Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, the largest non-metropolitan Fire and Rescue Service in England, has the opportunity for a Pay and Reporting Assistant Officer to join our People Services team based at our Service Headquarters in Exeter. This is a permanent, full-time position (37 hours per week) that offers a competitive salary starting at £29,540 rising annually to £32,061 (gross) pro rata per annum.
About Us
At Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, our mission is to create a safer world by preventing fire and rescue emergencies. We pride ourselves on our fantastic reputation, built on the dedication and expertise of our skilled workforce. By joining us, you will be a key player in enhancing the services we provide across beautiful Devon and Somerset.
Your Role
As a Payroll and Reporting Assistant Officer you will play an active role in the monthly payroll processes, including reconciliation of data and oversee first line casework for incorrect payments and queries regarding pay (sickness claims, allowances and other changes).
You will provide comprehensive reporting and analysis (based on HR Database content) to support payroll analysis, data returns, audits and other reporting requirements for the Service.
Key Responsibilities
To be responsible for maintaining and updating essential spreadsheets, databases and systems, in accordance with the Data Protection Act. This will include the input and processing of pay and personnel data and taking any associated follow up actions.
To ensure that operational activity and availability claims are extracted from Gartan systems and processed accurately for every payment run.
Actively participating in reconciliation of monthly payroll data to ensure that this action is completed on time and in full.
To facilitate the reconciliation of absence data between Gartan and iTrent as part of the monthly payroll process and minimise overpayment situations for on-call colleagues.
Handling payment errors, including identification of causes, liaising with stakeholders, overseeing administration of salary advances, the recovery / reconciliation in subsequent months, the production of suitable correspondence to affected individuals and escalating casework / concerns where appropriate.
With advice and guidance from System admin / Payroll lead roles, to support with table maintenance of the payroll system and some testing processes for planned upgrades or system development, as and when required.
To regularly produce reports in relation to the content of the HR database and payroll output, ensuring that the data is presented accurately and in a user-friendly format, including look up functions, pivots, slicers and graphs where appropriate.
To assist with provision of data for additional reporting requirements on an ad-hoc basis, such as Subject Access Requests, FOIs and organisational data returns (including ONS and HMI).
As part of the wider pay team and monthly processes, ensure that the payroll system is maintained and updated to reflect employment variations including new joiners, leavers, position and grade changes, and also changes in personal particulars (i.e. name, address etc.).
Ensure that deductions, subscriptions, recoveries and other third party payments are recorded and implemented accurately and in a timely manner in collaboration with the payroll provider.
What We Offer
Joining Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service comes with a fulfilling career, where you make a tangible difference every day. But that’s not all! We value our employees and offer an extensive benefits package, including:
Flexible working arrangements to promote work-life balance
A generous pension scheme for your future
Ample annual leave to recharge and refresh
Family leave policies that support your loved ones
Access to physiotherapy services for your well-being
Opportunities for professional development and progression
Free gym access and personalised fitness coaching
Support for eye care and wellness programs
Exclusive Blue Light Membership discounts
Affordable healthcare options through Benenden Health
Engaging sports and social groups for community building
Confidential counselling services and mental health support
Access to the Firefighters Charity for additional support
A cycle-to-work scheme to promote healthy commuting
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career while contributing to the safety of our communities, we want to hear from you! Join us in our mission to create a safer world and become an integral part of our outstanding team.
Closing date: 23:59hrs Monday 20 May 2026
If you would like to speak to someone about the role please contact Jeni Lord, our HR Pay and Reporting Lead on 01392 716410 or via jlord@dsfire.gov.uk
If you feel you have the skills and experience to become our Payroll and Reporting Assistant Officer please click ‘apply’ today, we would love to hear from you.
The successful candidate must, by the commencement of employment, have the right to work in the UK.
How to apply:
When applying you will be required to complete an application form and submit a document detailing how you meet the following essential criteria taken from the Job Description and Person Specification.
Proven ability to both input and extract data in an efficient and accurate manner.
Demonstrable ability to identify and solve problems involving numerical information.
Knowledge and understanding of using People / Database systems.
The ability to work efficiently and effectively both as an individual as well as a member of a busy team.
Good planning, organisational and time management skills.
Proven ability to use MS Excel at an advanced level.
To help you complete this part of the application form please find attached below the word document “Pay and Reporting Assistant Officer 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 the evidence that you upload to your application should not exceed 2000 words in total (excluding titles).
Evidence submitted in relation to the essential criteria above will be used to shortlist any applications received.