Senior Payroll Officer – Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service

National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.; Winsford; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A local emergency service provider is seeking a Senior Payroll Officer to manage payroll processing for over 800 employees. This role involves ensuring compliance, overseeing the payroll cycle, and mentoring junior staff. The ideal candidate possesses a Level 3 qualification in payroll and has significant experience in payroll functions, along with strong leadership and communication skills. The position offers an annual salary ranging from £34,434 to £36,363, and has potential for progression.

Qualifications

• Educated to Level 3 in a payroll related subject.
• Ability to solve complicated payroll queries.
• Strong attention to detail and numerical skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strive to create positive working relationships.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and process monthly payroll for 800+ employees.
• Ensure compliance with statutory and company payroll requirements.
• Liaise with HR, finance, and external providers.
• Prepare payroll reports and support audits.
• Identify opportunities for payroll process improvements.

Skills

Problem-solving payroll queries

Attention to detail

Effective communication skills

Leadership and mentoring

Organizational skills

IT proficiency (Microsoft Office/365)

Education

Level 3 in Payroll related subject or significant payroll experience

Job description

Senior Payroll Officer – Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service

Senior Payroll Officer
Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service, People & Organisational Development Department – Headquarters, Sadler Road
Salary of £34,434- £36,363 per annum, with potential to progress to £39,152 subject to experience and qualifications. SO1-SO2 (career grade)
37 hours per week
Temporary – Initially until 31st March 2026 with the potential to extend and / or become permanent
Position is based in an open plan office at Sadler Road and supervises a small team.
Closing date: 5PM Monday 25th August 2025.

An opportunity has arisen within the Payroll and Pension team in the People & Organisational Development department, for a Senior Payroll Officer to join our team to help ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing for our employees at Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service.

Duties of the role:
As a Senior Payroll Officer, you will be responsible for managing the end-to-end payroll process, ensuring compliance with legal, tax, and company regulations. You’ll be the go-to person for payroll expertise and play a key role in supporting payroll audits, process improvements, and mentoring junior team members.
You will role model our Core Values and ensure the provision of a customer focused service to the organisation.

Key Responsibilities:
• Oversee and process monthly payroll for over 800 employees across multiple departments/locations
• Ensure payroll is accurate, timely, and compliant with statutory and company requirements
• Manage PAYE, NI, pension contributions, benefits, bonuses, and other deductions
• Act as the primary point of contact for payroll-related queries
• Liaise with HR, finance, and external providers (e.g. HMRC, pension providers)
• Maintain and update payroll systems and employee records
• Prepare payroll reports and support internal/external audits
• Identify opportunities for payroll process improvements
• Provide effective leadership and train, mentor and motivate payroll team members

Skills & Qualifications:
• Educated to Level 3 in a payroll related subject, i.e. CIPP Payroll Technicians Certificate or significant experience in a payroll position
• Ability to solve complicated payroll queries and escalate when necessary.
• Methodical approach and strong attention to detail and excellent numerical skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills to be able to explain complicated and sometimes sensitive payroll information to employees and managers
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to instil confidence and gain credibility with others.
• Strong organisational skills and time management skills, able to plan and re-prioritise work to rigid or competing deadlines.
• Able to create positive working relationships, motivate others and manage conflict effectively.
• Proficient in the use of relevant IT packages particularly Microsoft Office/365

To apply please complete the job application form and provide evidence (See link for remainder of advert)

Salary: £34,434- £36,363 per annum, with potential to progress to £39,152 subject to experience and qualifications. SO1-SO2 (career grade)

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