Job Details

Specialist Payroll Officer

Location: Weybridge, Surrey – hybrid/agile working
Department: HR Operations / People & Change
Job Type: Temporary/Contract
Grade: PS8

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Specialist Payroll Officer to join a local authority HR Operations team. This is a technical payroll role for someone with strong knowledge of payroll processes who can manage complex queries, resolve discrepancies and ensure payroll is accurate, compliant and delivered to a high standard.

You will work closely with the wider payroll team, HR colleagues, employees and other stakeholders, providing specialist advice and support on complex payroll matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and resolve complex payroll queries, issues and discrepancies.
• Carry out payroll audits, checks and reconciliations to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to employees, managers and other stakeholders.
• Explain complex payroll matters clearly using plain English.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of payroll legislation, taxation and regulatory requirements.
• Use payroll systems to process, review and analyse payroll information.
• Produce and analyse relevant reports and management information.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, systems and procedures.
• Work collaboratively with the payroll team and other departments to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Share knowledge and best practice and support the training and upskilling of payroll colleagues.
• Take ownership of specialist payroll processes and act as a key point of contact within the team.
• Deputise for the Hub Leader when required.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Extensive experience working in a payroll specialist, senior payroll or similar technical payroll role.
• Strong understanding of payroll processes, legislation, taxation and compliance.
• Experience handling complex payroll queries and resolving discrepancies.
• Experience of payroll reconciliations and/or audit processes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to explain complex payroll information clearly to employees and stakeholders.
• Strong IT skills, particularly Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Experience using payroll/ERP systems; Unit4/Agresso experience is particularly desirable.
• Ability to work independently, prioritise workloads and meet deadlines.
• Experience supporting or training colleagues would be advantageous.

Qualifications

A degree or equivalent experience in Accounting, Finance, HR or a related discipline is desirable.

Relevant payroll qualifications or professional training such as CIPP/IPP, CIPD or CPP would also be advantageous.

Working Arrangements

The council operates an agile working model, with a combination of home and office working depending on business requirements. The main office is based at Dakota House, Weybridge, with occasional travel to council or customer sites, including schools, where required.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be an experienced payroll professional who is confident dealing with complex payroll issues, reconciliations and compliance, while also providing a high level of customer service. They should be comfortable acting as a technical point of reference for colleagues and explaining complicated payroll matters in a clear and straightforward way.