Applications are now sought to recruit a Payroll, Pensions and HR Officer (Executive Officer) at the Housing Finance Agency plc (HFA). The HFA Office is in Dublin City Centre.The closing date for receipt of applications is 10 March 2025.BACKGROUNDThe Housing Finance Agency plc (HFA) is a public body under the aegis of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The HFA provides financing to Local Authorities, Approved Housing Bodies and Higher Education Institutes to support the delivery of social and affordable housing and student accommodation.The HFA’s board, which has eleven members, is appointed by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, with the consent of the Minister for to The Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation The HFA currently has 31 members of staff across five teams: Corporate Services, Finance, Lending, Risk & Compliance and ICT. THE ROLEReporting to the HR Manager, the postholder will be responsible for administrative and reporting requirements in relation to payroll, pensions as well as general HR activities.The postholder will work closely with the HR Manager to ensure the efficient operation of the payroll function in line with Public Sector guidelines and procedures. This will involve gathering and checking all necessary payroll data to ensure payroll is processed within agreed deadlines for sign-off. The postholder will liaise with the HFA Finance team to ensure required information is provided for audit purposes and for salary and pension journals. The postholder will also have administrative and reporting responsibility for the Superannuation and HR function of the HFA. This includes administration in relation to a pre-existing HFA defined benefit superannuation scheme and the Single Public Sector Pension Scheme (SPSPS). They will also be responsible for payroll and pension reporting and will contribute to statutory reporting to Government Departments, the Central Statistics Office and to the Revenue Commissioners. The post holder will play a key role in the HR department, providing administrative support, dealing with HR queries, and leading HR projects as set out by the HR Manager and Head of Corporate Services.KEY RESPONSIBILITIES•Ensure all required information is provided for the processing of fortnightly payrolls and associated pensions information for all HFA staff and pensioners.•Check the accuracy of fortnightly processed payroll and liaise with HR Manager and Finance Team on final approval.•Maintain accurate and up to date records for payroll, pensions and other personnel information in relation to new hires, terminations, status changes, leave, payroll deductions, staff training, allowances etc.•Prepare and submit reports such as:a.Quarterly and annual reporting on salaries and pensionsb.Non SPSPS and SPSPS headcount reportc.Submission of reports on active, pensioners and benefits to SPSPS Databank on yearly basisd.Salary band and pension type reportse.Staff Estimates for State Bodies reportf.ASC45’s and SPSPS starters and leavers formsg.Holiday and sick leave reportsh.SPSPS scheme yearly benefit statements for employees•Contribute to ensuring compliance with other reporting requirements (e.g. staff expense claims for Enhanced reporting to Revenue) and deadlines. •Provide effective and reliable support to employees in relation to payroll, pension and HR queries.•Maintaining knowledge of any Single Public Sector Pension Scheme (SPSPS) changes or regulatory changes that impact on the SPSPS.•Provide administrative support for HR projects, including archiving/digitisation of personnel, payroll and pension files.•Prepare recruitment files and monitor our online recruitment platform (Hire Hive).•Provide administrative support in relation to tax saver tickets, the cycle to work scheme, maternity, parental and parents leave, illness benefit, and any other statutory leave entitlements to employees.•Review processes and procedures in relation to payroll, pensions and contribute to improvements and efficiencies.•Keep up to date with HR Circulars relating to payroll and pensions as they are issued and ensure they are applied correctly.Please note that the above is not an exhaustive list of duties and the postholder will be expected to perform different tasks as necessitated by any changing role within the organisation and the overall business objectives and growth of the HFA.COMPETENCIESApplicants should have the abilities that are required at Executive Officer level. In particular applicants should demonstrate by reference to specific achievements that they possess the qualities, skills and knowledge required for the role of Executive Officer (in the context of this particular and specific EO level post) as identified by the Public Appointments Service Competency Framework.REQUIREMENTSEssential Skills, qualifications and experience•Minimum two years’ experience of working within a payroll and superannuation function or related area•Detailed knowledge of processing and administration of full public sector payroll cycle including payroll submissions•IPASS qualification or similar, or working towards same•Relevant technical skills including knowledge of PAYE modernisation and PRSI contributions•Knowledge of income tax regulations•Evidence of ability to identify areas / processes for improvement•Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and an ability to see tasks to completion•Good understanding of best HR practices, or a proven ability to learn new skills quickly•Excellent IT skills, including proficiency using the MS Suite•Work on own initiative as well as in a team environment to meet tight deadlines •Excellent communication skills with an attention to detail •Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oralDesirable•One year’s HR administrative experience in private or public sector is advantageous.•Knowledge of Sage payroll software (or similar) will be an advantage. Note: The functions and responsibilities assigned to this position are based on the current stated role and may be changed from time to time. The person appointed requires the flexibility to fulfil other roles and responsibilities at a similar level within the HFA.PRINCIPAL CONDITIONS OF SERVICETenureThe appointment is a permanent contract.Hours of WorkOperating on a 35-hour week with core hours from 08.00am – 6.30pm. The HFA currently operates a hybrid-working model, with staff currently expected to work a minimum of two days per week in the office in Dublin 2.Salary ScaleThe salary scale for the position (rates effective from 1 October 2024) is as follows:EXECUTIVE OFFICER (PPC)€36,544 €38,465 €39,550 €41,667 €43,564 €45,400 €47,229 €49,019 €50,831€52,618 €54,514 €55,784 €57,596¹ €59,422²This rate applies to new entrants and will also apply where the appointee is an existing civil or public servant appointed on or after 6th April 1995 and is required to make a personal pension contribution (PPC). EXECUTIVE OFFICER (Non PPC)€34,983 €37,152 €38,010 €39,860 €41,659 €43,406 €45,141 €46,841 €48,559€50,229 €51,962 €53,146 €54,848¹ €56,566²This rate will apply where the appointee is a civil or public servant recruited before 6th April 1995 and who is not required to make a Personal Pension Contribution.Long service increments may be payable after 3 (LSI 1) and 6 (LSI 2) years satisfactory service at the maximum of the scale.Important NoteEntry will be at the minimum of the scale; (unless currently employed by a public sector organisation or Government Department), the rate of remuneration will not be subject to negotiation and may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy. Subject to satisfactory performance increments may be payable in line with current Government policy. Different terms and conditions may apply if, immediately before appointment, you are a currently serving civil/public servant.Annual LeaveIn addition to the usual Irish public holidays annual leave for this position is 23 working days, based on a five-day week. This will rise to 24 days after 5 years’ service and to 25 after 10 years’ service.The above represents the principal conditions of service and is not intended to be a comprehensive list of terms and conditions of employment which will be set out in the employment contract to be agreed with the successful candidate.APPLICATION PROCEDUREHow to Apply•Applications should be submitted via HireHive only•Each candidate should submit a short covering letter outlining why you believe your skills, experience and values meet the requirements of the position along with an up-to-date CV.Please contact our HR Manager, Katherina Sage via email ksage@hfa.ie if you require a job description in an accessible format. In addition, candidates called for interviews and/or aptitude tests may request reasonable accommodations.Please note: all job offers are subject to satisfactory references and a pre-employment medical. The Housing Finance Agency PLC is an equal opportunities employer.