Job Description
Our client is looking for a Payroll Technical Officer who will play a key role in supporting the Payroll Manager and ensure the delivery of high-quality, compliant, and efficient payroll services. This role sits within the Technical Hub of the Payroll Service, which supports internal and external clients. The position involves a range of responsibilities, from system administration and reporting to process improvement and user testing, all aimed at ensuring the smooth operation of the payroll system.
Key Responsibilities:
* Support Payroll Delivery:
o Assist the Payroll Manager in delivering payroll services to ensure full compliance with legislative and statutory requirements
o Ensure payroll services meet continuously improving service standards, effectively managing a monthly payroll of 15,000 employees
* Data Management and Compliance:
o Maintain data integrity within SAP and supporting systems, ensuring adherence to GDPR legislation and perform regular checks to ensure payroll data consistency and accuracy across all systems
* Process Improvement and Support:
o Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives in payroll processes to enhance service delivery
o Actively participate in process improvement discussions, providing feedback and recommendations to increase efficiency
* User Acceptance Testing:
o Conduct extensive user acceptance testing of payroll systems after software upgrades and legislative updates
o Work with the systems development team to request and test configuration changes, translating contractual policies into technical specifications
* Payroll Reporting:
o Perform monthly and annual payroll-related reporting, reconciliation, and payment generation, including payslips, P45s, P60s, P11ds, BACS files, finance postings, RTI, auto-enrolment, and pension scheme service returns and ensure compliance with deadlines for internal and external parties
* Team Support and Deputisation:
o Provide support to the admin team and handle day-to-day queries when required.
o Deputise for the Payroll Manager in their absence, ensuring continued operation of payroll services.
* Government Gateway Reconciliation:
o Regularly reconcile the Government Gateway Dashboard to mitigate risks that could result in financial penalties or reputational damage to the employer
* Knowledge and Expertise Maintenance:
o Keep up to date with the latest payroll statutory legislation, best practices, and system updates to provide expert support and advice to colleagues and customers
o Maintain a comprehensive understanding of the payroll function to provide guidance across various departments
* Onboarding:
o Manage the end-to-end onboarding of new payroll business into the council’s payroll system, ensuring a seamless transition and service delivery
* Procedure and Guidance Documentation:
o Create and maintain clear, up-to-date departmental procedures, guidance notes, and relevant websites to support ongoing payroll operations
Essential Qualifications and Skills:
* 5 QCF Level 2 qualifications, including Maths and English Language
* Willingness to work towards or hold a CIPP qualification (or equivalent payroll qualification)
* Demonstrable experience in payroll administration, ideally within a large and complex organisation
* Experience with SAP or similar payroll systems
* Strong knowledge of payroll statutory legislation and regulations
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel (including use of Macros/VBA)
* Excellent communication and report writing skills, with the ability to explain complex data in an understandable manner
* Ability to prioritise and organise tasks effectively to meet deadlines
* Attention to detail and a commitment to high standards of accuracy in all tasks
* Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to devise and implement practical solutions
* A team player with a positive, cooperative approach to working with others
* Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing priorities
* Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
Desirable Qualifications and Skills:
* Negotiation skills.
* Recognised accountancy or payroll qualification (e.g., Accounting Technician, CIPP Certificate)
* Up-to-date knowledge of national and local financial and legislative changes affecting payroll
* Experience in delivering presentations and training to colleagues and clients
* Previous involvement in projects and change initiatives within payroll services
Additional Information:
* The role may involve occasional travel to different locations across the county as required
* The Payroll Technical Officer will be expected to always maintain confidentiality and integrity of payroll data
* Flexibility is required in terms of working hours during peak payroll processing periods
How to Apply:
Interested applicants should submit their CV, along with a cover letter detailing their qualifications, skills, and experience relevant to the role.