-quality payroll and pensions administration service. The successful candidate will support the processing of payroll functions in line with legislative, statutory, and Council requirements while ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and excellent customer service. Key Responsibilities: • Process salary and wage payments for employees, Elected Members, and appointed officers • Prepare, check, and input payroll data including SSP, SMP, deductions, allowances, and cost codes • Validate and process payroll timesheets, claims, and variable payroll information • Maintain payroll records including new starters, leavers, amendments, and payroll master file updates • Process statutory deductions including PAYE, National Insurance, pensions, union subscriptions, and other deductions • Support administration of occupational sick pay, maternity, paternity, and pension schemes • Ensure payroll costs are accurately transferred to relevant financial systems and ledgers • Prepare statutory and miscellaneous payments including holiday pay and pay in lieu of notice • Investigate payroll discrepancies including overpayments and underpayments and take corrective action where necessary • Respond professionally to payroll and salary enquiries from employees and external organisations • Maintain travel and expenses systems and associated records • Assist with Real Time Information submissions and compliance with HMRC requirements • Participate in payroll system improvements, updates, and process reviews • Assist in the preparation of reports, procedures, and Freedom of Information responses Essential Criteria: • BTEC National Certificate in Business Related Studies or equivalent OR • Candidates without the above qualification must demonstrate a minimum of 2 years’ relevant payroll experience • Minimum of 1 year’s experience in: - Processing payroll in a computerised environment - Taxation, National Insurance, and pension administration • Thorough knowledge of payroll processes and procedures • Ability to maintain a high degree of accuracy and confidentiality • Ability to work effectively within a small team and meet strict deadlines • Competent keyboard and IT skills, including experience using integrated payroll/personnel systems How to Apply: If you wish to apply or would like more information, please email your CV in Microsoft Word format to Julie at julie.skelly@applerecruitment.com Applicants must ensure their CV is accurate and up to date, including full employment history, academic achievements, and contact details. Only applicants meeting the essential criteria will be considered. Apple Recruitment Services is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy. Apple Recruitment Services is an Equal Opportunities Employer.