Payroll & Finance Assistant

Dumfries | £30,716.29 per annum | Full Time | Fixed Term Maternity Cover

Other Benefits

Membership of the Local Government Pension
Up to 45 days annual leave Pro Rata (including bank holidays and college closure dates)
Opportunities for career progression and personal development
Access a wide range of health and wellbeing benefits inc. Cycle to Work, Bike Shop, Home & Electronics Lifestyle Saves and Employee Assistance Programme.

What’s the Job?

We are looking for a detail-oriented and proactive Payroll & Finance Assistant to join our Finance team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with payroll experience who enjoys working with data, supporting colleagues, and helping ensure smooth and accurate financial operations across the organisation.

Working closely with the Management Accountant, People & Culture team, and managers across the college, you will play a key role in delivering an efficient payroll service while supporting wider finance activities including reconciliations, reporting, budgeting support, and payroll analysis.

About the Role

As Payroll & Finance Assistant, you will help ensure payroll is processed accurately and on time, in line with legislation, pension requirements, and internal controls. You’ll also support financial reporting and workforce cost analysis, helping managers better understand staffing costs and budget performance.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys combining payroll administration with finance support and analytical work.

Key Responsibilities

Process monthly payroll accurately and within deadlines
Prepare payroll reconciliations and validation reports
Support payroll costing, budgeting, and variance analysis
Maintain accurate payroll records and audit trails
Liaise with People & Culture to ensure employee data is processed correctly
Assist with pension administration and statutory payroll reporting
Reconcile payroll information to the finance ledger
Produce payroll and staffing cost reports for managers and budget holders
Respond to payroll-related queries from staff and managers
Support continuous improvement of payroll and finance systems and processes
Ensure compliance with payroll legislation, pensions, and internal controls

What We’re Looking For

Essential

Experience processing payroll within a payroll, finance, or HR environment
Knowledge of payroll legislation, tax, and pension requirements
Experience using payroll and finance systems
Strong Excel and data analysis skills
Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills
Ability to handle confidential information appropriately
Strong communication and customer service skills
Relevant qualification at HNC/SCQF Level 7 (or equivalent experience)
Payroll qualification, apprenticeship, or working towards one

Desirable

Experience in a finance support role
Experience within education, public sector, or further education
Knowledge of SPPA and/or LGPS pension schemes
Experience with integrated HR/payroll systems

Why Join Us?

You’ll be joining a supportive and collaborative team where your contribution will directly support colleagues across the organisation. This role offers the opportunity to develop your payroll and finance expertise while contributing to meaningful operational improvements.

If you are highly organised, analytical, and passionate about delivering accurate payroll and finance support, we’d love to hear from you.

Who are we?

Explore our website for more information about the College and who we are.

How to apply:

If you are interested, please complete the online application form via the Dumfries and Galloway College website by the closing date indicated below.

For further information, please contact Heather Jones, Director of People and Culture

Closing Date: Friday 19th June 2026

What happens next?

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview. Interview dates are to be confirmed.

What else you need to know:

If you’re invited for interview, you will be required to evidence your Right to Work in the UK - Right to Work Guidance .

If you’re successful in securing the role, your employment will be conditional on the college receiving two satisfactory references and background checks including the disclosure Scotland check on all criminal offences (spent & unspent) so ensure you are not barred from working with Children or Vulnerable Adults.

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