At a Glance
- Tasks: Input payroll data and process payments for over 62,000 employees.
- Company: Join Moray Council, a supportive team focused on finance and administration.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £28,520.05, flexible hours, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for training and growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference in people's lives by ensuring accurate payroll processing.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance, strong IT skills, and willingness to learn payroll qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 28520 - 40000 £ per year.
To input employee payroll, travel and subsistence data to the payroll system, processing the Council's six payrolls which produce over 62,000 payslips per year. Working within a team structure where workloads rotate according to priorities and responsibilities as allocated, this includes all associated payroll and admin tasks, applying five different terms and conditions and operating two different pension schemes. Under the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure Check.
Responsibilities
- Prepares, verifies and inputs data to appropriate systems
- Manual pay calculations
- Processing and reconciliation of pay runs
- Reconciliation of payroll control accounts
- Remittances to Unions, AVC providers and other third parties
- Process over/under payments
- Operate the Local Government and Teachers pension schemes
- Operate salary sacrifice schemes implemented by the Council
- Process and operate pensioner payroll
- Handle various enquiries both written and verbal
- To provide training to staff
The Individual
- Experience of working within a finance section
- A high level of IT literacy with competence in Microsoft Word and Excel
- Understanding of finance control and administration
- Effective numerical skills
- Finance/Administration HNC qualification
- Payroll qualification e.g. IPPM or Payroll Alliance (if not already held, must be willing to undertake qualification within 3 years)
- Procedural skills
- Good organisational skills
- Knowledge of payroll processes and statutory regulations
- A flexible approach to new working practices and technology and ability to implement new procedures
- Ability to switch between tasks easily
- Ability to work on own initiative when required to specified deadlines
- Analytical and research skills
- Able to maintain confidentiality
- Able to work as part of a team and using own initiative
- Very good communicator – verbal and written
- Work under pressure to tight deadlines
- Ability to work in an open plan office
- Flexibility to meet the needs and demands of the service
Additional Information
- Closing date: 9th January 2026
- Starting Salary: £28,520.05
- 36.25 hours per week
Payroll Administrator in Elgin employer: Moray Council
Moray Council is an exceptional employer that values its employees by fostering a collaborative work culture and providing ample opportunities for professional growth within the finance sector. With a commitment to employee development, including support for payroll qualifications, and a focus on work-life balance, Moray Council offers a rewarding environment where you can make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying competitive benefits and a supportive team atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Administrator in Elgin
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the payroll and finance sectors on LinkedIn or at local events. 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 the specific systems used by Moray Council. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who’s genuinely interested in their processes and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in their minds and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’d be a perfect fit for the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance of landing that Payroll Administrator role. We love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us, so make sure you showcase your skills and passion when you apply!
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Administrator in Elgin
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Payroll Administrator role. Highlight your experience in finance and any relevant qualifications, like payroll certifications. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Show Off Your IT Skills:Since a high level of IT literacy is key for this role, don’t forget to mention your proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel. If you've used any payroll systems before, give us the details – it’ll make you stand out!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the important bits!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to upload all your documents in one go. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Moray Council
✨Know Your Payroll Basics
Make sure you brush up on your payroll knowledge before the interview. Understand the key processes like pay calculations, reconciliations, and the different pension schemes mentioned in the job description. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also have a solid grasp of what it entails.
✨Show Off Your IT Skills
Since a high level of IT literacy is crucial for this role, be prepared to discuss your experience with Microsoft Word and Excel. Maybe even bring examples of how you've used these tools in previous jobs. If you can demonstrate your ability to handle payroll systems effectively, you'll definitely stand out.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Flexibility
This position requires working within a team and adapting to changing workloads. Think of examples from your past where you've successfully collaborated with others or adapted to new procedures. Highlighting your flexibility and teamwork skills will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Questions on Confidentiality
Given the sensitive nature of payroll data, be ready to discuss how you would maintain confidentiality in your work. You might want to prepare a few scenarios where you've handled sensitive information responsibly. This will reassure them that you understand the importance of discretion in this role.
