Senior Payroll Officer

Blackpool Transport Services Limited; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday entitlement

Free travel on bus/tram

Learning and development

Pension scheme

Employee assistance programme

Discounts via Spark

Free onsite parking

Death in service

Gym membership discounts

Job summary

Blackpool Transport Services Limited on Rigby Road Depot is seeking a Senior Payroll Officer to oversee end-to-end payroll processing and pension administration within the finance team.

You will ensure compliance with tax and pension regulations, manage payroll software, generate reports, and mentor payroll staff while delivering accurate, timely payments.

Qualifications

• A Payroll qualification is preferable. However, relevant workplace experience will also be considered.
• Proven experience in payroll processing, preferably in a senior role.
• Strong understanding of payroll and pension principles, tax regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Proficiency in payroll software and MS Office suite, particularly Excel.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Payroll Processing: Manage the end-to-end payroll process and ensure accurate, timely transactions.
• Pension Administration: Enrolment, contributions, and compliance with pension regulations.
• Compliance and Legislation: Stay updated on payroll and tax regulations and maintain records.
• Systems Management: Use payroll software and maintain employee records including pension details.
• Reporting and Analysis: Generate reports and identify trends or discrepancies.
• Team Leadership and Training: Guide and support payroll staff and foster collaboration.

Skills

Payroll processing

Pension principles

Excel

MS Office

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Payroll qualification (preferred)

Relevant workplace experience

Tools

Payroll software

MS Office

Job description

Senior Payroll Officer

Application Deadline: 18 September 2026

Department: Finance

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Rigby Road Depot

Compensation: £35,000 / year

Description

The Senior Payroll Officer is a key member of the payroll and finance team, responsible for overseeing payroll processing within the organisation. This role requires a strong understanding of payroll and pension principles, attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and the ability to ensure compliance with relevant regulations. The Senior Payroll Officer will also be responsible for providing guidance to payroll staff and resolving complex payroll and pension-related issues.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Processing:

• Manage the end-to-end payroll process.
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of payroll transactions for all employees. Handle payroll discrepancies and resolve any issues promptly.
• Administer payments to third party providers and HMRC.

Pension Administration:

• Administer employee pension plans, including enrolment and contributions.
• Ensure compliance with pension regulations and reporting requirements, including processing of payment runs.
• Coordinate with external pension providers as necessary.
• Provide support to employees regarding pension enquiries and issues.

Compliance and Legislation:

• Stay informed about relevant payroll and pension laws, regulations, and updates.
• Ensure compliance with tax legislation, pension regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to payroll and pension activities.
• Work closely with relevant departments to ensure alignment with company policies and procedures.

Systems Management:

• Utilise payroll software to process transactions accurately.
• Maintain and update employee records, including pension contributions and beneficiaries.

Reporting and Analysis:

• Generate payroll reports for management review and auditing purposes.
• Analyse payroll and pension data to identify trends and discrepancies.
• Provide insights and recommendations to improve payroll processes and efficiency.

Team Leadership and Training:

• Provide guidance and support to payroll staff.
• Foster a collaborative and positive work environment within the payroll department.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• A Payroll qualification is preferable. However, relevant workplace experience will also be considered.
• Proven experience in payroll processing, preferably in a senior role.
• Strong understanding of payroll and pension principles, tax regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Proficiency in payroll software and MS Office suite, particularly Excel.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Benefits

• 28 days’ holiday per year inclusive of 8 public holidays increasing to 33 with continuous service.
• Free travel on all our bus and tram services (with additional passes available for a few of your nearest and dearest).
• Learning and Development opportunities.
• Enrolment into the Blackpool Transport pension scheme and access to pension advice if needed.
• Work/life assistance offering help and support available 24 hours a day through our Employee Assistance Programme.
• Exclusive Discounts on shopping, days out and much more through Spark.
• Free onsite parking
• Death in service benefit
• Discounted Gym membership at all Blackpool Council gyms.