Job summary
An opportunity has arisen for an experienced Payroll Officer to work in our dedicated Payroll Department. You will be capable of processing all aspects of payroll including starters, leavers, changes, SSP Parental leave and the application of Income Tax, National Insurance and Pensions. Previous NHS Payroll and ESR experience is desirable. You will need to demonstrate a flexible approach, working as part of a small but established payroll team. The ability to work under pressure to strict deadlines, whilst maintaining a high degree of accuracy, you will need to display excellent communication and organisational skill. You should also possess a sound working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
Location
The post is based at the Darent Valley Hospital providing a modern and pleasant environment within which to work.
Visas
This position will not be supported for visa sponsorship. All applicants are expected to have valid right to work document to work in the UK when applying for this position.
Closing
Please note, this post may close earlier than the given closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will work as part of a team ensuring an accurate and timely payroll is produced in accordance with defined deadlines and Statutory and NHS Terms and Conditions, requiring knowledge and skills in all these areas as well as the NHS Electronic Staff Record (ESR) system.
They will manage own workload in an effective and timely manner. They will complete manual calculations and provide information/advice when required.
The post holder will maintain accurate employee records in accordance with Statutory/Trust regulations and procedures. They will work closely with the Trust's Pension Officer to assist with any pension changes or queries that are required.
The post holder is responsible for maintaining, reconciling and reporting on a number of specific ESR reports as requested by the Payroll Manager. They will undertake regular training, keeping up to date with all new statutory regulations and NHS directives affecting pay.
About us
We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer. We strive to employ people who reflect the communities we serve, and aim to create an inclusive culture where everyone can reach their full potential. Whatever your race, ethnicity, belief, generation, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability or experience, you'll appreciate the opportunities we give you to work in an inclusive atmosphere. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build on the progress we've achieved to make our Trust diverse and the best place to work. We celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that help us overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant Pledge and have a commitment to the Armed Forces Community.
We are dedicated to using our Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) approach as our shared organisation model of change to enhance our services and ensure excellence in patient care.
If you are considering applying for a role, please be aware that as an NHS Employee you may have contact with vulnerable service users. We strongly encourage that all our staff are vaccinated against COVID-19 and are vaccinated annually against Flu, in order to protect the health and safety of our staff and patients. Your commitment will help us to put the safety and care of our patients first, as well as helping us to protect you and your colleagues.
Details
Date posted: 13 October 2025
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 4
Salary: £28,860 to £31,671 a year per annum inclusive of allowances
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 12 months
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 252-7523862
Job responsibilities
Communication Responsibilities:
Communicate payroll information to trust staff by appropriate method, which includes e‑mail, written correspondence and verbally.
Liaise with external bodies, on various payroll matters.
Maintain a close professional working relationship with the Human Resources Department, ensuring best practice is maintained between both.
Ensure the correct standard Trust or Payroll letters are used to answer any correspondence received.
Ensure all correspondence is answered promptly and where necessary obtain the employees written consent to release personal details.
Managerial responsibilities:
Organise and prioritise own workload, ensuring strict deadlines are adhered to, be responsible for an allocation of payroll records on a day‑to‑day basis, ensuring the timely and accurate payment of salaries.
Prepare and complete all staff pay and deduction data entries, ensuring correct authorisation by managers. Interpret hours worked and payment due from Locum staff timesheets and input into the integrated HR/Payroll system (ESR). Validate and check data input made by the Workforce/Recruitment/Medical Staffing departments. Check weekly payslips for correctness from download via E‑Rostering and check changes made to monthly and weekly payrolls.
Maintain accurate record of sick/maternity/parental leave, calculating when reduced pay is appropriate and advising the HR department and Managers when required.
Input appropriate payroll details for new and current staff, (e.g. payroll deductions, bank account details, tax code, National Insurance and Pension details).
Assess previous service credit and make necessary adjustments to pay.
Calculate manual payments for staff that commenced after the payroll deadline.
Ensure that both Statutory and Non‑Statutory deductions are made in line with the relevant legislation and Trust policies, such deductions include; car parking, Union subscriptions, rents, expenses, student loans and Court orders.
Answer queries from staff or outside statutory bodies, promptly in accordance with the Payroll procedures.
Please see attached job description for further information.
Person Specification
Education and Training (Essential):
* NVQ level 4 in Payroll Administration or equivalent experience
Education and Training (Desirable):
* ECDL qualified (European computer driving licence) or equivalent experience.
Knowledge and Skills (Essential):
* Working knowledge of Tax, National Insurance, Statutory regulations and relevant payroll legislation.
* Working knowledge of the NHS Pension Scheme.
* Working knowledge and understanding of NHS terms and conditions of service, including Agenda for Change and Medical and Dental.
* Ability to work on own initiative and have good organisational skills.
* Good communication skills both written and verbal
* Be numerate, literate and accurate.
Experience (Essential):
* Substantial experience working within a multi‑disciplinary payroll department.
* Using a computerised integrated HR and Payroll system.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details
Employer name: Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust
Address: Darent Valley Hospital, Darenth Wood Road, Dartford, DA2 8DA
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