At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage payroll processes and support employees with pay-related queries.
- Company: Join Manchester City Council, a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, a buzzing pension, and fantastic perks.
- Other info: Flexible work environment with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local government while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Previous payroll experience, ideally in local government, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
About the Role
Working Hours: 35 Hours Per Week
Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Closing Date: 14 May 2026
Closing time: 11.59pm
Interview Method: Face to Face
Legal Right to Work: Applicants must have existing right to work in the UK; visa sponsorship is not available.
Subject to 2 references – where possible, we require 3 years’ history.
Previous payroll experience, ideally in a local government setting.
We are seeking a keen and skilled Employee Officer to join our team, with a focus on payroll administration. The ideal candidate will have payroll experience in a local government setting and embody the behaviours of Manchester City Council.
The HR Operations Service in HROD & T sits within the Corporate Services Directorate and is part of the Council's back‑office support function for Employee Services, which provides support for Payroll, Pensions, Transactional HR activity, Agency Client, Resourcing, Organisational Management and Compliance.
As an Employee Officer, you will be responsible for managing transactional payroll processes and ensuring accurate and timely payment to employees.
Key Responsibilities
- Payroll Administration: Overseeing payroll operations, including processing payments, maintaining records, and resolving discrepancies.
- Employee Support: Assisting employees and managers with pay‑related enquiries and providing guidance on payroll policies.
- Data Management: Accurately entering data into the system and maintaining up‑to‑date employee records.
- Compliance: Ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations related to payroll and employee compensation.
Candidate Profile
We are looking for a motivated individual who will contribute to the delivery of our targets, working with your team and the wider service to improve the customer experience.
Required Experience
- An in‑depth knowledge of payroll, ideally within a Local Government setting.
- Experience of working in a fast‑paced environment, completing work to a high standard within tight deadlines.
- Experience of managing multiple processes in various IT systems, solving problems and making sound decisions, with excellent interpersonal and team‑working skills.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to adapt your style to different audiences and situations.
- You will embrace and demonstrate the Our Manchester Behaviours.
Benefits We Offer
- Generous holiday allowance – Enjoy up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays. Increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service. Want more leave? You can purchase up to two additional weeks.
- A buzzing pension – You’ll be enrolled in the UK’s largest local government pension scheme, with plenty of options to top up your benefits. Includes life cover of three‑times your salary as a lump sum.
- Enhanced parental and carers leave – Take advantage of our enhanced family leave options, designed to provide ample time for you to bond with your new born or support your family during critical life events.
- Brilliant perks – Access a range of discounts, from saving on the weekly shop to holidays and days out with MCR+. Plus discounts on phone contracts, cycle to work scheme, free flu jabs and eye tests, and more.
- Learn and grow – We are dedicated to nurturing talent and providing you with the tools to thrive. Take part in a diverse set of learning opportunities, from workshops and training sessions through to apprenticeships and qualifications. All this begins with our comprehensive onboarding process.
- A Good Employment Charter member – We are committed to offering secure, flexible work and embedding fairness into everything we do. We review pay annually, recognise three trade unions, and are constantly working to offer the best possible health and wellbeing support throughout all stages of your working life.
- Up to 3 days volunteering leave – Give back to the community with three days pro‑rate of paid volunteering leave, in addition to existing benefits.
Inclusive Workplace
At Manchester City Council, we’re dedicated to creating a workplace that truly reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people and young people.
What We Will Need From You If You’re Successful
In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. This is not a role we consider to be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route based on Manchester City Council policy. Candidates are therefore encouraged to consider their own right to work options without the requirement for Manchester City Council sponsorship.
Pre-Employment Checks
If you are successful in securing a position with us, the pre‑employment checks required will depend on the role you’ve applied for, please see the top of the advert for details. These checks are an important part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our workforce and the community we serve.
Other Relevant Information
We want everyone to be able to be themselves at work and give their best. If you need additional support to undertake the duties of the role, we’ll make every effort to source any necessary aids, adaptations or equipment. If, however, any task proves to be unachievable, we will look at redesigning parts of the role.
Employee Officer (Payroll) in Manchester employer: Old Moat
Manchester City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With generous benefits such as up to 31 days of annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and a commitment to inclusivity, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while contributing positively to the community. The council's dedication to nurturing talent through diverse learning opportunities makes it an ideal workplace for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Officer (Payroll) in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Manchester City Council and their values. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your previous payroll experience aligns with the role and be ready to share specific examples.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress to impress! Make sure you look professional and feel confident on the day of your interview. First impressions matter, so choose an outfit that reflects your seriousness about the role.
✨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 Employee Officer (Payroll) in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and how they relate to the role of Employee Officer.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for this specific role. Highlight your payroll experience, especially in a local government setting, and show us how you embody the behaviours of Manchester City Council.
Use Clear Examples:Back up your claims with clear examples from your past work. Whether it’s managing payroll processes or resolving discrepancies, we want to hear about your achievements and how you tackled challenges.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our team there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Old Moat
✨Know Your Payroll Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your payroll knowledge, especially in a local government context. Be ready to discuss specific processes you've managed and any challenges you've faced in previous roles. This will show that you’re not just familiar with payroll but have hands-on experience.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As an Employee Officer, you'll be assisting employees with pay-related queries. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated complex information to different audiences. This could be through emails, meetings, or training sessions—whatever highlights your adaptability!
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of instances where you've had to resolve discrepancies or issues in payroll. Be ready to explain your thought process and the steps you took to find a solution. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the fast-paced environment mentioned in the job description.
✨Embrace the Manchester Behaviours
Familiarise yourself with the behaviours that embody Manchester City Council's values. During the interview, weave these behaviours into your responses to show that you align with their culture and are committed to improving the customer experience.
