Payroll Assistant

Job Description

Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities!

We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.

Introduction

Are you passionate about delivering exceptional service and making sure everyone gets paid accurately and on time? Join Lewisham’s dynamic Payroll team and become the trusted first point of contact for staff, schools, and external partners. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and enjoy solving problems with a smile, this is your chance to make a real impact at the heart of the Council.

What’s the role?

As a Payroll Assistant, you’ll support the day-to-day delivery of a comprehensive payroll service, ensuring staff are paid correctly and queries are resolved promptly. You’ll handle data input, process payments, and provide expert advice to employees and external bodies, all while maintaining high standards of customer care and confidentiality.

What’s in it for you?

Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday allowance
• Local Government Pension scheme
• Flexible working and family friendly policies
• Season ticket and bicycle loans
• A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
• Supportive staff networks

What we’re looking for

We’re seeking someone with strong IT and administration skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to manage conflicting demands under pressure. You’ll need excellent communication and interpersonal abilities to build effective relationships with colleagues and clients. Experience in payroll or personnel administration is essential, along with a commitment to equality, diversity, and outstanding customer service. If you’re self-motivated, flexible, and calm under pressure, we’d love to hear from you.

Location

The job is primarily based in Laurence House, Catford, London, SE6 4RU but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.

Special conditions

The recruitment process is anonymous, and we don’t accept CV’s.

Applicant handbook - please read the guidance in this handbook when applying. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.

For an informal discussion about this job, please contact Shida Ashrafi on 0208 314 6351.

Please click here to view the Job Description and Person Specification

Salary

£34,863 to £38,637 per annum (Sc5/6)

N.B: All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale), which is subject to evidential proof.

Diversity

Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply.

The Council has a dedicated employment support service, Lewisham Works, which offers Lewisham residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you want to join Lewisham Works, please email JobsAndSkills@lewisham.gov.uk and an advisor will be in touch with you.

The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.

Let’s stay connected, follow us on social media: