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- Tasks: Assist with payroll responsibilities and ensure timely, accurate payments for NHS staff.
- Company: Join National Services Scotland, a key player in supporting NHSScotland's health and well-being initiatives.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, flexi-time, and a comprehensive benefits package including pension and discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working in a collaborative, inclusive environment focused on service excellence.
- Qualifications: Previous payroll, finance, or administration experience is preferred; strong team skills are essential.
- Other info: Flexible working policies promote a diverse workplace; commitment to staff health and well-being.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Join Our Team – Be Part of our NHS Shared Payroll Service!
Are you ready to make a real impact across the country? Our payroll team provides a shared service supporting 9 boards throughout Scotland. We’re looking for dedicated professionals to help us deliver efficient, accurate, and people-focused payroll solutions at scale.
If you\’re passionate about service excellence and want to be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking environment, we’d love to hear from you!
About the Organisation:
National Services Scotland (NSS) is a national NHS Board operating right at the heart of NHSScotland providing invaluable support and advice at a strategic and operational level. NSS supports customers to deliver their services more efficiently and effectively and we offer shared services on a national scale using best-in-class systems and standards. Our priority is always the same – to improve the health and well-being of the people of Scotland. We do this by working in partnership with colleagues across Health and Social Care to deliver fit for purpose solutions and systems, delivering high quality services that help our stakeholders to free up resources so they can be re-invested into essential services.
The Post:
NSS Payroll Services has been granted the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals Payroll Assurance Scheme accreditation.
NSS Payroll Services provides a fully managed payroll service to NHS Lothian, NHS Forth Valley and Strathcarron Hospice, NHS Fife, NHS National Services Scotland, NHS Public Health Scotland, NHS Healthcare Improvement Scotland, NHS National Education Scotland, Scottish Ambulance Service, and NHS Dumfries and Galloway.
Payroll services are responsible for a total pay bill of in excess £2.8 Billion for ~90,000 Employees and manages the delivery of payroll services to 9 health boards on a shared service basis. There are ~100 staff in NSS Payroll Services.
The role of the Department is to ensure that, from recruitment to retirement, all employees are paid both timeously and accurately in conjunction with their contracts of employment and Terms and Conditions of Service. The department must also ensure that all boards are compliant with all aspects of Statutory legislation relating to Income Tax, National Insurance, Statutory absence payments (SSP, SMP, etc), NHS Scotland Pension Scheme etc.
Payroll Assistants undertake payroll responsibilities for a section of staff complying with all relevant statutory legislation and local procedures as well as providing payroll administration support to the team across all aspects of payroll and expenses.
The Candidate:
We are looking for a candidate who has previous payroll, finance or administration experience and ideally brings with them a knowledge of statutory entitlements of payroll. You must have a good understanding of the General Data Protection Act as well as being able to evidence strong team working and organisational skills.
Please see the Person Specification for further details.
Location and Working Pattern:
NSS Payroll Services has office locations in Edinburgh, Kirkcaldy, Denny and Dumfries.
We offer the opportunity for hybrid working
Monday to Friday, 37 hours per week with flexi-time available.
It is a condition of this employment that you must live and remain a resident within the UK for the post in which you will be employed with NSS.
Benefits:
Ourbenefits package includes pension scheme, comprehensive range of work life balance policies, occupational health services, learning resource centres and discounted leisure, financial and shopping benefits. HR Benefits Brochure.
Inclusion:
NHS National Services Scotland (NSS) is a national board and, as an anchor institution, it is our ambition to be a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone feels welcome. We recognise that flexible working creates an inclusive workplace where employees can thrive and feel confident about their ability to balance their personal and professional responsibilities. This is supported through Once for Scotland flexible working policies. NSS has made a long-term commitment to staff health and well-being and offers many learning and development opportunities to support and improve our approaches to diversity, inclusion and mental health in the workplace. There are a number of equality staff networks in place which all staff are welcome to join. We are also an equal opportunities employer and as such guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for our vacancies.As an accredited Disability Confident Leader, it is the aim of NSS to offer a fully accessible and inclusive recruitment service that supports applicants on their candidate journey. If you are interested in any reasonable adjustments, please contact the Recruitment Team on NSS.wfrs@nhs.scot
Further information:
For an informal discussion on the post, please contact Anne Watson, Payroll Manager at anne.watson2@nhs.scot
Closing date for completed applications is 11th September 2025
Furtherinformation on NSS is available from: https://www.nss.nhs.scot/
Pleasenote that the majority of correspondence is sent by e-mail only, so please check your e-mail regularly (including junk folders).
NHS National Services Scotland is an equal opportunities employer and as committed participant in the disability confident scheme, guarantees to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for our vacancies.
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Payroll Assistant (Operations) employer: NHS National Services Scotland
Contact Detail:
NHS National Services Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Assistant (Operations)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the NHS payroll system and its specific requirements. Understanding the nuances of payroll operations within the NHS will give you a significant edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of NSS or similar organisations. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when applying.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with statutory legislation related to payroll. Being able to articulate your knowledge in this area will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your teamwork and organisational skills during any interactions with the recruitment team. Highlighting examples of how you've successfully collaborated in previous roles can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Assistant (Operations)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Payroll Assistant. Familiarise yourself with payroll processes, statutory legislation, and the specific requirements mentioned in the job description.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in payroll, finance, or administration. Emphasise any knowledge of statutory entitlements and your understanding of the General Data Protection Act, as these are crucial for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for service excellence and your ability to work collaboratively. Mention specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your organisational skills and teamwork.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is accurate and complete. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at NHS National Services Scotland
✨Understand Payroll Legislation
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of payroll legislation, including Income Tax and National Insurance. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you are well-prepared and understand the responsibilities of the role.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves working closely with a team, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in previous positions. Highlighting your ability to work well with others will resonate with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Organisational Skills
Prepare to discuss how you manage your time and tasks effectively. Providing specific examples of how you've organised payroll or administrative tasks in the past can illustrate your capability in this area.
✨Familiarise Yourself with NSS Values
Research National Services Scotland and their commitment to service excellence and inclusivity. Being able to align your personal values with those of the organisation will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the company.
