At a Glance
- Tasks: Process payroll accurately, support budgeting, and maintain financial records.
- Company: Join a supportive college with a focus on personal development.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 45 days annual leave, health perks, and a pension scheme.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities and a chance to improve systems.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in payroll or finance, strong Excel skills, and a passion for accuracy.
The predicted salary is between 30716 - 30716 £ per year.
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
Experience processing payroll within a payroll, finance, or HR environment is required, along with knowledge of payroll legislation, tax, and pension requirements. Strong Excel and data analysis skills are essential, as well as experience using payroll and finance systems. A payroll qualification, apprenticeship, or working towards one is preferred.
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’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.
Payroll / Finance Assistant Full Time in Dumfries employer: Dumfries And Galloway College
Dumfries and Galloway College is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its staff. With generous benefits such as up to 45 days of annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and a supportive work culture that encourages career progression, employees can thrive in a collaborative environment while contributing to meaningful financial operations. The college's commitment to health and wellbeing, alongside opportunities for personal development, makes it an attractive workplace for those seeking a rewarding career in payroll and finance.
Contact Details:
Dumfries And Galloway College Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll / Finance Assistant Full Time in Dumfries
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and payroll sectors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your payroll knowledge and data analysis skills. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled payroll challenges in the past and how you can bring value to the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your attention to detail during the interview. Bring examples of how you've maintained accurate payroll records or improved processes in previous roles. This will demonstrate your fit for the Payroll & Finance Assistant position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you'll find more info about us and what we stand for, which can help you tailor your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll / Finance Assistant Full Time in Dumfries
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your payroll experience and finance skills. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our Finance team. Keep it concise but impactful!
Show Off Your Skills:We love data whizzes! Highlight your strong Excel and data analysis skills in your application. If you’ve got experience with payroll systems or legislation, make sure that’s front and centre.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through the Dumfries and Galloway College website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling on your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dumfries And Galloway College
✨Know Your Payroll Basics
Make sure you brush up on your payroll legislation, tax, and pension requirements before the interview. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re not just detail-oriented but also knowledgeable about the key aspects of the role.
✨Show Off Your Data Skills
Since this role involves a lot of data analysis, be prepared to talk about your experience with Excel and any payroll or finance systems you've used. Bring examples of how you've used data to support payroll processes or financial reporting in the past.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
This position requires collaboration with various teams, so think of examples where you've successfully worked with others. Highlight your proactive approach in supporting colleagues and how you’ve contributed to smooth operations in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific payroll-related scenarios or challenges. Practise articulating your thought process and problem-solving skills, as this will demonstrate your analytical abilities and readiness to tackle real-world issues.