At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage payroll processes and support financial operations in a dynamic government environment.
- Company: Join the Northern Ireland Office, a key player in UK government representation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working options, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public service while gaining valuable finance experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 35335 - 37847 £ per year.
This vacancy is only available to existing Civil Servant employees and employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs). Please review the "Eligibility" section before you apply.
General Information
- Salary: The national salary range is £35,335 - £37,847, London salary range is £40,014 - £42,859. Your salary will be dependent on your base location.
- Working Pattern: Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working.
- Location: Belfast, London.
- Closing Date: 21-Sep-2026.
- Post Type: Loan.
- Civil Service Grade: HEO.
- Number of jobs available: 1.
- Reserve List: 12 Months.
BACKGROUND
The Northern Ireland Office supports the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in promoting the best interests of Northern Ireland. We make sure that Northern Ireland interests are represented within the UK Government and that UK government responsibilities are fully and effectively represented in Northern Ireland. We are the centre of expertise on Northern Ireland issues across Government. The Northern Ireland Office employs around 170 staff, with offices in Belfast and London. As a small Department, we adopt a flexible project-based approach to ensure that we have the right people, with the right skills, in the right place to support the delivery of our key objectives.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
The Northern Ireland Office is seeking to recruit a payroll finance officer and business partner. The paybill is a significant part of the NIO discretionary budget and with a number of Arms Length Bodies, and ring-fenced funds ensuring the paybill is correctly charged and managed will form a key part in ensuring the NIO can maximise its budget usage. The role will sit within the Financial Accounting and Reporting team but will also provide support to the Financial Management and Business partnering team, providing a great insight into NIO Finance.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:
- Posting of payroll journals to Account NI accounting system as part of the month-end process.
- Funding requests to ensure sufficient balances at bank for outgoing payments on pay-day.
- Process third party payments as advised by payroll provider.
- Calculate staff accruals including retention of supporting audit evidence on a monthly basis.
- Prepare invoices for payroll costs and debtors control.
- Liaise with HR and other teams, including ALBs, providing support on costing data to support workforce planning and payroll forecasting.
- Prepare all necessary expense and balance sheet reconciliations.
- Undertake analytical reviews of monthly payroll costs and challenge movements for line manager review, and presentation in monthly financial reporting.
- Support the NIO internal and external audit processes.
- Assist in the completion of statutory returns.
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:
- Hold existing CTC clearance.
- Demonstrable experience of supporting financial processes in a busy and complex finance function for a minimum of 6 months.
- Demonstrable experience of building positive and effective working relationships across a wide range of stakeholders.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to comprehend accounting information and distil into a format that is widely understandable to non-finance stakeholders.
- Demonstrable experience of using financial software, and advanced MS Excel skills (including sorting data, vlookups & pivot table etc.).
- Ability to work independently and prioritise workload.
DESIRABLE CRITERIA:
- Hold AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting.
BEHAVIOURS:
We will assess you against the following Success Profiles behaviours for the HEO level during the application sift and interview process:
- Making Effective Decisions.
- Managing a Quality Service (Lead behaviour).
- Delivering at Pace.
- Working together.
EXPERIENCE:
Please provide a CV and personal statement of 750 words. Both will be used in order to assess any demonstrable experience, career history and achievements that are relevant to the role.
OFFER:
Once all interviews have been completed, you will be notified of the outcome by email. Offers will be made in strict merit order to the highest scoring candidate first. The successful candidate will be notified of a start date following successful security checks.
SECURITY CLEARANCE:
This role requires National Security Vetting CTC given the access to sensitive information afforded by the job role.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home.
The Ministry of Justice offers a flexible working system in many offices. Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week. MoJ welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs.
BENEFITS:
- Annual Leave: 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years’ service.
- Pension: The Civil Service offers a choice of pension schemes.
- Training: The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION:
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found.
21913 - Payroll Finance officer and Business Partner in London employer: Ministry of Justice
The Ministry of Justice is an exceptional employer, dedicated to transforming lives through education and vocational training. With a strong emphasis on supportive relationships and personal development, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture that prioritises safety and security while offering opportunities for professional growth and meaningful impact in the community. Working in this role not only allows you to make a difference but also provides a unique chance to contribute to the rehabilitation and resettlement of individuals in a dynamic environment.
