Payroll Accountant

We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity. Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries. We connect. We inspire. Payroll Accountant Important Information: Contract Duration: One (1) year fixed term Gross Salary: KES 197 253 (Kenya) and JOD 645 (Jordan) Candidates can be based in these locations: Amman, Jordan or Nairobi, Kenya Closing Date: Applications will close on 28 May 2026 at 22:59 UK Time Rights to work: You must have the legal right to work in the country at the time of application. Mobility / relocation / visa sponsoring support will not be provided. Hybrid model: Mandatory 3 days in the office each week The Role: The Payroll Officer supports the delivery of accurate and compliant payroll operations across assigned countries, ensuring all payroll-related data is processed on time and to the highest standard of accuracy. The postholder is responsible for preparing, validating, and reconciling payroll input data, assisting in payroll runs, managing employee queries, and maintaining records in compliance with statutory and internal policies. This role contributes to continuous improvement, risk mitigation, and audit readiness by supporting payroll consultants and ensuring effective coordination with Finance, HR, and external vendors. Main accountabilities but not limited to the following: Payroll Execution & Validation * Support end-to-end payroll processing by validating input data (new hires, exits, salary changes, allowances, deductions, and benefits) in coordination with HR and Finance. * Prepare and verify payroll input templates for review and approval by the Payroll Consultant. * Ensure all payroll transactions are compliant with internal controls and statutory regulations. Records Management & Documentation * Maintain accurate and up-to-date payroll records, ensuring documentation is complete and properly stored in line with Information Governance and Records Management (IGRM) policies. * Ensure all payroll records are available for internal and external audits. * Support archiving and data-retention compliance in accordance with PDPA and GDPR standards. Compliance & Risk * Ensure compliance with local statutory regulations (tax, pension, social security) and escalate any discrepancies or anomalies for resolution. * Follow payroll control checklists to ensure audit readiness and mitigate operational risk. * Support the Payroll Consultant in preparing reports for compliance reviews, audits, and reconciliations. Case Management & Employee Support * Manage payroll-related cases and queries in the case management system (e.g., C4C), ensuring prompt, courteous, and accurate resolution within SLA. * Collaborate with HR, Finance, and the MSP to resolve employee concerns related to payroll, benefits, or statutory deductions. * Maintain a strong customer-service mindset, providing empathetic and professional support to employees. * Escalate complex cases to the Payroll Consultant or Manager for review. Continuous Improvement & Collaboration * Contribute to the documentation and refinement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and process checklists. * Participate in post-payroll reviews, lessons-learned sessions, and continuous-improvement initiatives. * Support the implementation of automation tools or process simplifications introduced by the Payroll & People Data Manager. Requirements of the role: * Written and verbal proficiency in English * Experience in payroll administration or data processing within a shared-services or multi-country environment. * Knowledge of payroll processes, data validation, and statutory deductions. * Familiarity with HRIS and payroll systems (e.g., SAP SuccessFactors, Oracle, or similar). * Ability to manage confidential data responsibly and maintain high standards of accuracy. * Strong communication and teamwork skills, with an ability to work under tight timelines. Desirable: * Experience working with external vendors or managed service providers. * Exposure to continuous-improvement initiatives or process documentation. * Understanding of statutory payroll compliance in one or more Asia-Pacific countries. A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community as we believe that a diverse workforce gives added depth to our work. The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer. The Disability Confident scheme helps challenge attitudes, increase understanding of disability and ensure staff are drawn from the widest possible pool of talent. We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role requirements. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities. Safeguarding Statement The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with. We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989. Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed in line with legal requirements and with the British Council’s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children. If you experience any difficulties with submitting your application, please email askhr@britishcouncil.org