Finance Assistant - Payroll in Bangor

The Finance Service invites applications for a permanent Finance Assistant (Payroll). You will work closely with the Team Supervisor to undertake a variety of payroll tasks to ensure the monthly payroll is completed and submitted to a tight deadline. The role involves close collaboration with team members, colleagues in Finance and other stakeholders.

Purpose of the Job

Provide support within the Payroll team with shared responsibility for a flexible and responsive payroll service, including being the first point of contact for routine payroll queries. Complete routine tasks to meet operational and customer service requirements.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Work closely with other team members to undertake a variety of Payroll administration tasks as directed, sharing responsibility for providing a flexible and responsive payroll service.
• Be an active member of the wider Finance team, building and maintaining good working relationships with other members of the team to ensure an understanding of priorities and deadlines.
• Contribute to the development of, and work to, agreed service standards for the team.
• Deal with day‑to‑day routine Payroll enquiries in an accurate, timely and sensitive manner, escalating more complex issues to the Payroll Supervisor.
• Undertake checking and validation of the iTrent payroll system.
• Liaise with Human Resources and other departments to ensure queries relating to the monthly payroll are resolved.
• Check the tax, national insurance and other statutory payment and deductions are calculated correctly.
• Perform pre‑payroll audit checks on all input data.
• Answer enquiries from individuals regarding their payments.
• Work closely with other team members to undertake a variety of payroll and pensions administration tasks as directed, sharing responsibility for providing a flexible and responsive payroll service.
• Undertake other associated payroll or financial administration as requested.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

The post holder will be expected to participate in performance review and developmental activities. The post holder will be expected to comply with the University equal opportunities policies, Dignity at Work and Study Policy and the University’s Welsh Language Scheme. The post holder has a general and legal duty of care in relation to health, safety and wellbeing and must take all reasonable steps to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for themselves and for other members of staff, students and visitors affected by their actions or inactions. The post holder is also required to comply with all applicable health and safety policies, procedures and risk assessments. The post holder must comply with relevant legal and financial policies and procedures and be aware of their responsibilities in terms of the legal requirements of their posts.

Person Specification

Qualifications / Training

• Essential: Minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades A*‑C (incl. English and Maths) or NVQ level 2 in a relevant subject area or possess equivalent experience.
• Desirable: NVQ level 3 in a relevant subject area. ECDL Certificate.

Experience / Knowledge

• Essential: Experience of working within a Finance function. Experience of learning new workplace processes and adapting to changes in operational procedures.
• Desirable: Proven ability to communicate effectively and professionally with a wide range of people. Knowledge of the iTrent payroll system.

Skills / Abilities

• Essential: Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel etc.) and payroll software system. Excellent organisational and communication skills. Is able to understand, use and explain technical terms commonly used in own area of work. Prioritises work to achieve objectives to the standards expected.
• Desirable: Ability to communicate information clearly and confirm that the recipient has understood. Ability to present written information clearly, accurately, and in a structured format. Ability to plan daily tasks to meet deadlines. Experience of handling customer queries efficiently, including identifying when to redirect or elevate issues to the correct department.

Other

• Essential: Responds appropriately to queries and requests ensuring that information is conveyed accurately and promptly. Contributes to the work of the team.
• Desirable: The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post. A strong commitment to customer service and a proven track record of handling customer interactions in a polite, helpful, and professional manner. A flexible approach to teamwork, with a willingness to support colleagues and assist with extra tasks during busy periods.

Equal Opportunities and Diversity

The University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We strive to develop a workforce from all sections of the community regardless of sex, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. We promote and facilitate the use of the Welsh language through our progressive Welsh Language Policy. We comply with the Welsh Language Standards and are committed to equality of opportunity. All applications submitted will be treated equally. We are a member of Advance HE's Athena SWAN Gender Equality charter and hold a Silver award in recognition of our commitment to and progress towards gender equality within the University's policies, practices, and culture. We have recently achieved a Race Equality Charter Bronze award reflecting our commitment to building an inclusive and equitable society for black, Asian and minoritised ethnic staff. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. All members of staff have a duty to ensure their actions are in line with the overall environmental aims of the University and minimise their environmental impact.

All offers are made subject to proof of eligibility to work in the UK and receipt of satisfactory references. We have a legal responsibility to ensure that you have the right to work in the UK before you can start working for us. When you apply for this post you will be required to explain the basis upon which you believe you will be able to live and work in the UK legally on the commencement date of the role should your application be successful. If you do not have the right to work freely in any position in the UK already, any offer of employment we will make to you will be subject to you obtaining a right to work visa.