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- Tasks: Ensure accurate payroll processing and provide expert advice on benefits.
- Company: Supportive councils focused on employee wellbeing and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and comprehensive pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by ensuring employees are paid correctly and on time.
- Qualifications: Detail-oriented with strong knowledge of payroll and benefits administration.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career development and process improvement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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.
Pay & Location
£41,964 – £45,086
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!
Payroll and Benefits Officer 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
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Guildford and Waverley Councils on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your payroll knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you've solved payroll issues or improved processes. Show them you're the detail-oriented expert they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your customer service skills! As a Payroll and Benefits Officer, you'll be the go-to person for queries. Share examples of how you've helped others in previous roles.
✨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 joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll and Benefits Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in payroll and benefits administration. Use keywords from the job description to show that you’re a perfect fit for the role!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for delivering excellent service and how your skills can support our councils. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Attention to Detail: As a Payroll and Benefits Officer, accuracy is key. In your application, mention specific examples where your attention to detail made a difference in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Waverley Borough Council
✨Know Your Payroll Basics
Brush up on your knowledge of payroll processes, including how to handle starters, leavers, and deductions. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you understand the core responsibilities of the role.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Prepare examples from your past experience where your attention to detail made a difference. Whether it was catching an error in payroll or ensuring compliance with regulations, showcasing this skill is crucial for a Payroll and Benefits Officer.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations, like resolving discrepancies in payroll data. Think through your problem-solving approach and be ready to explain how you would handle such scenarios effectively.
✨Show Your Customer Service Skills
Since you'll be providing advice to employees and managers, prepare to discuss how you've delivered excellent customer service in the past. Highlight your communication skills and ability to explain complex information clearly.