Full job descriptionPayroll & Pensions Officer
Location: Birmingham City Centre (Hybrid Working Available)
Contract: Initial 3-Month Temporary Contract
Salary: Equivalent to £29,000 – £34,000 per annum
Start Date: Immediate / Short Notice Preferred
We are currently recruiting for an experienced Payroll & Pensions Officer to join a well-established higher education organisation in Birmingham. This is an urgent requirement and an excellent opportunity to join a large, complex organisation supporting approximately 2,500 employees.
The position is initially offered on a 3-month contract, with a strong possibility of extension and potential permanent opportunities for the right candidate.
The Role
As Payroll & Pensions Officer, you will play a key role in delivering an accurate, compliant, and customer-focused payroll and pensions service. Working within a busy HR and payroll function, you will ensure employees are paid correctly and on time while maintaining compliance with payroll legislation and pension scheme requirements.
This is a varied and fast-paced role that requires strong technical knowledge, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to manage complex payroll and pension queries.
Key Responsibilities
*Process payroll accurately from start to finish
*Reconcile payroll data and ensure timely payments
*Administer pension schemes and complete associated reporting requirements
*Maintain compliance with UK payroll legislation, including PAYE, RTI, IR35, and employment tax regulations
*Manage pension-related documentation and member records
*Respond to complex payroll and pensions queries from employees and stakeholders
*Support internal and external audits
*Ensure accurate record keeping and reporting
*Contribute to service improvement initiatives and ongoing transformation projects
*Work closely with HR, Finance, and external providers to ensure an efficient payroll and pensions service
About You
Essential Requirements
*Proven experience working within payroll and pensions in a complex organisation
*Strong understanding of UK payroll legislation, including:
*PAYE
*RTI
*IR35
*Employment Tax

*Experience administering pension schemes such as:
*USS
*NEST
*NHS Pension Scheme

*Experience using People XD or CoreHR (essential)
*Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
*Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
*Ability to manage workloads and meet strict deadlines
*Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
Desirable
*Experience working within a higher education environment
*Previous involvement in payroll process improvement or transformation projects
*Experience supporting payroll audits and governance activities
What’s on Offer?
*Competitive salary equivalent of £29,000 - £34,000 per annum
*Hybrid working arrangements
*Opportunity to join a respected and forward-thinking university
*Exposure to a complex payroll and pensions environment
*Initial 3-month contract with a strong likelihood of extension
*Potential for a permanent opportunity