NHS Payroll Controller

Overview

This role supports NHS payroll operations by ensuring thousands of NHS employees are paid accurately and on time. You will own key steps in the payroll lifecycle, working closely with NHS Trusts, HMRC, and NHS Pensions, and building specialist expertise in ESR (the NHS national payroll system).

These roles are based out of the Belfast office but can be performed fully remotely.

Responsibilities

• Key, check, and process payroll input
• Produce monthly reporting for clients and submit BACS upon authorization
• Generate scheduled payroll reports and payslips
• Ensure payments are processed accurately and on time according to agreed schedules
• Handle client queries professionally and resolve issues using agreed outcomes
• Maintain communication with third parties including HMRC, NHS Pensions, and Courts
• Process year-end returns accurately and on time
• Ensure compliance with all legislative requirements
• Follow established processes and run sheets as set out by the NHS Specialist Team
• Use own initiative and support leadership within the team

Requirements (Essential)

• A strong understanding of Payroll legislation
• Working knowledge of statutory deductions and how these are calculated
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Ability to prioritise and remain calm under pressure
• Ability to follow established processes and run sheets as set out by the NHS Specialist Team
• Ability to use own initiative and lead within a team
• Ability to think logically and solve problems effectively

Experience / Qualifications

• Educated to GCSE level (or equivalent), including Maths and English
• Experience working in a customer-focused environment
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Excellent interpersonal abilities
• Methodical and analytical working style
• Exceptional attention to detail

Compensation & Benefits

• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays, with the option to buy up to 10 extra days
• Up to 3 extra days off for volunteering
• Pension contributions: 5% employer match
• Income protection: up to 75% salary cover for long-term illness
• Life assurance: 4x salary tax-free lump sum
• Critical illness cover: £25,000 lump sum (extendable to dependents)
• Private Medical Insurance (fast access to private healthcare)
• Health cash plan (claim back physio, therapies & more)
• Dental insurance (cover for routine & emergency care)
• Electric Vehicle (EV) scheme
• Affinity groups (employee-led communities)
• Bounty bonus (refer a friend & get rewarded)

Location

• Fully remote (roles based out of the Belfast office)