Pensions and Payroll Administrator

Job Title: Pensions and Payroll Administrator
Hourly Rate: £12.85 – Scale 4
Location – Lisburn

Hours – 36.25 p/wk

Duration – Temporary – 3 months with possible extension

Main Purpose:
To support the Senior Payroll Administrator and Payroll Manager in ensuring the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of payrolls. The role involves maintaining accurate employee records, applying relevant statutory and employment legislation, and delivering high-quality payroll services. The Payroll Administrator will also contribute to ongoing service improvements and collaborate with various internal stakeholders to ensure the smooth operation of payroll-related processes.

Summary of Responsibilities:

• Payroll Services:
• Assist in the processing of multiple payrolls, ensuring compliance with internal policies, legislation, and both national and local employment terms.
• Maintain knowledge of HMRC PAYE processes and payroll regulations.
• Provide professional customer service when handling personal data and assist employees, managers, and HR with payroll-related queries.
• Maintain accurate employee financial records, including new hires, terminations, and changes in personal circumstances.
• Ensure claims are processed correctly by applying relevant policies and procedures.
• Ensure all sickness absences are certified, properly recorded, and in line with company policies.
• Set up internal transfers and third-party payments, ensuring adherence to internal controls.
• Maintain knowledge of pension scheme regulations, including Firefighter’s and NILGOSC schemes, and apply them correctly when calculating pension contributions.
• Ensure accurate and timely submission of Real-Time Information (RTI) to HMRC.
• Prepare and process payroll journals for internal and statutory reporting.
• Governance, Data & Information Assurance:
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of applicable payroll legislation and terms and conditions of employment.
• Advise on payroll-related legislation and processes when necessary.
• Ensure all payroll records are managed in compliance with GDPR and internal retention policies.
• Provide accurate payroll data for audits, statutory returns, and any requested financial reports.
• Systems and Service Improvement:
• Ensure payroll computer systems function effectively, reporting issues when necessary.
• Assist with the migration of payroll services to new software systems and processes, contributing to service improvement initiatives.
• Help maintain accurate management information systems through timely and correct data input.
• General Responsibilities:
• Assist with business cases, tenders, and quotations, ensuring compliance with financial and procurement policies.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of payroll processes and reporting.
• Provide excellent customer service and take ownership of resolving payroll-related queries.
• Maintain positive relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist with training new staff in payroll administration tasks.
• Ensure payroll service resilience by stepping in for the Senior Payroll Administrator when necessary.

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

• Education:
• 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above (or equivalent), including English Language and Mathematics.
• Experience:
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a payroll office environment, including processing remuneration payments and other entitlements.
• Or at least 5 years' experience in a payroll function within a large, complex organization (multi-site, multi-disciplinary).
• Technical Skills:
• Proficient in Windows and Microsoft applications.

Essential Skills:

• Planning & Organization: Demonstrate effective planning, organizational, and prioritizing skills, with the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Communication: Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to provide accurate and timely information.
• Customer Service: A customer-focused approach to resolving queries and providing high-quality service.
• Legislative Knowledge: Practical experience of applying HMRC rules, including PAYE, National Insurance, and statutory payments.

Desirable:

• Experience in payroll processing for large, complex organizations.

Application Deadline – Friday 10th January 2025

If you wish to apply or would like more information, please email your CV in Microsoft word format to Daniel Finlay at

Applicants must ensure their CV is accurate and up to date. The CV should include your full employment history inclusive of dates, all academic achievements and full personal contact details.

Please note only applicants that match this criteria can be considered for the role.

Apple Recruitment Services is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Apple Recruitment Services is an Equal Opportunities Employer.