Payroll & Pensions Technician

Role Objective

The Payroll & Pensions Technician is responsible for the efficient delivery of payroll, pensions and associated employee services, ensuring compliance with statutory and organisational requirements. The role supports pension administration and governance, payroll operations, travel and expenses processing, systems management, audit activities and employee support, while providing operational backup to the Payroll Manager and HR Operational support. Success in the role is underpinned by attention to detail, effective stakeholder engagement, excellent service delivery and a proactive approach to continuous improvement.

Role Responsibilities Payroll Operations

• Support the delivery of accurate and compliant payroll and pension services.

• Provide operational payroll support to the Payroll Manager.

• Administer payroll, pensions, time recording, sick pay and employee records.

• Complete payroll controls, reconciliations, payments and financial system updates.

• Maintain compliance with statutory, Revenue and pension requirements.

• Provide timely support to employees, pensioners and external stakeholders.

Travel & Expenses Administration and Compliance

• Administer travel and expense processes, ensuring policy and Revenue compliance.

• Process and audit employee claims, resolving exceptions as required.

• Maintain expense system data, approvals and financial interfaces.

• Produce compliance reporting and management insights.

• Provide employee support and guidance on claims and expenses.

Pensions & Benefits Coordination

• Act as the primary operational liaison with AON, pension trustees, payroll and relevant internal stakeholders.

• Coordinate pension lifecycle activities including retirements, new pensioners, lump sums, member queries, pension payroll changes and benefit communications.

• Support pension governance, audit, compliance and reporting requirements.

• Maintain pension process documentation, controls and service provider performance oversight.

• Support employees and pensioners by facilitating access to pension information and escalation of complex queries.

Audit, Reporting and Governance

• Prepare payroll, expense and compliance reporting within agreed timelines.

• Complete payroll reconciliations, journals and control checks.

• Support internal and external audits through accurate records and documentation.

• Maintain procedures, controls and audit-ready processes to meet governance requirements.

Systems, Data & Continuous Improvement

• Support payroll and expenses systems, data integrity and record management.

• Contribute to system upgrades, process improvements and legislative changes.

• Maintain accurate records, documentation and controls in line with GDPR and governance requirements.

• Build effective stakeholder relationships and support continuous improvement across payroll and HR services.

Employee & Stakeholder Support

• Provide responsive payroll, pension and expense support to employees and key stakeholders.

• Build strong collaborative relationships and communicate professionally

• Support employee onboarding, communications and engagement activities.

• Contribute to service excellence through continuous improvement, teamwork and a customer-focused approach.

• Demonstrate flexibility in responding to changing business needs and priorities.

Behavioural Competencies

• Communication: Shares ideas clearly and respectfully, listens actively, and asks questions to understand.

• Collaboration: Works well with others, contributes to team goals, and values different viewpoints.

• Time Management & Prioritisation: Organises time to meet deadlines and focus on key tasks.

• Attention to Detail & Accuracy: Checks work carefully and follows instructions.

• Organisational Skills: Maintains organised workspaces and follows structured processes.

• Problem Solving: Spots issues and asks for help to fix them.

• Results Orientation: Focuses on completing tasks reliably and meeting goals.

• Adaptability: Adjusts to new tasks and feedback with a positive attitude.

• Accountability & Ownership: Takes responsibility for tasks and learns from experience. All employees must be a role model of the Coillte values.

Desired Tecnical/Professional Competencies

• Education and Experience: Payroll related qualification such as IPASS and minimum of 2 years relevant payroll experience in a medium to large business organisation

• Payroll administration, governance, statutory, audit, finance and legal compliance

• Knowledge of all statutory taxes, PMOD & ERR, the treatment of social welfare payments, Third Parties and pension administration

• Travel & Expenses administration, governance, statutory, audit, finance and legal compliance

• Data analysis and reporting