Job Description

Job Introduction

Are you an experienced Payroll & Pensions Officer seeking an exciting opportunity? the successful candidate will be part of a team managing end-to-end payroll across seven payrolls for over 1,800 employees. You'll ensure timely, compliant processing, pension reporting, and support manual calculations using Excel.



This role demands initiative, strong communication, and the ability to work confidently with payroll systems. If you're ready to make a difference from day one, we'd love to hear from you.

What you will be doing.

Process monthly payroll for all staff, including starters, leavers, changes, and statutory deductions, ensuring compliance with HMRC and internal policies. Calculate and process pension deductions, ensuring compliance with Auto-Enrolment regulations and accurate documentation for various pension schemes. Respond to employee queries regarding pay and pensions with professionalism and clarity, supporting onboarding and exit processes. Maintain accurate employee records, audit trails, and produce payroll reports and reconciliations for internal and external stakeholders. Liaise with People Services, Finance, and Recruitment teams to ensure accurate data exchange and compliance with off-payroll regulations (IR35). Contribute to system changes and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance payroll and pension practices and customer service. Submit statutory returns (e.g., RTI to HMRC), support financial audits, and ensure payroll accuracy to prevent over/underpayments. Contribute to payroll and pension policy development, maintain confidentiality, and stay updated on legislative changes and best practices.

What's essential.

Experience of working in a busy Payroll Team, providing an end-to-end payroll service Proven experience in providing payroll and pension advice and support Experience in developing and improving payroll and pension processes to improve effective services and evidence-based audit compliance Technical knowledge of employment law, HMRC regulations for payroll, including PAYE and other statutory pay elements In depth knowledge of the LGPS and regulations for compliance in the processing of pensions Competent in the use of computerised HR/Payroll/financial systems Competent in the use of Microsoft applications, especially Excel Association of Accounting Technicians or equivalent experience

Location.

The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

How to apply.

Applying for a role with WMCA is straight forward. Follow these steps to get started.

Create your Careers Account.

Register with your name, email address, and a password.

Build your Profile.

Upload your CV to help populate your career and education details.

Write your Supporting Statement.

Make sure to address each of the required essential criteria.

Submit your application.

Do one final check and once complete, click submit.

Anonymised Applications.

Your uploaded CV won't be visible after submission. Our process is anonymised, and only the information in your profile is used for shortlisting. Be thorough in each section. it's your chance to showcase your skills and experience.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We cannot stop anyone from using AI help write application content. Used right, it can be a great tool. If you choose to use AI, then use it as a helper rather than relying on it wholly to write your application.


Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting. For help on how to write a supporting statement, please visit the FAQs section of our careers site.

Reasonable adjustments.

If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team (careers@wmca.org.uk).

Salary and benefits.

We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.


We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

Local Government Pension Scheme (

one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK

).

28 days

paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more)

EV car benefit scheme

Ethical

saving options

and

healthcare plans.

Discounted

gym membership, will writing

and

mortgage advice.

An option to

buy a bicycle

, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.

3 days

of paid leave each year to

volunteer

.

Interest free financing

through SmartTech to buy the latest technology

Discounted shopping

with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more.

For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.

Why join WMCA?

WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home.


We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it's needed most. What you do, really matters. Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people's lives, every day.

Creating an inclusive workplace.

WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We're a Disability Confident Employer with 'Leader' status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria.


We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.


We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying

Right to Work in the UK

Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.


Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).