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- Tasks: Ensure accurate payroll processing and provide expert advice on benefits.
- Company: Join a supportive team at Guildford and Waverley Borough Councils.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a secure pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by ensuring employees are paid correctly and on time.
- Qualifications: Detail-oriented with strong payroll and benefits knowledge.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 ÂŁ per year.
Join Us as a Payroll and Benefits Officer – Supporting Two Councils with Precision and Care!
Are you detail-oriented, proactive, and passionate about delivering an excellent payroll and benefits service? Step into a key role supporting Guildford Borough Council and Waverley Borough Council, where your accuracy and expertise will directly impact over 1,100 employees!
About the Role — Payroll and Benefits Officer
As our Payroll and Benefits Officer, you’ll ensure the smooth, accurate, and timely processing of payroll and employee benefits. You’ll be the trusted source of advice on pay, pensions, and benefits, helping us maintain compliance, reduce risk, and deliver a customer‑focused experience.
Based at The Burys, Godalming and Millmead House, Guildford
Why Join Our Team?
- Be Essential: Play a vital role in ensuring every employee is paid correctly and on time across two progressive councils.
- Supportive Culture: Work with a friendly, professional team that values wellbeing, collaboration, and integrity.
- Career Development: Access training and growth opportunities within a forward‑thinking People & OD department.
- Flexible Working: Enjoy a hybrid working environment designed to support work‑life balance.
- Comprehensive Benefits:
- Local Government Pension Scheme – secure your future
- Generous annual leave and flexible working options
- Employee Assistance Programme for confidential wellbeing support
- Great locations with free parking and excellent transport links
What You’ll Do:
- Process payroll data accurately, including starters, leavers, pay changes, allowances, and deductions — ensuring deadlines are consistently met.
- Produce monthly payroll reports, resolve discrepancies, and support reconciliation with finance systems.
- Administer pension schemes (including LGPS), salary sacrifice, and other employee benefits with precision.
- Ensure compliance with HMRC regulations, pension requirements, and employment law, supporting audits and risk management.
- Provide expert advice and support to employees and managers on payroll, pensions, and benefits queries.
- Collaborate across People & OD, Finance, and IT teams to resolve issues and enhance service delivery.
- Drive continuous improvement by suggesting and implementing payroll process enhancements and digital innovations.
- Maintain accurate payroll records and generate reports to support management decisions and statutory requirements.
Who You Are:
- Detail‑focused with strong technical knowledge of payroll and benefits administration.
- Confident providing clear, professional advice to employees and managers.
- A problem solver who thrives on improving processes and data accuracy.
- Committed to confidentiality, data protection, and delivering outstanding customer service.
- Collaborative and adaptable, ready to work across two councils in a dynamic environment.
Ready to bring your payroll expertise to a role that truly matters? Apply now and become a key player in delivering accurate, efficient, and reliable payroll and benefits services across Guildford and Waverley!
Closing date for applications: 9:00am on Monday the 9th February 2026
Interview Date: w/c 23rd February 2026
We do not accept CVs without a completed application form. Strictly no agencies please.
In return for your valued contribution, we can offer you a competitive benefits package which includes hybrid working and agile working policies, training and development opportunities, generous annual leave and flexi time, free onsite parking, an employee assistance scheme and membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
The district is home to many different people, and we want our workforce to reflect our diverse local communities. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences – we are a Disability Confident employer and appoint on merit.
We are proud to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from serving or ex‑members of the armed forces and their partners. We offer an interview scheme for serving and ex‑military forces members when they meet the essential criteria for the role.
Please note we do not accept applications after the stated closing time and right to work in the UK will be checked as part of the interview process.
Payroll and Benefits Officer in Godalming employer: Waverley Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Waverley Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll and Benefits Officer in Godalming
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the councils! Research Guildford and Waverley Borough Councils to understand their values and culture. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses! Think about common interview questions related to payroll and benefits, and prepare clear, concise answers. We want you to showcase your expertise and problem-solving skills confidently.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current employees! If you can, reach out to people working at the councils on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. They can provide insights into the role and the work environment, which can be super helpful for your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the opportunity and ready to take the next step in your career.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll and Benefits Officer in Godalming
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in a Payroll and Benefits Officer. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences match our needs!
Show Off Your Attention to Detail: As a Payroll and Benefits Officer, accuracy is key! In your written application, give examples of how you've demonstrated attention to detail in previous roles. This will show us that you're the right fit for ensuring payroll is processed smoothly and accurately.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We want to see your personality shine through, but clarity is crucial, especially when dealing with numbers and compliance!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you'll find all the info you need about the role and our team there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Waverley Borough Council
✨Know Your Payroll Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of payroll processes and regulations. Be ready to discuss how you ensure accuracy in payroll data, as this role demands a strong technical understanding of payroll and benefits administration.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled payroll discrepancies or improved processes in previous roles. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and ability to enhance service delivery, which is crucial for supporting two councils effectively.
✨Understand Compliance Requirements
Familiarise yourself with HMRC regulations and employment law relevant to payroll and pensions. Being able to articulate how you maintain compliance and support audits will show that you're detail-oriented and committed to reducing risk.
✨Emphasise Customer Service
Since this role involves providing advice to employees and managers, be prepared to discuss your approach to delivering outstanding customer service. Highlight any experience you have in handling queries professionally and confidentially.
