Payroll Controller - NHS

We're Civica, and we make software and deliver services that help provide critical support to citizens all around the world. From local and central government to education, health and care, over 5,000 public bodies globally rely on Civica solutions to deliver essential services to more than 100 million people. Our aspiration is to be a Gov Tech champion everywhere we operate-supporting the needs of citizens and those who serve them every day.

With over 21 years of continuous growth behind us, we're continuing to expand and strengthen our HR & Payroll services, helping customers deliver accurate, compliant, and trusted outcomes. Why you'll love this opportunity as an NHS Payroll Controller at Civica As an NHS Payroll Controller, you'll play a key role in delivering end-to-end, fully managed payroll services to NHS Trusts using the national ESR (Electronic Staff Record) system.

Reporting to the NHS Team Manager, you'll take ownership of payroll processing from data input and checking through to BACS submissions, monthly reporting, and year-end activities. You'll act as the first point of contact for Trust employees and internal Trust staff, managing day-to-day payroll issues and ensuring queries are resolved professionally, accurately, and in line with agreed service levels. Supported by NHS Payroll Administrators, you'll help maintain a high-quality, compliant service while keeping up to date with NHS-specific changes and legislative updates.

This role is ideal for someone who is confident with payroll processes, enjoys problem-solving, and is committed to delivering excellent customer service. You'll be part of a supportive team, with opportunities to build specialist NHS payroll knowledge and contribute to Civica's reputation for delivering trusted payroll services.

• Keying, checking, and processing payroll input
• Producing and validating monthly client reports and submitting BACS payments upon authorisation
• Generating scheduled payroll reports and payslips
• Ensuring all payments are processed accurately and on time according to agreed schedules
• Managing client queries in a friendly and professional manner, ensuring clear resolutions
• Maintaining communication with third parties such as HMRC, NHS Pensions, and Courts
• Processing accurate and timely year-end returns
• Ensuring full compliance with legislative and NHS-specific requirements
• Keeping skills updated based on changes communicated by the NHS Specialist Team and ESR notices
• Organising monthly conference calls with clients to review performance and discuss issues
• Ensuring compliance with GDPR and the Data Protection Act
• Supporting your Team Manager with any additional duties required

• Strong understanding of payroll legislation (essential)
• Working knowledge of statutory deductions and calculation methods (essential)
• Knowledge of NHS Terms and Conditions (preferred)
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office (essential)
• Ability to prioritise work effectively and remain calm under pressure
• Willingness to follow established NHS processes and run sheets
• Ability to use initiative and provide guidance within the team
• Strong logical thinking and problem‑solving skills
• A proactive and positive "get the job done" attitude, Educated to GCSE level (or equivalent) including Maths and English (essential)
• CIPP qualification or equivalent (preferred)
• Experience working in a customer‑focused environment
• Experience processing payroll accurately and on time; NHS payroll experience is preferred but not essential
• Experience communicating with stakeholders and employees in a professional, supportive manner

• Additional payroll‑related certifications
• Experience working with ESR
• Exposure to NHS Pensions processes
• Previous experience in a managed service payroll environment

There is no such thing as the perfect candidate, so if you think you have what it takes but don't necessarily meet every single point on the list above, please still get in touch. We'd love to have a chat and see if you could be a great fit.

As a company, we're passionate about what we do and the citizens we serve. If you, too, want to champion the use…