Pensions and Payroll Manager

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service; Shrewsbury; On-site; GBP 44,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexible Working Hours Scheme

Paycare Health Benefits

Occupational Health Services

Hybrid working

On-site parking

Job summary

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service is seeking a Pensions and Payroll Manager at our Shrewsbury headquarters. You will own pensions accounting, IAS 19 entries and disclosures, and payroll controls, while maintaining auditable records and supporting the Local Pension Board.

The role offers hybrid working, 37 hours per week, and a strong Pension Scheme role within public service. Closing date is 30 October 2026; apply via the stated contact.

Qualifications

• Strong, current knowledge of the Firefighters' Pension Schemes.
• Experience in pensions administration and payroll.
• Understanding of payroll controls and pensions accounting (IAS 19, actuarial data, reconciliations, statutory returns, audit).
• Excellent organisation and communication; able to escalate when needed.
• Pensions or accounting qualification or equivalent experience.
• Public service pension schemes experience desirable; local government/fire service experience advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Oversee pensions accounting, IAS 19 entries and disclosures, reconciliations and statutory returns.
• Manage payroll inputs, deductions, interfaces and control checks with external providers.
• Act as main contact for pension scheme members and support the Local Pension Board.

Skills

Pensions accounting

Payroll management

IAS 19

Actuarial data

Reconciliations

Statutory returns

Audit support

Education

Pensions qualification

Accounting qualification

Job description

Pensions and Payroll Manager

Grade 11 - £48,738 per annum

37 hours per week

Permanent

What Will You Be Doing?

Reporting to the Head of Finance, you'll take ownership of pensions accounting, including actuarial data, IAS 19 entries and disclosures, reconciliations, statutory returns and audit support. You'll act as a key point of contact for pension scheme members, providing clear guidance and managing sensitive enquiries, while also supporting the Local Pension Board.

You'll also manage payroll inputs, deductions, interfaces and control checks, work closely with external providers, resolve complex queriesand maintain accurate, secure and auditable records.

What Are We Looking For?

You must have strong, current and practical knowledge of the Firefighters' Pension Schemes, including the ability to interpret scheme rules and guidance, manage complex pension casework and apply requirements accurately in an operational environment. You will also have substantial experience in pensions administration and payroll, together with a sound understanding of payroll controls and pensions accounting, including IAS 19, actuarial data, reconciliations, statutory returns and audit requirements.

You'll be organised, analytical and able to communicate complex information clearly, build effective relationships and recognise when issues need to be escalated.

Ideally, you'll hold or be working towards a pensions or accounting qualification, or have equivalent substantial practical experience. Experience of public service pension schemes is highly desirable, and experience within local government or a fire and rescue service would be advantageous.

If you're ready to apply your expertise in a role with realpublic-servicepurpose, we'd be delighted to hear from you.

What We Offer

The post is located at Service Headquarters, Shrewsbury, providing free on-site parking.

The role also includes the following benefits:

• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible Working Hours Scheme
• Paycare Health Benefits
• Occupational Health Services
• Hybrid working

Closing date for applications: Friday 30 October 2026

For an informal chat about the role, contact Jacqueline Fletcher, by e-mail to [e-mail]

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service have a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion at work. We want to reflect the communities we service and therefore we positively welcome applicants from disabled people and minority groups who are under-represented in our Service.