Payroll Officer (Maternity Cover)

Reporting to the College Accountant, the Payroll Officer is an integral member of the College’s Finance Office.  In addition to the Finance team, the Payroll Officer will work closely with the HR Department, the College Registrar and the Academic Records Manager in addition to other senior managers.  The successful candidate will therefore be expected to build strong and collaborative relationships across all departments.

This is an excellent opportunity to work in historic and picturesque surroundings just off Oxford’s High Street, close to the river and parks, the Covered Market, buses, shops and cafes.  The train station is a 20-minute walk away.

The Payroll Officer will support the smooth running of the College’s payroll and pension function for approximately 200 staff, alongside a range of other financial administration duties. The role will also provide cover for colleagues within the department, particularly in relation to purchase ledger and battels queries.

The successful applicant will have previous payroll experience together with a sound knowledge of accounting principles and procedures.  They will possess excellent communication, written and analytical skills and be enthusiastic and self-motivated.

This is a maternity cover position commencing in mid-July for a fixed term period of 12 months.

In return, you will benefit from working for a warm, supportive and inclusive organisation plus a comprehensive benefits package as follows:

• Generous annual leave entitlement of up to 38 days per year pro rata plus additional days for long service.
• Subsidised bus pass loan, season ticket rail loan and cycle scheme loan.
• A free three-course lunch.
• Access to the College’s employee assistance programme (a 24-hour telephone and online advisory and counselling service).
• A free annual flu vaccination.
• Discount in University shops, free entry to other Oxford colleges and libraries, discounted computer software from the University Computing Service, free access to the Botanical Gardens and Harcourt Arboretum and discounted membership of the University’s gym and pool.

The post is eligible for membership of the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) which provides income when you retire plus sickness and life assurance benefits. Further details can be found at https://finance.admin.ox.ac.uk/pensions.

This is a part time, fixed term role working 21 hours per week usually 09:00 to 17:00 across three days.  However, the possibility of working less hours across more days whilst incorporating the contractual hours will be considered.

View Further Particulars Here

Application Process

Interested applicants should forward the following documents:

1. A Cover Sheet  detailing the names and contact details of two referees;
2. A current CV;
3. A covering letter, which explains how you meet the selection criteria for the post.

Documents should be sent preferably by email to recruitment@seh.ox.ac.uk by GMT 09:00 on Tuesday, 26 May 2026. Applications can also be sent to the HR Manager, St Edmund Hall, Queen’s Lane, Oxford, OX1 4AR.

Interviews are expected to be held in Oxford on Thursday, 4 June 2026.  The successful candidate will be expected to start as soon as possible.

Informal enquiries about the post should be directed to recruitment@seh.ox.ac.uk.

Equality of Opportunity

The Equal Opportunities policy of the College requires that all staff are offered equal opportunities within employment. Entry into employment will be determined only by personal merit and the application of criteria related to the post. Subject to statutory provisions, no applicant will be treated less favourably than another because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Recruitment Monitoring

Please consider completing the online Equal Opportunity Monitoring Form.  Submission of this form is voluntary and does not form part of the selection process, but we would be grateful if you are willing to return it with your application to assist us with our equal opportunity monitoring. A paper copy can be found here.