At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Finance Team to manage payroll for over 1,000 staff and support financial accounts.
- Company: Capability Scotland is dedicated to providing essential services and promoting equality.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, generous leave, and shopping discounts.
- Other info: Flexible working options and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team with opportunities for growth in finance and payroll.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in finance, strong payroll knowledge, and experience with iTrent preferred.
The predicted salary is between 26700 - 37400 £ per year.
Job Title: Finance Officer – Payroll (with Financial Accounts Support)
Location: Head office, St. John’s Road, EH12 6NZ (Hybrid)
Organisation: Capability Scotland
Employment Type: Full-time, Fixed-term (until 31st March 2026)
Join our mission at Capability Scotland and help deliver accurate, reliable payroll services to over 1,000 dedicated staff across Scotland.
We’re looking for an experienced Finance Officer with a strong background in payroll operations, combined with the flexibility to support our financial accounts function in areas such as ledgers, reconciliations, and cashbook management.
This is a great opportunity to play a central role in a busy and supportive Finance Team, with scope for development in accountancy tasks and system processes.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll (Main Focus):
- Accurately input, verify, and process payroll data using our iTrent payroll system.
- Ensure timely payment to over 1,000 employees working across diverse roles, locations, and contracts.
- Provide clear, timely guidance on payroll queries to staff, managers, and HR colleagues.
- Prepare regular and ad hoc payroll reports, including monthly and annual employment cost reports.
- Liaise with external bodies (e.g. HMRC, pension providers) regarding PAYE, NI, SSP, SMP, and other statutory obligations.
- Keep payroll practices up to date with relevant legislative and policy changes, ensuring internal compliance.
Financial Accounts (10–30%):
- Assist in the processing of financial transactions using our accounting system (Opera 3).
- Support the preparation of reconciliations, ledger updates, and internal reports (e.g. cash flow, aged debtors, grants).
- Help maintain accurate records of suppliers, sales codes, and VAT classifications.
- Offer guidance to internal users on finance systems related to sales, purchasing, and cash processes.
- Contribute to system maintenance and audit readiness by ensuring accuracy and compliance with policy.
What You’ll Bring:
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in a similar finance (payroll) role.
- Strong working knowledge of UK payroll legislation, pensions, and employment law (e.g. Working Time Regulations, Maternity Pay).
- Hands-on experience with payroll systems (iTrent preferred) and proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
- Confidence in managing confidential information and communicating with staff at all levels.
- A recognised finance or payroll qualification is desirable, as is experience in the voluntary or public sector.
Working with Capability Scotland brings you lots of benefits:
- A competitive salary of £26,700 per annum
- Edinburgh office location with excellent travel links & hybrid working
- Excellent annual leave of 32 days per year, increasing with service
- Generous and enhanced pension schemes and family benefits
- As a member of our autoenrollment pension scheme, £10,000 provided in the case of Death in Service
- Flexible working is available
- Access to shopping discounts through the Perks At Work scheme
- Free 24/7 employee assistance programme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Free PVG checks throughout your career.
Applying to Capability Scotland
Applying to join our family is easy. At the bottom of this advert, you can submit your CV and a covering letter directly to our hiring service. You’ll then hear from us within three weeks of the noted closing date. We’ll invite successful candidates to an interview so we can learn more about what makes each other tick, in a safe and secure way.
You can keep a track of your application in your profile management settings.
We will be actively interviewing during this period. We reserve the right to close or extend this vacancy dependent on the number of applications. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
General Information
- Capability Scotland is committed to providing services which embrace diversity and which promote equality of opportunity. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people. We are happy to consider job-share applications.
- Capability Scotland is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people and conducts thorough pre-employment checks on all preferred candidates.
- A copy of Capability Scotland’s Equality and Diversity Policy is available upon request from the HR Team
Due to the high volume of applications expected, we advise that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Thank you for your interest and for taking the time to apply to work with us.
***Please note that our vacanciesdo not qualifyfor Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship, if you require this to commit to this role long term,please do not apply. If we are in a position to offer sponsorship in the future our adverts will be updated to reflect this***
#J-18808-LjbffrFinance Officer - Payroll (FTC) employer: Capability Scotland
At Capability Scotland, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values diversity and promotes employee growth. With a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and flexible working options, our Finance Officer - Payroll role provides the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a balanced work-life environment in the vibrant city of Edinburgh.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Officer - Payroll (FTC)
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
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Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Capability Scotland. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Officer - Payroll (FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Capability Scotland.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Capability Scotland's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Capability Scotland
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Capability Scotland.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Capability Scotland will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Capability Scotland employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
