Payroll & Financial Accounting Officer

Global Highland; Grantown-on-Spey; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A values-led organization in Scotland seeks an experienced Payroll & Financial Accounting Officer to support accurate payroll and financial accounting processes. You will ensure timely payroll delivery, assist in financial auditing, and manage relationships with clients and stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in payroll and financial administration, along with excellent analytical skills and proficiency in Excel. This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated professional to contribute to governance and compliance.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a payroll and accounting professional.
• Substantial experience using Excel to manipulate and analyse financial data.
• Demonstrable experience in payroll and pensions administration.

Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of accurate and timely payroll for staff and Board members.
• Assist with corporate accounting processes and financial accounts preparation.
• Contribute to the preparation and submission of payroll, tax, and pension returns.

Skills

Numerical skills

Analytical ability

Verbal communication

Written communication

Excel proficiency

Confidentiality handling

Tools

Access Payroll

Access Financials

Job 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