At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Payroll Team to process essential documentation and improve payroll services.
- Company: Hertfordshire County Council, a dynamic local government organisation.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £27,694 with potential to progress, hybrid working, and career development.
- Other info: Opportunity for secondments and a chance to shape local government services.
- Why this job: Enhance your payroll knowledge in a fast-paced, supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong administrative skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in Microsoft applications.
The predicted salary is between 31022 - 31022 £ per year.
Starting Salary: £27,694 with opportunity to progress to £31,022 per annum
Hours: 37
Location: Stevenage - 2 days a week (Tuesday and Wednesday) / Hybrid
Contract Type: Fixed Term - 6 months
Directorate: Resources
About the team
Join our dynamic Payroll Team as a Payroll Specialist and play a key role in delivering exceptional payroll services to Hertfordshire County Council and a range of valued clients. This role forms part of an experienced team, who work in a fast-paced environment and are dedicated to delivering the payroll service to approximately 29,000 employees across various companies. You’ll be encouraged to spot and suggest ways to improve processes.
About the role
In this role you will be responsible for processing a variety of essential documentation, including Lease Car deductions and any charges for lease cars that need to be entered into records. Tax and Student Loan downloads, Pension queries, and an understanding of tax, NI and pension are essential.
About you
Essential criteria:
- Excellent administrative skills with attention to detail
- Ability to organise and prioritise your own workload
- Good communication skills
- Use of Microsoft applications, including Word and Excel
- Good keyboard and data entry skills
Desirable criteria:
- Understanding of integrated HR/Payroll applications (SAP) would be desirable
- Knowledge of local government terms and conditions would be an advantage
This is a great opportunity to enhance your Payroll knowledge in a Local Government environment with a diverse range of terms and conditions. It is a role for an organised, pro-active individual with strong payroll skills in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
We welcome applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK with established proof of right to work documentation. We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time for this role. This job role is Level 7.
To hear more about this opportunity, please contact jane.hockley@hertfordshire.gov.uk for an informal discussion about the role.
Interview Date: 15th & 16th July 2026 – interviews to take place in person only.
How to apply
As part of your application, please upload your most recent CV. Ensure your CV is up to date with your employment history (including any employment gaps) and including any training/qualifications. Include examples of where you have demonstrated the requirements/criteria to allow the panel to recognise your skills. You may include a short covering paragraph to provide additional information about your skills, knowledge, and experiences.
Secondment
This role is open to secondments for eligible employees who work for HCC. If you wish to apply on a secondment basis, you must have your line manager's approval before submitting your application. You will be asked to confirm this within your application form. If you are not eligible for a secondment (e.g., currently on a fixed-term contract that would end before this position ends) or you indicate that your manager cannot support a secondment, your application will be considered on a fixed-term contract basis instead.
Additional information
We are changing Hertfordshire County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). If you are employed by Hertfordshire County on 1 April 2028, it is expected that most roles will transfer to the newly-created unitary councils on existing terms and conditions under TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings - Protection of Employment) principles. LGR is one of the biggest changes we will face in a generation. It will reshape how we work and how services are organised and gives us a real opportunity to build something better.
To find out more, visit https://www.hertfordshire-lgr.co.uk/
Disability Confident
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
English Fluency
The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post. For those whose language is a signed language, the provision of a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the necessary standard of fluency will be required. Further information about the legal requirement can be found here.
Assistant HR & Payroll Officer in Stevenage employer: Hertfordshire County Council
Hertfordshire County Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values employee development and innovation. With a competitive salary and the opportunity for progression, employees can thrive in a dynamic environment while contributing to meaningful public service. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, making it an attractive workplace for those seeking a balance between professional growth and personal life.
Contact Details:
Hertfordshire County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant HR & Payroll Officer in Stevenage
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We think you need these skills to ace Assistant HR & Payroll Officer in Stevenage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!
Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!
Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!
Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at Hertfordshire County Council. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hertfordshire County Council
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at Hertfordshire County Council, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools
Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that Hertfordshire County Council uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.
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As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at Hertfordshire County Council.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at Hertfordshire County Council.
