Payroll Officer (Public Sector)

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Officer to join the Central Finance function. Reporting to the Finance Manager and working closely with internal and external stakeholders, this role will take responsibility for the end-to-end processing of fortnightly payroll.

Payroll is processed in-house and involves significant manual intervention. Payroll files are Excel-based, so strong Excel skills are essential. The successful candidate will ensure payroll is accurate, timely, and fully compliant with statutory and organisational requirements.

Hybrid working applies, with a requirement to attend the office 2 days per week.

Key Responsibilities of the Payroll Officer Job Include:

• End-to-end processing of fortnightly payroll and deductions for approximately 400 employees and pensioners (and growing)
• Ensure timely and accurate payment of salaries and deductions in line with organisational policies, Government Circulars, and statutory obligations
• Full responsibility for PAYE and Revenue reporting, including RPN processes and payroll submissions
• Prepare payroll reconciliations and statutory returns (e.g., Pensions, CSO) within agreed deadlines
• Support month-end close activities, including payroll journals and balance sheet reconciliations
• Maintain robust internal controls and ensure compliance with Revenue, Government Bodies, and public sector governance standards
• Prepare high-quality reports and ad-hoc returns for external stakeholders and Freedom of Information requests
• Provide payroll inputs to support cash flow forecasting
• Act as a key point of contact for internal stakeholders, auditors, Revenue, and external service providers
• Contribute to internal and external audits, financial statements, and the annual budgeting process
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives, including finance systems enhancements and process optimisation
• Support general BAU activities and ad-hoc duties as required

Essential Criteria for the Payroll Officer Job:

• Minimum NFQ Level 7
• Irish payroll processing experience
• Strong working knowledge of PAYE, Revenue processes, and statutory reporting
• Excellent MS Excel skills
• Proven ability to manage priorities and meet strict deadlines
• Strong organisational skills with high attention to detail
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• High level of professionalism, discretion, confidentiality, and integrity
• Proactive, flexible, and solution-focused approach
• Strong team player with a continuous improvement mindset
• Ability to work independently within fixed deadlines

Desirable Criteria

• Certificate or Diploma in a relevant discipline
• Previous experience in a public sector or governing body environment

Why Apply?

• Work within a well-established public sector organisation
• Hybrid working arrangement
• Competitive salary
• Exposure to complex payroll operations, compliance, and process improvement initiatives
• Opportunity for contract extension or permanent appointment

If this sounds like an opportunity you may be interested in, please feel free to apply with an up to date CV via the link attached or reach out to Neil, our specialist consultant in absolute confidence. Candidates must have Irish Payroll experience in order to be eligible.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates