Payroll & Finance Assistant in Dumfries

We are looking for a detail-oriented and proactive Payroll & Finance Assistant to join our Finance team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with payroll experience who enjoys working with data, supporting colleagues, and helping ensure smooth and accurate financial operations across the organisation.

Working closely with the Management Accountant, People & Culture team, and managers across the college, you will play a key role in delivering an efficient payroll service while supporting wider finance activities including reconciliations, reporting, budgeting support, and payroll analysis.

As Payroll & Finance Assistant, you will help ensure payroll is processed accurately and on time, in line with legislation, pension requirements, and internal controls. You’ll also support financial reporting and workforce cost analysis, helping managers better understand staffing costs and budget performance. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys combining payroll administration with finance support and analytical work.

• Process monthly payroll accurately and within deadlines
• Prepare payroll reconciliations and validation reports
• Support payroll costing, budgeting, and variance analysis
• Maintain accurate payroll records and audit trails
• Liaise with People & Culture to ensure employee data is processed correctly
• Assist with pension administration and statutory payroll reporting
• Reconcile payroll information to the finance ledger
• Produce payroll and staffing cost reports for managers and budget holders
• Respond to payroll-related queries from staff and managers
• Support continuous improvement of payroll and finance systems and processes
• Ensure compliance with payroll legislation, pensions, and internal controls

• Essential Experience processing payroll within a payroll, finance, or HR environment
• Knowledge of payroll legislation, tax, and pension requirements
• Experience using payroll and finance systems
• Strong Excel and data analysis skills
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills
• Ability to handle confidential information appropriately
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Relevant qualification at HNC/SCQF Level 7 (or equivalent experience)
• Payroll qualification, apprenticeship, or working towards one

• Desirable Experience in a finance support role
• Experience within education, public sector, or further education
• Knowledge of SPPA and/or LGPS pension schemes
• Experience with integrated HR/payroll systems

You’ll be joining a supportive and collaborative team where your contribution will directly support colleagues across the organisation. This role offers the opportunity to develop your payroll and finance expertise while contributing to meaningful operational improvements. If you are highly organised, analytical, and passionate about delivering accurate payroll and finance support, we’d love to hear from you.

If you are interested, please complete the online application form via the Dumfries and Galloway College website by the closing date indicated below. For further information, please contact Heather Jones, Director of People and Culture.

Closing Date: Friday 19th June 2026

If you’re invited for interview, you will be required to evidence your Right to Work in the UK. If you’re successful in securing the role, your employment will be conditional on the college receiving two satisfactory references and background checks including the disclosure Scotland check on all criminal offences (spent & unspent) so ensure you are not barred from working with Children or Vulnerable Adults.