We are seeking an experienced and detail-driven Payroll & Financial Accounting Officer to support our clientsdelivery of accurate payroll, pensions administration, and financial accounting processes across the organisation.
Reporting to the Financial Accountant, you will play a key role in ensuring timely and compliant payroll and pensions services, while also contributing to monthly accounting processes, year-end accounts, and the annual external audit. This is an excellent opportunity for a payroll and accounting professional who enjoys working with data, supporting governance, and contributing to a values-led organisation.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll & Pensions
You will support the delivery of a high-quality payroll and pensions service, including:
- Delivering accurate and timely monthly payroll for all staff and Board members
- Preparing and submitting payroll, tax, and pension returns and payments to HMRC and pension providers
- Supporting year-end payroll, tax, and pension reporting
- Assisting with the delivery of payroll services to external clients and partner organisations
- Supporting payroll modelling for annual budgeting and public sector pay policy requirements
- Assisting the Authority in meeting all statutory obligations relating to payroll, tax, and pensions
Financial Accounting & Annual Accounts
You will also support the wider financial accounting function by:
- Assisting with corporate accounting processes, financial accounts preparation, and external audit requirements
- Preparing and maintaining monthly balance sheet reconciliations
- Supporting month-end processes, including prepayments, accruals, and asset capitalisation
- Calculating and submitting project accounting claims to external funders
- Providing documentation and evidence to support external audit fieldwork
- Delivering ad hoc financial analysis and forecasting as required
- Maintaining data required for annual carbon reporting
General Responsibilities
- Contributing to the work of the Corporate Services Directorate and the organisation as a whole
- Supporting data modelling and financial analysis using strong numerical and analytical skills
- Ensuring compliance with financial procedures and internal controls
- Demonstrating flexibility to support evolving organisational priorities
- Embracing organisational values, culture, and health and safety requirements
Person Specification
Essential
- Proven experience as a payroll and accounting professional
- Excellent numerical skills, with substantial experience using Excel to manipulate and analyse financial data
- Strong analytical ability, with experience presenting financial information clearly and accurately
- Demonstrable experience in payroll and pensions administration
- Proven ability to handle confidential information with integrity and discretion
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Competent user of Microsoft Office applications
Desirable
- Experience using Access Payroll and Access Financials accounting packages
- Experience running an organisational payroll, including all associated statutory returns
- Experience administering pension schemes, ideally the Civil Service Pension Scheme
- Knowledge of the Gaelic language
JBRP1_UKTJ