Job Description

Payroll Practitioner


Professional 3A


Publish date: Thursday 10 th July 2025


Closing date: Friday 25th July 2025 (incl. 1 wk for re-deployment)


Salary: 34,314 - 38,626 depending on experience


Hours: 37 hours per week


Overview


West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) is the second largest fire and rescue service in England, serving an area of 902km square and a population of more than 2.9 million people.


Our vision is 'Making the West Midlands safer, stronger and healthier'.


This vision and the strategic goals outlined in 'Our Strategy' are what drives the people, professionalism and pride with which we serve our communities.


An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Payroll Team as one of their dedicated Payroll practitioners. The successful candidate will be responsible for the production and reconciliation of the monthly staff and pensioner payrolls.


Working under the supervision of the Senior Payroll Practitioner and Payroll and Pensions Manager, you will be responsible for a designated group of employees ensuring prompt and accurate payments in accordance with statutory and contractual obligations, and predetermined timescales.


Responsibilities


to play an active part in the maintenance and updating of all systems operated in the payrolls office. Systems include, but are not restricted to, ORACLE and any electronic filing system.


ability to update the writing and testing of new payroll elements and check updates to existing tables.


maintenance includes the checking of annual and periodic system patches


ensure pay and allowances due to all employees, members or pensioners of West Midlands Fire Service are processed for payment promptly and accurately


to balance the output controls for the monthly and pension payrolls, including year-end controls and returns for PAYE and P11d


interpret and apply both local government and firefighter pension scheme regulations


respond promptly to queries raised by managers, staff or external bodies


ensure all statutory and voluntary deductions are deducted, reconciled and paid in-line with relevant legislation and in accordance with agreed deadlines


Experience and Skills


Essential skills or experience


either have or be studying for Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals Diploma in Payroll Management, or equivalent payroll experience


detailed working knowledge of PAYE, NI legislation, and Public Sector Pension schemes


comprehensive working knowledge of all statutory leave, payments and deductions


understanding of operating salary sacrifice schemes.


Desirable skills or experience


previous experience of working with ORACLE Payroll or Altair Pensions Administration system


previous experience of working withing a Public Sector Payroll department.


Benefits


We offer a friendly working environment and benefits including:


flexible and agile working arrangements


free, on-site gym facilities


free, on-site parking.


We also offer access to an in-house occupational health (OH) facility, including OH health and fitness advisors, sports therapists, physiotherapists, cognitive behavioural therapy practitioners and counsellors.


In addition, employees have access to:


24/7 Employee Assistance Programme


wellbeing programmes


'blue light' discounts across many retailers, through partner schemes


Sports and Welfare scheme (for a small fee), with access to discounted products and services.


Diversity


We welcome applications from all eligible candidates. However, as women and Black and minority ethnic employees are currently under-represented in our service, we particularly encourage applications from these groups.


WMFS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect the same of every staff member.


Successful candidates will be subject to necessary pre-employment checks, including - where applicable - relevant level Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, qualifications, medical clearance, identity and right to work. All applicants will be required to provide two suitable references.


How to apply


To apply, please send your CV and answer the questions, detailing previous experience to outline your suitability for the role.


Questions


If you have any questions about the role, or would like an informal discussion, please contact Craig Newis via email on craig.newis@wmfs.net or Keeren Nijjar on 07973 810 413