Payroll administrator

Do you like to wake up in the morning with a complex salary question on your mind? Do allowances, on-call duties, and collective labor agreements that are slightly different from the norm give you energy? And does it give you satisfaction when employees get exactly what they are entitled to—even if the system does not automatically cooperate?

Location

Groningen

Number of hours

32-36 hours per week

Salary

Interested?

You can respond until Sunday, March 8, 2026.

Apply now

Portrait of Esther de Boer

Are you going to do this?

Imagine: it's payday. The payroll run has been successfully completed. On-call shifts, irregularity allowances, and tax regulations all regulations processed correctly. Colleagues can rely on their payslips. You know that this wasn't a simple push-button operation, but the result of craftsmanship, sharpness, and collaboration.

As a (senior) payroll administrator at Waterschap Noorderzijlvest, you will be working in an environment where payroll administration is challenging in terms of content. We work with Youforce, a system that is undergoing rapid development within our organisation. This means that not everything is fixed or runs automatically. This is where you come into your own. You contribute ideas, set up smarter processes, and solve complex issues. Together with your colleagues, you will build a payroll administration system that is not only accurate but also future-proof.

This is how you make a difference every day for your colleagues and for an organisation a clear social mission.

 

What are you going to do?

Noorderzijlvest Water Authority is an organisation approximately 400 skilled and proud employees who work both in the field and in the office. Many of our employees work on-call shifts or receive allowances, for example because of the risks involved in their work. This makes payroll processing complex. We have also recently started working with the Youforce system, which is still being further developed.

Together with two colleagues, you will ensure that the payroll administration runs smoothly every month. You are comfortable dealing with complex issues and actively contribute ideas for improvements. We are looking for a colleague who is open-minded, enjoys working in a team, and likes to take responsibility.

What does a typical workday look like?

You start the day with a brief meeting about the workload. Together, you divide up the work. Then you get started on your tasks. No two days are the same. You prepare and process salaries, water rates, contributions, and payroll tax returns. In addition, you identify bottlenecks in work processes and keep track of changes in collective labor agreements and legislation. You provide advice on reimbursements and the tax consequences of policy changes. You also provide information to external parties, such as health insurers, ABP, the Tax and Customs Administration, and the accountant. Furthermore:

  • At the request of management and the controllers, you provide data on payroll administration.
  • You are the point of contact for employees who have questions about their salary.
  • You draw up the personnel budget together with your colleagues.

Where will you be working?

You will work as a (senior) payroll administrator in the People & Organization, Legal Affairs, and Health, Safety, and Environment team. The team consists of 36 colleagues, two of whom work as senior payroll administrators. One colleague will retire in early 2027.

About the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority

The Noorderzijlvest Water Authority is located in a unique area where subsidence by natural gas extraction and earthquakes significantly affects water management. The consequences of these developments, as well as climate change, have an impact on the (waste) water system. Rising sea levels, more frequent and longer periods of heavy rainfall, interspersed with prolonged droughts, as well as challenges in the field of sustainability and new (problematic) substances: these are problems that require robust solutions. We want our (waste)water system to function as naturally as possible and to be climate-proof, resilient, and healthy in the long term. This requires us to take appropriate and affordable measures in a society that wants to discuss and influence these issues.

This is what we ask of you

  • You have completed a financial-economic or administrative degree at the higher professional education (HBO) level.
  • You have a Practical Diploma in Payroll Administration (PDL). A VPS diploma is an advantage.
  • You have extensive experience in payroll administration.
  • You have knowledge of functional application management. Experience with HR Core, Gemal, and Youforce is an advantage.
  • You have knowledge of relevant laws and regulations, such as tax legislation, labor law, and social insurance.
  • Knowledge of the Water Authorities Collective Labor Agreement is an advantage.

Who are you as a person?

You work accurately and maintain an overview, even when things get busy. You complete your work carefully and on time. You switch easily between different tasks and ask critical questions. You take initiative and work independently, but also actively seek cooperation with your colleagues. You communicate clearly, can explain salary matters clearly, and communicate pleasantly with colleagues.

This is what we offer you

  • A fixed-term employment contract, whereby after one year of satisfactory performance, the temporary appointment is converted into a permanent appointment.
  • A salary between €3,893 gross and a maximum of €5,199 gross per month based on 36 hours per week (scale 9 CAO Waterschappen, reference date March 1, 2026). The salary scale depends on your knowledge and experience.
  • On top of your gross salary, you will receive a 21% Individual Choice Budget (IKB), which you can have paid out or use in another way, for example to purchase extra leave.
  • A pension plan with the ABP pension fund.
  • A good work-life balance with our remote working options.
  • A personal budget of €6,000 for training courses and reimbursement for commuting expenses or a work-from-home allowance. Are you under 35? Then you have a personal development budget of €12,000!
  • Your place of work is Groningen. Our office is easily accessible by bicycle, public transport, or your own car.

Are you interested?

Are you enthusiastic and do you recognize yourself in this position? Or do you not yet meet all the requirements, but do you see opportunities for growth? Then please apply. We would love to talk to you. Upload your motivation letter and resume via the application button. We would like to receive your letter no later than Sunday, March 8, 2026. Interviews will be held on March 17. 

  • Would you like to know more about the process or the team? Please contact Ingrid Schotanus, team manager People & Organization, JZ and VGW (phone number +31 (0)6 15 08 37 12).
  • If you come to work for us, you must submit a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG).

 

 

 

Your future department and organisation

About the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority

The Noorderzijlvest Water Authority is located in a unique area where subsidence by natural gas extraction and earthquakes significantly affects water management. The consequences of these developments, as well as climate change, are affecting the (waste) water system. Rising sea levels, more frequent and longer periods of heavy rainfall, interspersed with prolonged droughts, as well as challenges in the areas of sustainability and new (problematic) substances: these are problems that require robust solutions. We want our (waste)water system to function as naturally as possible and to be climate-proof, resilient, and healthy in the long term. This requires us to take appropriate and affordable measures in a society that wants to discuss and influence these issues.

To water authority manage the challenges facing our water authority , we are implementing organisation measures to improve our ability to work in a forward-looking and integrated manner. We believe this will provide a solid foundation for strategic thinking, enabling us to translate our plans into our daily work and carry out our tasks as efficiently as possible. This is becoming increasingly important in a changing society that demands a lot from us.

Questions about the procedure for this vacancy?

Please contacte.dejager-debrouwer@noorderzijlvest.nl , Recruitment and SelectionAdvisor , on 050 304 89 11 or at werven@noorderzijlvest.nl.

Are you enthusiastic? Apply now!

Fill out the application form and we will contact you as soon as possible. Apply now

Dynamic water world

Are you a thinker or a doer? We would love to meet you. At the water authority , no two days water authority the same!

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