Job Description

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented

Senior Payroll administrator

to join our established payroll bureau within a fast-paced, client-facing accountancy practice. You'll lead all aspects of payroll delivery, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and a best-in-class employee experience. This includes managing external payroll partners and supporting internal teams with payroll insights and advice.

This is a key role within our payroll team, requiring deep knowledge of UK payroll legislation, pensions auto-enrolment, and client relationship management.

Key Responsibilities

Manage end-to-end payroll processing

for a portfolio of clients on weekly, fortnightly, and monthly cycles. Process new starters, leavers, and adjustments (sick pay, maternity/paternity, bonuses, commissions, etc.). Ensure all payroll data is correctly inputted, reconciled, and filed in line with HMRC deadlines. Administer all aspects of

Workplace Pension Schemes

including auto-enrolment assessments, opt-ins/outs, and contributions. Prepare and submit

RTI

(Real Time Information) submissions to HMRC. Manage client communication, resolving payroll queries in a timely, professional manner. Process statutory payments (SSP, SMP, SPP, SAP) and calculate holiday pay entitlements. Stay informed on payroll legislation and lead continuous improvement of payroll processes. Ensure compliance with UK payroll legislation, GDPR, and internal quality procedures. Produce payroll journals and liaise with client accountants for management reporting. Support junior payroll team members with technical guidance and training. Serve as the main point of contact for payroll-related queries, supporting employees and managers.

Key Skills & Experience

Minimum

5+ years payroll experience

, ideally within a multi-client or bureau environment. Strong understanding of current UK payroll legislation and statutory reporting. Experienced in

auto-enrolment pensions

and managing multiple pension providers (e.g. NEST, The People's Pension, Aviva, etc.). Working knowledge of payroll software - we use

Sage Payroll

. Highly organized with the ability to manage deadlines and prioritise a diverse workload. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills - professional and client-focused. Chartered Institute of Payroll and Pensions (CIPP) level 5 qualifications or equivalent is desirable but not essential.
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From 32,000.00 per year

Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Ability to commute/relocate:

Coventry, CV5 6UB: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Experience:

Payroll: 4 years (preferred)
Reference ID: LDP - Payroll