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- Tasks: Join our team to manage payroll processes and provide insightful reporting.
- Company: Be part of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, a leading non-metropolitan service in England.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, pension scheme, and wellness support.
- Other info: Great opportunities for professional growth and a vibrant team culture.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while developing valuable skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong data handling skills and proficiency in MS Excel required.
The predicted salary is between 29540 - 32061 £ per year.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, the largest non‑metropolitan Fire and Rescue Service in England, has the opportunity for a Pay and Reporting Assistant Officer to join our People Services team based at our Service Headquarters in Exeter. This is a permanent, full‑time position (37 hours per week) that offers a competitive salary starting at £29,540 rising annually to £32,061 (gross) pro rata per annum.
About Us
At Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, our mission is to create a safer world by preventing fire and rescue emergencies. We pride ourselves on our fantastic reputation, built on the dedication and expertise of our skilled workforce. By joining us, you will be a key player in enhancing the services we provide across beautiful Devon and Somerset.
Your Role
As a Payroll and Reporting Assistant Officer you will play an active role in the monthly payroll processes, including reconciliation of data and oversee first line casework for incorrect payments and queries regarding pay (sickness claims, allowances and other changes). You will provide comprehensive reporting and analysis (based on HR Database content) to support payroll analysis, data returns, audits and other reporting requirements for the Service.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain and update essential spreadsheets, databases and systems in accordance with the Data Protection Act.
- Input and process pay and personnel data and take any associated follow‑up actions.
- Ensure that operational activity and availability claims are extracted from Gartan systems and processed accurately for every payment run.
- Actively participate in the reconciliation of monthly payroll data to ensure that this action is completed on time and in full.
- Facilitate the reconciliation of absence data between Gartan and iTrent as part of the monthly payroll process and minimise overpayment situations for on‑call colleagues.
- Handle payment errors, including identification of causes, liaise with stakeholders, oversee administration of salary advances, recovery/reconciliation in subsequent months, produce suitable correspondence to affected individuals and escalated casework/concerns where appropriate.
- With advice and guidance from System admin / Payroll lead roles, support table maintenance of the payroll system and some testing processes for planned upgrades or system development as and when required.
- Regularly produce reports in relation to the content of the HR database and payroll output, ensuring that the data is presented accurately and in a user‑friendly format, including look‑up functions, pivots, slicers and graphs where appropriate.
- Assist with provision of data for additional reporting requirements on an ad‑hoc basis, such as Subject Access Requests, FOIs and organisational data returns (including ONS and HMI).
- Ensure that the payroll system is maintained and updated to reflect employment variations including new joiners, leavers, position and grade changes, and also changes in personal particulars (i.e. name, address, etc.).
- Ensure that deductions, subscriptions, recoveries and other third‑party payments are recorded and implemented accurately and in a timely manner in collaboration with the payroll provider.
What We Offer
- Flexible working arrangements to promote work‑life balance
- A generous pension scheme for your future
- Ample annual leave to recharge and refresh
- Family leave policies that support your loved ones
- Access to physiotherapy services for your well‑being
- Opportunities for professional development and progression
- Free gym access and personalised fitness coaching
- Support for eye care and wellness programmes
- Exclusive Blue Light Membership discounts
- Affordable healthcare options through Benenden Health
- Engaging sports and social groups for community building
- Confidential counselling services and mental health support
- Access to the Firefighters Charity for additional support
- A cycle‑to‑work scheme to promote healthy commuting
Key Competencies
- Proven ability to input and extract data efficiently and accurately
- Demonstrable ability to identify and solve problems involving numerical information
- Knowledge and understanding of using People / Database systems
- Ability to work efficiently and effectively both as an individual and as a member of a busy team
- Good planning, organisational and time‑management skills
- Proven ability to use MS Excel at an advanced level
Other Requirements
The successful candidate must, by the commencement of employment, have the right to work in the UK.
Closing date 23:59hrs Monday 20 May 2026
Assistant Pay & Reporting Officer employer: Networking Women in the Fire Service
Contact Detail:
Networking Women in the Fire Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Pay & Reporting Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and the team, plus it shows our genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to payroll and reporting. We can even do mock interviews with friends or family to boost our confidence and refine our answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our skills! Bring examples of how we've used Excel for data analysis or problem-solving in previous roles. This will help us stand out and demonstrate our capabilities directly related to the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can tailor our application to highlight how our experience aligns perfectly with the Pay and Reporting Assistant Officer role.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Pay & Reporting Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Assistant Pay & Reporting Officer role. Highlight your experience with payroll processes, data management, and any relevant software you've used. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about joining Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. Share specific examples of how your skills align with the responsibilities listed in the job description. Let us know why you’re the perfect fit!
Showcase Your Excel Skills: Since advanced MS Excel skills are crucial for this role, make sure to mention any relevant projects or tasks where you've used Excel effectively. Whether it's creating reports or managing data, we want to see your expertise in action!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to complete your application successfully!
How to prepare for a job interview at Networking Women in the Fire Service
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Assistant Pay & Reporting Officer, you'll be dealing with a lot of numerical data. Brush up on your Excel skills and be ready to discuss how you've used spreadsheets, pivot tables, and graphs in previous roles. This will show that you can handle the technical aspects of the job.
✨Understand the Payroll Process
Familiarise yourself with the payroll process, especially the reconciliation of data and handling payment errors. Be prepared to explain how you would approach common issues like incorrect payments or absence data discrepancies. This shows you’re proactive and knowledgeable about the role.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
The role requires identifying and solving problems involving numerical information. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully resolved issues, particularly those related to payroll or data management. This will demonstrate your analytical thinking and ability to work under pressure.
✨Be Ready for Team Dynamics
Since you'll be part of a busy team, highlight your experience working collaboratively. Share examples of how you've contributed to team success, managed your time effectively, and supported colleagues. This will illustrate that you can thrive in a team-oriented environment.