Finance Officer - Payroll & Pensions, Corporate Services Division

Job summary

The Finance Officer is responsible for the smooth and compliant operation of the payroll and pension functions of the Secretariat. S/he is assisted by a finance assistant. The payroll function involves payment of monthly salaries and allowances to staff in London and processing relevant monthly and annual statutory returns. The post holder also provides payroll support and analysis on a regular and ad hoc basis to the  Finance and Management Information Section (FMIS) and in consultation with the Financial Controller, to senior management and is responsible for implementing into payroll and pensions, Senior Management decisions on revised Terms And Conditions Of Service (TACOS) arrangements.

The pension function involves administration of the Secretariat’s pensions and gratuity schemes. The job involves close and regular contact with regulatory and statutory authorities that govern and monitor the payroll and pension functions. The post holder will provide support to the board of trustees of the pension scheme. The post holder is also responsible for liaison and coordination of work of various external advisors, fund managers and auditors to the pension scheme.

Qualifications and Work Experience

To succeed in this role, you will need:

• At least 5 years of practical work experience in a payroll environment, with a minimum staff group of 100, of which at least 2 years should be in a supervisory or managerial capacity.
• Significant experience of working with payroll databases including interrogating and producing reports.
• Demonstrable up to date working knowledge of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) regulations in relation to payroll and pension functions.
  
• At least 2 years experience of an occupational defined benefit scheme, with an understanding and knowledge of current regulatory issues relating to the pension industry.
• Experience of working in a financial or accounting environment in the not for profit sector or in an international organisation.
• Demonstrable experience of working with computerised financial accounting packages to deliver reliable, timely and user friendly reports.
• Experience at working in and with finance and human resources teams to provide analysis to support management requests.
• Ability to work under pressure while managing numerous deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple divisions and to manage numerous activities simultaneously.
• Good verbal and written communication skills
  

About the Finance & Management Information Section

The Finance and Management Information Section (FMIS) forms part of the Corporate Services Division (CSD), providing financial management and accounting services to the Secretariat.  The section prepares budgets and final accounts for various Commonwealth funds. It manages the payroll, pensions, accounts receivable, accounts payable, treasury and travel functions of the Secretariat. It is responsible for production of periodic and ad-hoc financial reports to facilitate decision-making and control by management and the board.

Further Information

How to apply