Payroll Advisor

About Us

The Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB) plays a vital role in ensuring access to justice for all individuals in Scotland. As a non-departmental public body, SLAB operates independently but is accountable to Scottish Government. Our mission is simple: to provide essential legal support to those who need it most, ensuring fair access to justice for all.

We manage and continually improve the delivery of publicly funded legal assistance and provide strategic advice to Scottish Ministers, shaping the future of legal aid in Scotland. In a dynamic and evolving legal landscape, our work is central to the functioning of the justice system, supporting the courts and helping people navigate complex legal matters.

At SLAB, we believe in the power of a diverse, talented workforce. We employ individuals from all backgrounds, bringing a range of skills and experiences to our workforce. Every role, whether directly interacting with the public or providing behind-the-scenes support, makes a meaningful impact on people’s lives.

Job description

We’re looking for a proactive and highly organised Payroll Advisor who will be responsible for delivering an accurate, efficient and timely payroll and pensions service, ensuring all salaries and pension payments are processed correctly and in line with payroll deadlines. 

As one of the subject matter experts for payroll, the role operates with a high degree of autonomy, managing the end-to-end monthly payroll cycle, supporting and overseeing payroll-related work undertaken by the People Coordinator, and identifying opportunities to continuously improve payroll and pension processes and services.

Key responsibilities include:

• processing the monthly payroll cycle, including payroll amendments, cost allocation overrides, retro calculations, payroll validation checks and submission to Finance in line with payroll timetables
• investigating and resolving complex payroll and pension queries, ensuring compliance with SLAB policies, payroll legislation and regulatory requirements
• maintaining comprehensive payroll and pension audit records and supporting internal/external audit activities by providing information and attending meetings, as required 
• administering pension scheme membership activities, including new entrants, leavers, transfers, refunds, preserved benefits and ongoing membership changes, acting as the main liaison between employees, pensioners, Finance and SPPA 
• managing pensions entering and leaving payment, including the setup of pension payroll records, payment of lump sums, bereavement cases, dependant pensions and associated HMRC reporting requirements. 

To succeed in this role, you will need:

• Proven experience working in UK based payroll
• a degree of flexibility to carry out monthly, annual and ad-hoc payroll related tasks
• good numerical aptitude
• strong interpersonal skills, including verbal and written communication
• demonstrable skills in integrity and maintaining confidentiality
• excellent organisational skills, able to multi-task and work to deadlines
• ability to prioritise own workload with minimum supervision
• strong customer focus with an approachable manner
• excellent attention to detail
• to work well in a team
• a sound knowledge of Microsoft 365, particularly Excel, Word and One Note.

What we offer

• A meaningful role where your work makes a real impact
• A supportive, inclusive, and values-driven working environment
• Opportunities for learning and professional development
• Flexible working to support a healthy work-life balance
• A competitive salary and benefits package, including pension contributions
• Generous annual leave entitlement (34 days, rising to 42 days after two years’ service)
• Enhanced family-friendly leave entitlements
• Access to wellbeing support, mental health support and an employee assistance programme
• Access to a wide range of discounts (including gym and retail) and the Cycle to Work scheme through our partner, Edenred.

This role is fixed term for 12 months and part time, working 28 hours per week. 

For more details about this role and a full list of essential criteria and required competencies, please see details on our website.

Completed applications should be returned by 23:55 on 18 November 2026. 

Following the sift successful applicants will be invited to attend a short assessment and a competency-based interview (applicants should note any unsuitable dates on their application as this may be arranged at short notice).         

We are an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to being fair, inclusive and a place where all belong.

We welcome and encourage applications from diverse backgrounds, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQI+ people. 

We will ensure that the disclosure of disability status will not negatively impact anyone’s application. Where reasonable, we are committed to guaranteeing an interview to every applicant who indicates they have a disability, under the Equality Act 2010, and meets the minimum criteria for the role.

For further information on SLAB’s services, values, and how the legal aid system works, please visit our website.