At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our payroll team to deliver accurate payroll services and support managers effectively.
- Company: Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, dedicated to staff and patient happiness.
- Benefits: Supportive work environment, career development opportunities, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and teamwork.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values accuracy and problem-solving while impacting staff across the Trust.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including Maths and English; experience in payroll management preferred.
The predicted salary is between 29970 - 36483 £ per year.
We’re looking for an organised, proactive Payroll Officer to join our friendly and supportive payroll team. In this key role, you’ll help deliver a high‑quality, accurate payroll and pensions service for the Trust and our external clients. You’ll work closely with Payroll Team Leaders across the full end‑to‑end monthly payroll cycle, ensuring processes run smoothly, efficiently and in line with policy and best practice. You’ll also support managers by helping them access the information they need to lead their teams effectively, providing clear guidance and practical support when required. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys problem‑solving, takes pride in accuracy, and wants to contribute to a service that makes a real difference to staff across the Trust.
Responsibilities
- Provide an accurate and timely payroll service including the appointments/transfer of staff in the ESR payroll software system with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Process manual calculations of pay, as required, including correct application of Income Tax, National Insurance, Pension contributions, Statutory Sick Pay, Statutory Maternity Pay, Adoption Leave, Parental Leave, Student Loans, Attachment Orders and other statutory/non‑statutory deductions and allowances.
- Work to strict deadlines and re‑prioritise workstreams when the need arises and in accordance with payroll procedures and Trust Standing Financial Instructions (SFI’s).
- Support the development of service delivery throughout the organisation.
- Ensure that all adjustments to salaries are correctly approved prior to processing, in line with current policies and procedures.
- Deal sensitively, often in emotional circumstances, regarding any queries relating to salary.
- Maintain knowledge and understanding of National and local terms and conditions i.e., Agenda for Change, Medical and Dental, Consultants, etc., escalating any areas requiring clarification as required, to support the accurate and timely payment of monthly salaries.
- Act in accordance with Trust policies and procedures, suggesting any improvements, as and when appropriate.
- Maintain confidential records, both paper and electronic, for all employees, including National Insurance, Income Tax, Pension, Attachment Orders, and other relevant data in accordance with both Trust and Statutory regulations.
- Resolve queries on all matters relating to pay and pensions by telephone, in writing, by email and/or in person.
- Ensure information held in the payroll system is current, enabling other departments to provide statistical data.
- Maintain an effective working relationship within the team, across the organisation, and with internal and external stakeholders.
Working for our organisation
Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are the proud providers of acute hospital and community services to the people of the Wigan Borough and surrounding areas. At WWL, we value our staff believing that ‘happy staff, makes for happy patients’. We have a recognised track record in staff engagement and living our values. People at the Heart Listen and Involve Kind and Respectful WWL are committed to placing the patient at the heart of everything we do and in the provision of safe, effective care that acknowledges and ensures dignity. We are seeking to recruit people who share our values and beliefs.
Person specification
Qualifications
- 5 GCSE’s grades A‑C including Maths and English or equivalent experience
- NVQ Level 4, Certificate in Payroll Management, or equivalent level of experience
- ECDL Public Sector Pensions Administration (QPSPA) qualification
- CIPP Membership
Experience
- Income Tax (PAYE) calculations
- Tax Codes
- National Insurance calculations
- Student Loans
- Statutory Sick and Maternity Payments
- Attachment Orders
- Use of computer applications for reporting, writing and complex queries
- NHS Payroll
- E‑expense system/s
- Electronic Staff Record (ESR), including Business Intelligence Reporting
- Understanding of NHS Terms and Conditions of Service
- Oracle systems
- Pensions Online (POL)
Skills
- Complex manual calculation of gross and net salaries
- High level of attention to detail
- Produce and analyse reports
- Customer service focussed
- Prioritise own workload to ensure deadlines are achieved
- Good communication
- Maintain confidentiality and deal sensitively with information
- Able to analyse, interpret, present, and communicate information to staff at all levels
- Good time management
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and change priorities at short notice
- Work under pressure and ability to concentrate for long periods
- Ability to handle difficult and emotional situations
- Advanced IT e.g., Web ADI, Excel
Knowledge
- GDPR
- Electronic Staff Record (ESR)
- NHS Terms and Conditions of Service
Additional
- Able to work on own initiative
- Effective team player
- Diplomatic, empathetic and tactful
- Flexible attitude to work
- Ability to travel independently between sites when required
- Continuous improvement attitude
Payroll Officer in Wigan employer: Wwl
At Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and engaging work environment where our staff are valued and empowered. As a Payroll Officer, you will play a crucial role in ensuring accurate payroll services that directly impact the well-being of our employees, all while benefiting from opportunities for professional growth and development within the NHS framework. Our commitment to staff satisfaction translates into a culture that prioritises kindness, respect, and collaboration, making WWL an exceptional place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Officer in Wigan
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn or even in person. Let them know you're on the lookout for a Payroll Officer role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opening!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common payroll-related questions. Think about how you’d handle tricky situations, like resolving salary queries. The more you rehearse, the more confident you'll feel when it’s showtime!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on organisations that align with your values. Check out our website for openings at StudySmarter and see how we prioritise staff happiness – it’s a game changer!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and helps keep you top of mind for the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Officer in Wigan
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Payroll Officer role. Highlight your experience with payroll systems, attention to detail, and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how you fit into our friendly team!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; give us examples! If you've handled complex payroll calculations or resolved tricky queries, share those stories. It helps us understand how you can contribute to our high-quality service.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to payroll. We appreciate clarity as much as accuracy in payroll processing!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our values there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wwl
✨Know Your Payroll Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of payroll processes, especially those mentioned in the job description like Income Tax, National Insurance, and Statutory Sick Pay. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re well-prepared and understand the role.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Since accuracy is key in payroll, prepare examples from your past experience where your attention to detail made a difference. Whether it was catching an error or ensuring compliance with regulations, sharing these stories will highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Think of specific instances where you’ve successfully resolved payroll-related issues or handled sensitive queries. This will demonstrate your ability to manage difficult situations and provide clear guidance, which is crucial for supporting managers and staff.
✨Familiarise Yourself with NHS Policies
Understanding NHS terms and conditions is vital for this role. Research the Agenda for Change and other relevant policies so you can discuss how they impact payroll processes. This knowledge will set you apart as a candidate who is genuinely interested in the organisation and its values.
