Senior Payroll Officer

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 and 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 and 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 of competency against the requirements of the attached job description.

CFRS offers an excellent benefits package to all our staff including a Local Government Pension Scheme, attractive holiday entitlement, training and development opportunities and access to free parking and on-site gym.

Further information, a full job description and application form can be found below, or alternatively contact the HR Recruitment Team at recruitment@cheshirefire.gov.uk

Job description

Application guidance notes

Application form

Please ensure you read the Application guidance notes before completing your application.

Please return completed application forms via email to recruitment@cheshirefire.gov.uk

Please quote job reference 24/25/SPO on your application form.

Closing date for applications: 5pm on Monday 25 August 2025

Workplace Adjustments and Accommodations

It is important that you consider at an early stage of the process if you would like to request arrangements that will assist you in completing the selection process. For example, in relation to disability; a neurodiverse condition such as dyslexia; pregnancy; religion or belief; or injury etc. Any requests for workplace adjustments will be treated with the utmost confidence. For support or further information please email: recruitment@cheshirefire.gov.uk

Applications for part-time and job share working will be considered for this post.

Appointment to this post is subject to a satisfactory Standard Disclosure & Barring Service check.

Please note that internal applicants must inform their Head of Department that they are applying for the role before submitting their application.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) is committed to keeping vulnerable adults, children and young people safe from harm in all of the work that CFRS undertakes. CFRS recognises that it has a legal and moral obligation to safeguard these groups of people. Furthermore, it acknowledges that the protection of vulnerable adults, children and young people from harm is the responsibility of everybody within the organisation.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups such as women, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, the LGBT+ community, people with disabilities, and those with non-traditional career paths. If you’re passionate about the role we would encourage you to apply — your unique perspective could be exactly what we’re looking for.