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- Tasks: Manage payroll, pensions, and financial accounting processes with precision and care.
- Company: Join a values-led organisation committed to excellence in financial services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by ensuring accurate payroll and financial reporting.
- Qualifications: Experience in payroll and accounting, strong numerical and analytical skills required.
- Other info: Flexible work culture with a focus on teamwork and organisational values.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and detail-driven Payroll & Financial Accounting Officer to support our clients delivery 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 ResponsibilitiesPayroll & Pensions
- 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
- 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
Payroll & Financial Accounting Officer in Highland employer: Global Highland
Contact Detail:
Global Highland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll & Financial Accounting Officer in Highland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the payroll and accounting field. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know someone who knows someone, and that could lead you straight to your next opportunity.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills. Since this role involves financial accounting and payroll, make sure you can confidently discuss your experience with Excel and any relevant software. We recommend practising common interview questions related to payroll and financial processes.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills! Bring examples of how you've used data to solve problems or improve processes in previous roles. We want to see how you can contribute to our values-led organisation through your expertise in payroll and financial accounting.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll & Financial Accounting Officer in Highland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Keep Your CV Fresh: Before you hit that apply button, make sure your CV is up to date. Highlight your experience in payroll and financial accounting, and don’t forget to showcase those excellent numerical skills we’re looking for!
Tailor Your Application: Read the job specs carefully and tailor your application to match. Use keywords from the job description to show us you understand what we need and how you fit into the role.
Showcase Your Skills: We want to see your analytical abilities shine! Include examples of how you've used Excel to manipulate and analyse financial data, and any experience with payroll and pensions administration.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Global Highland
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Payroll & Financial Accounting Officer, you'll be dealing with numbers all day. Brush up on your numerical skills and be ready to discuss how you've used Excel to manipulate and analyse financial data in your previous roles. Prepare examples that showcase your analytical abilities.
✨Understand Payroll Processes
Make sure you’re familiar with payroll and pensions administration. Be prepared to explain the steps you take to ensure accurate and timely payroll delivery, including how you handle statutory returns and compliance with HMRC regulations. This will show your potential employer that you know the ins and outs of the job.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential for this role. Think about times when you've had to present financial information clearly and accurately. Practise explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as you may need to do this with clients or colleagues who aren't finance experts.
✨Embrace the Values
This organisation values its culture and principles. Research their values and think about how your personal values align with theirs. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to a values-led organisation and demonstrate your flexibility in supporting evolving priorities.
