Pay and Conditions Assistant

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service are looking for an HR Assistant – Pay and Conditions to enhance our team based at our Service Headquarters in Exeter. You'll join us on a full-time, permanent basis, and in return you will receive a competitive salary of £24702 - £26421 per annum.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is the largest non-metropolitan Fire and Rescue Service in England. We provide prevention, protection, and response services across the counties of Devon and Somerset.

Our vision is that together, we will work to end preventable fire and rescue emergencies, creating a safer world for you and your family. Keeping people safe is what we do, and we owe our fantastic reputation to our highly skilled and motivated workforce.

About the role:

To actively contribute to the successful delivery of the Pay and Conditions Team, responding to staff enquiries, liaising with the payroll provider, processing pay data on time in full, and ensuring that that employee records are maintained accurately and in accordance with GDPR and any other relevant data protection legislation.

Each member of the Pay & Conditions team will have primary and secondary responsibilities for monthly payroll processes to ensure that there is cover in place where required.

Find out more:

Key responsibilities of the HR Assistant – Pay and Conditions:

• To be responsible for maintaining and updating essential spreadsheets, databases and systems, in accordance with the Data Protection Act / GDPR principles. This includes inputting, checking and saving pay related data, answering staff queries and taking follow up action where necessary, in a timely manner.
• To accurately maintain employee records on the payroll and availability systems, entering all required changes on time and in full.
• To update third parties (including pension providers) of any relevant changes to employee details, ensuring that all starter and leaver processes are completed accurately and any queries are responded to or escalated appropriately.
• To run and process claims for availability, attendance and overtime using the Gartan Systems and associated spreadsheets.
• To assist with processing absence payments (on time and in full) including on-call sickness, restricted duties, family leave and other paid and unpaid absence types.
• To process other ad hoc payments and deductions as required, including court orders, voluntary subscriptions, Salary Advance requests, medical and relocation expenses and other allowance payments.
• To assist with the administration of employee benefits (including, but not limited to cycle to work applications and childcare vouchers).
• To assist with payroll related pension administration (joiners, leavers, unpaid leave, opt-outs, auto-enrolments and pensionable pay figures).
• To support the department’s goals and objectives, in accordance with DSFRS policies and procedures and participate in a team-based environment.
• To assist with the familiarisation of systems and processes for new and temporary members of administration staff, as required.
• Answering the telephone, dealing with general enquiries, taking messages and escalating as appropriate.

What we are looking for in our HR Assistant – Pay and Conditions:

• Knowledge and understanding of payroll processes
• Proven ability to input data electronically in an efficient and accurate manner.
• Proven skills in communication both written and verbal (good telephone manner especially important).
• An aptitude for figure work
• Proven ability to work to tight deadlines.
• Good planning, organisational and time management skills
• Proven ability to work to a high degree of accuracy.

Closing date: 23:59hrs on 28 May 2024

If you feel you have the skills and experience to become our HR Assistant – Pay and Conditions please click 'apply' today, we would love to hear from you.

You must be eligible to work in the UK.

How to apply:

You will be required to complete an application form and submit a document evidencing how you meet the following essential criteria from the Job Description and Person Specification.

We are not able to shortlist for interview from a CV so please answer the following questions in full, demonstrating how you meet each criteria.

• Proven ability to use systems and input data accurately
• Good planning and organisational skills, with proven ability to work to tight deadlines
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal (including good telephone manner)
• Knowledge and understanding of payroll processes
• A positive attitude, including flexibility and adaptability
• A commitment to continuous improvement, including equality, diversity and inclusion

To help you complete this part of the application form please find attached below the word document “essential criteria for completion” for you to download and complete with your evidence for the above criteria. You can then upload this document where requested when completing your application. Please note there is a maximum word count of 2000 words (excluding titles) applied to your evidence document. 

Evidence submitted in relation to the essential criteria above will be used for shortlisting applications received.

As a Service and as individuals: 

• We are proud to help.
• We are honest.
• We are respectful.
• We are working together.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service recognise and celebrate the vast diversity of the local communities that we serve, and we aspire for this to be reflected in our workforce. We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds, experience, and beliefs, who share our values to consider working for us.