At a Glance
- Tasks: Handle payroll tasks and provide HR advice on pay-related matters.
- Company: Join Lancashire Constabulary's supportive Pay Services Team.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension scheme, and health support.
- Other info: Full training provided, with opportunities for remote work after competency.
- Why this job: Make a difference by ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time.
- Qualifications: Customer service skills and attention to detail are essential.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 28000 £ per year.
Lancashire Constabulary is looking for a Pay Services Assistant to join our team. Do you enjoy working with numbers and have a knack for calculations? If so, our Pay Services Assistant role could be the perfect fit for you! As a Pay Services Assistant, you’ll not only handle payroll tasks but also provide HR advice on pay-related matters. Don’t worry if you’re new to this—our supportive and knowledgeable Pay Team will provide full on-the-job training and development.
Lancashire Constabulary employs around 6,000 Police Officers and Police Staff. The HR Pay Services Team plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of the force by making sure our dedicated employees are paid accurately and on time. In this role, you’ll deliver a high-quality HR and payroll service throughout an employee’s career journey—from onboarding new starters, processing changes such as promotions, maternity/adoption leave, and adjustments to working hours, right through to retirement.
We’re looking for someone with excellent customer service and communication skills, as the role involves managing a high volume of emails and phone calls. You’ll need to be comfortable working to tight monthly deadlines, both independently and as part of a large team. Strong attention to detail and the ability to organise and prioritise your workload are essential. The starting salary is typically at the bottom of the pay scale, but exceptional candidates with relevant experience or knowledge may be considered for a higher starting point within the advertised salary range. Previous experience in payroll and pensions is desirable but not essential. This is a full-time position (37 hours per week, Monday to Friday, excluding Bank Holidays). Once fully competent in the role, you’ll also have the opportunity to work one day a week remotely as part of our agile working offer.
Please note: If shortlisted, you will be required to complete a series of assessments before being invited to interview.
Key ResponsibilitiesThis is not a comprehensive list of all the tasks which may be required of the post holder. It is illustrative of the general nature and level of responsibility of the work to be undertaken.
- Responsible for the administration of absences including sickness, maternity, paternity, adoption leave etc., accurately calculating and maintaining contractual and statutory pay entitlements demonstrating a high level of attention to detail.
- Responsible for the administration of starters, leavers and employee changes, ensuring they are recorded and updated accurately on Oracle in a timely manner, complying with force policy, Police Regulations, Police Staff Conditions of Service and statutory entitlements.
- To provide accurate pay data to pensions for leavers, estimates and repayments of pensions.
- Deal with and calculate complex under and overpayments, raise invoices where appropriate and complete cancellations in compliance with HMRC regulations.
- Administrate third party payments ensuring records are kept up to date i.e. Childcare Vouchers, Cycle to Work, AVC Wise etc.
- Ensure compliance with monthly payroll deadlines and validate the monthly pay using checking controls and exemption reports.
- Deal with internal and external enquiries by telephone, correspondence or personal contact and to liaise with divisions and departments, staff associations and external organisations as required.
- Experience of working in an administrative/clerical role within a busy office environment.
- Experience of producing accurate written information and demonstrate a high level of attention to detail.
- Experience of maintaining strict confidentiality, using tact and diplomacy where applicable.
- Experience of updating and maintaining manual and computerised records accurately.
- Experience of working with minimal supervision, organising and prioritising own workload.
- Experience of communicating clearly with internal and external contacts in a courteous and diplomatic manner.
- Experience of using Microsoft Software Applications, including Word, Excel & Outlook.
Please be aware, as a condition of your appointment you must undergo and pass Recruitment Vetting (RV). Please be aware there is a minimum 3 year UK residency requirement for Recruitment vetting and you must be 18 years old at the point of applying. Successful applicants will also be subject to a medical assessment.
Benefits- 25 - 31 days annual leave (role dependant) plus 8 bank holidays pro rata.
- Local Government Pension Scheme with contributions from 5.5% to 12.5% depending on your salary.
- Sick pay provisions.
- Generous maternity/paternity and adoption leave entitlements.
- Option to become a member of the onsite unions.
- Discounts from various retailers via the Blue Light Scheme.
- Access to on-site gyms – HQ.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Support from our Health and Wellbeing Centre including Welfare Officers, Counselling, Physiotherapy and Mental Health Peer Supporters.
- Hybrid/Agile working (role dependant).
Closing date: Friday 5th June 2026 at 10am.
S26-186 Pay Services Assistant (LC4-5) in Preston employer: Lancashire Constabulary
Lancashire Constabulary is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment where employees can thrive and develop their skills. With comprehensive training for the Pay Services Assistant role, generous leave entitlements, and access to health and wellbeing resources, staff are empowered to achieve a healthy work-life balance. The opportunity for hybrid working further enhances flexibility, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the public sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land S26-186 Pay Services Assistant (LC4-5) in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Lancashire Constabulary and the Pay Services Team. Understanding their values and how they operate will help you connect during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to payroll and HR. Think about examples from your past experiences that showcase your attention to detail and customer service skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm! When you’re in the interview, let your passion for numbers and calculations shine through. Employers love candidates who are genuinely excited about the role and the impact they can make.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace S26-186 Pay Services Assistant (LC4-5) in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in a Pay Services Assistant and how your skills match up. This will help you tailor your application to stand out!
Show Off Your Attention to Detail:Since this role involves handling payroll and HR tasks, it's super important to highlight your attention to detail. Use specific examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated this skill—trust us, it’ll make a difference!
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out your application, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of the matter. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancashire Constabulary
✨Know Your Numbers
Since the role involves handling payroll tasks, brush up on your numerical skills. Be prepared to discuss any relevant experience you have with calculations or payroll systems. If you can, practice some basic payroll scenarios to show your understanding during the interview.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
This position requires excellent communication and customer service abilities. Think of examples from your past where you've successfully managed inquiries or resolved issues. Be ready to demonstrate how you handle high volumes of emails and phone calls while maintaining professionalism.
✨Attention to Detail is Key
The Pay Services Assistant role demands a high level of accuracy. Prepare to discuss how you ensure precision in your work. You might want to share specific instances where your attention to detail made a difference, especially in administrative tasks or data entry.
✨Be Ready for Assessments
If shortlisted, you'll need to complete assessments before the interview. Familiarise yourself with what these might entail—whether it's numerical tests or scenario-based questions. Practising similar assessments can help you feel more confident and prepared.