South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust

Apprentice Payroll and Expenses Officer

The closing date is 25 November 2025

Job summary

We are looking to recruit an Apprentice Payroll & Expenses Officer to work as part of an experienced friendly team providing an end-to-end payroll, expenses and pensions service for a defined section of our workforce and/or external clients paid by the Payroll, Pensions and Expenses team in accordance with NHS Terms and Conditions, procedures, financial timescales and legal requirements.

Working for South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS FT you will feel a sense of belonging and will have the opportunity to grow and develop, feel cared for, valued and supported.

We have a blended approach to agile working. You will be required to work from the office base at Sunderland Royal Hospital and the opportunity to work from home. You will be provided with the appropriate IT equipment.

As part of the apprentice role, we will support you through an 18-24 month payroll qualification, allowing 20% off the job time to study. Upon successful completion of the course, you will become a permanent Payroll and Expenses Officer.

Main duties of the job

You must hold Maths and English at GCSE minimum C grade, or L2 equivalent

You will be able to work in a methodical manner, organise and prioritise own workload to ensure payroll and financial timetables are met. You must be numerate and able to complete complex calculations whilst working under pressure to meet deadlines, occasionally including manual payments if required.

You must demonstrate a clear understanding of how to deliver a quality and customer focused service and the ability to effectively communicate to managers, employees and external organisations.

About us

Please add your telephone number to your application form so we can contact you quickly if required.

One Team One Trust - There are many reasons to work at our Trust. From our commitment to putting people first to our accessible services and award winning teams. We have a passion for research, innovation and tackling inequalities. We are committed to respect, fairness and civility and promote a compassionate, caring and positive culture / working environment.

We welcome all applications irrespective of peoples race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under- represented groups. Looking after our workforces health and wellbeing is a priority for us. We also provide access to high quality education, training, career progression and support. Flexible working is supported via our Flexible Working Policy.

The Trust employs around 8,746 people and provides a range of hospital services to a local community of around 430,000 residents. We also provide a range of more specialised services outside this area. We offer our staff outstanding benefits - Fitness Centre (SRH), libraries at both hospital sites, chaplaincy support and access to a Care Co-ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements.If you use AI, and it poses a risk to the integrity of your individual recruitment process, we may withdraw your application at any stage of the process.

Date posted

11 November 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£27,485 to £30,162 a year Annex 21

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

24 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

C9155-CRAC-1125-05

Job locations

Trust Headquarters

Sunderland Royal Hospital

Sunderland

SR4 7TP

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please refer to the attached Job Description for full duties of the role

To work as part of a team providing an end-to-end payroll, expenses and pensions service for a defined section of the workforce and/or external clients paid by the service, in accordance with NHS Terms and Conditions, procedures, financial timescales and legal requirements.
To ensure accurate and timely input of data to the electronic HR and Payroll systems.
To maintain accurate and up to date records in accordance with statutory and Trust regulations.
To participate in investigating and responding to Helpdesk queries both verbal and in writing.
To undertake regular training, keeping up to date with all new statutory regulations and NHS directives affecting pay.
To support the training and development of new, less experienced and/or junior colleagues, e.g. apprentices.
To manage own workload in an effective and timely manner.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please refer to the attached Job Description for full duties of the role

To work as part of a team providing an end-to-end payroll, expenses and pensions service for a defined section of the workforce and/or external clients paid by the service, in accordance with NHS Terms and Conditions, procedures, financial timescales and legal requirements.
To ensure accurate and timely input of data to the electronic HR and Payroll systems.
To maintain accurate and up to date records in accordance with statutory and Trust regulations.
To participate in investigating and responding to Helpdesk queries both verbal and in writing.
To undertake regular training, keeping up to date with all new statutory regulations and NHS directives affecting pay.
To support the training and development of new, less experienced and/or junior colleagues, e.g. apprentices.
To manage own workload in an effective and timely manner.

Person Specification

Experience

Desirable

Experience of timely payroll processing and accurate input of financial and personal data.
Substantial experience of working to strict deadlines.
Proven experience of working as part of a team.

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

Knowledge and understanding of data protection / confidentiality rules and legislation
Microsoft Office Excel to intermediate level
Excellent communication skills
Time Management / Organisational Skills
Numerate with ability to complete complex calculations
Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines

Desirable

Knowledge of NHS Travel and Subsistence expense rules
Working knowledge and understanding of NHS Terms and Conditions of Service
Knowledge of statutory payroll legislation / HMRC regulations, e.g. PAYE, Statutory Maternity Pay, Statutory Sick Pay, payment of tax credits, recovery of student loans.
Working knowledge and understanding of the NHS Pension Scheme, regulations and administrative procedures.
Working knowledge of integrated computerised HR and Payroll systems, e.g. ESR / Oracle

Qualifications

Essential

English and Mathematics Level 2 or NVQ Level 2 equivalent with the ability to work towards a Level 3 Payroll Administrator apprenticeship standard

Person Specification

Experience

Desirable

Experience of timely payroll processing and accurate input of financial and personal data.
Substantial experience of working to strict deadlines.
Proven experience of working as part of a team.

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

Knowledge and understanding of data protection / confidentiality rules and legislation
Microsoft Office Excel to intermediate level
Excellent communication skills
Time Management / Organisational Skills
Numerate with ability to complete complex calculations
Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines

Desirable

Knowledge of NHS Travel and Subsistence expense rules
Working knowledge and understanding of NHS Terms and Conditions of Service
Knowledge of statutory payroll legislation / HMRC regulations, e.g. PAYE, Statutory Maternity Pay, Statutory Sick Pay, payment of tax credits, recovery of student loans.
Working knowledge and understanding of the NHS Pension Scheme, regulations and administrative procedures.
Working knowledge of integrated computerised HR and Payroll systems, e.g. ESR / Oracle