Payroll & Financial Accounting Officer

Job: Payroll & Financial Accounting Officer

Description

We are seeking an experienced and detail-driven Payroll & Financial Accounting Officer to support our clients delivery of accurate payroll, pensions administration, and financial accounting processes across the organisation.

Reporting to the Financial Accountant, you will play a key role in ensuring timely and compliant payroll and pensions services, while also contributing to monthly accounting processes, year-end accounts, and the annual external audit. This is an excellent opportunity for a payroll and accounting professional who enjoys working with data, supporting governance, and contributing to a values-led organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll & Pensions

You will support the delivery of a high-quality payroll and pensions service, including:

• Delivering accurate and timely monthly payroll for all staff and Board members
• Preparing and submitting payroll, tax, and pension returns and payments to HMRC and pension providers
• Supporting year-end payroll, tax, and pension reporting
• Assisting with the delivery of payroll services to external clients and partner organisations
• Supporting payroll modelling for annual budgeting and public sector pay policy requirements
• Assisting the Authority in meeting all statutory obligations relating to payroll, tax, and pensions

Financial Accounting & Annual Accounts

You will also support the wider financial accounting function by:

• Assisting with corporate accounting processes, financial accounts preparation, and external audit requirements
• Preparing and maintaining monthly balance sheet reconciliations
• Supporting month-end processes, including prepayments, accruals, and asset capitalisation
• Calculating and submitting project accounting claims to external funders
• Providing documentation and evidence to support external audit fieldwork
• Delivering ad hoc financial analysis and forecasting as required
• Maintaining data required for annual carbon reporting

General Responsibilities

• Contributing to the work of the Corporate Services Directorate and the organisation as a whole
• Supporting data modelling and financial analysis using strong numerical and analytical skills
• Ensuring compliance with financial procedures and internal controls
• Demonstrating flexibility to support evolving organisational priorities
• Embracing organisational values, culture, and health and safety requirements

Person Specification

Essential

• Proven experience as a payroll and accounting professional
• Excellent numerical skills, with substantial experience using Excel to manipulate and analyse financial data
• Strong analytical ability, with experience presenting financial information clearly and accurately
• Demonstrable experience in payroll and pensions administration
• Proven ability to handle confidential information with integrity and discretion
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Competent user of Microsoft Office applications

Desirable

• Experience using Access Payroll and Access Financials accounting packages
• Experience running an organisational payroll, including all associated statutory returns
• Experience administering pension schemes, ideally the Civil Service Pension Scheme
• Knowledge of the Gaelic language

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