At a Glance
- 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.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career development and process improvement.
- 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.
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 in Guildford employer: Waverley Borough Council
Join a dynamic team as a Payroll and Benefits Officer, where your meticulous attention to detail will ensure over 1,100 employees receive their pay accurately and on time. With a supportive culture that prioritises wellbeing and collaboration, you will have access to career development opportunities within a forward-thinking department, all while enjoying the benefits of flexible working arrangements and a comprehensive local government pension scheme.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll and Benefits Officer in Guildford
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Waverley Borough Council. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll and Benefits Officer in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Waverley Borough Council.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Waverley Borough Council's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Waverley Borough Council
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Waverley Borough Council.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Waverley Borough Council will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Waverley Borough Council employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
