Payroll and Benefits Officer

📍 Liverpool City Centre | Hybrid
💷 £36,600 per annum

About the Role

We're looking for a strong, hands‑on Payroll and Benefits Officer to take ownership of the day‑to‑day payroll, pensions and benefits operation.This role is heavily payroll‑focused. The wider payroll team will be involved in a major HR system implementation project, and this position will play a critical role in ensuring that business‑as‑usual payroll activity continues to run smoothly throughout the transition.
Experience of working within an IT‑driven or systems‑led environment would be highly beneficial.

What You'll Be Doing

Payroll, Pensions & Benefits (Primary Focus)
Run the day‑to‑day payroll and pensions process accurately and on time
Administer reward and benefits including LGPS, GPP, mileage, holiday trading, starters and leavers
Ensure payroll data is accurate, compliant and quality‑checked
Process payroll journals, reconciliations and year‑end requirements
Act as the main point of contact for payroll, benefits and pension queriesSupporting Systems Change

Maintain payroll stability while the wider team delivers an HR system change
Work confidently with payroll and people systems to manage data accurately
Identify issues early and ensure continuity of service during transitionCompliance & Governance

Stay up to date with payroll and pensions legislation
Support audits, controls and procedural updates
Ensure payroll data and processes meet statutory and internal requirementsStakeholder Support

Provide clear, practical advice to internal customers
Work closely with People Services and Finance teamsWhat We're Looking For
Essential

Strong, proven experience in payroll (this is a hands‑on role)
Excellent knowledge of payroll legislation and compliance
Experience administering LGPS pension schemes
High attention to detail and data accuracy
Confidence working with HR/payroll systems and Excel
Comfortable managing confidential information and tight deadlinesDesirable

Payroll or pensions qualification (e.g. CIPP)
IT‑focused or systems implementation experience
Experience supporting payroll continuity during change or transformationHays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at (url removed)