Full job descriptionPayroll Senior
Location: Discovery Park, Sandwich
Working pattern: Hybrid
Employment type: Permanent, full time
Payroll people know. When payroll goes smoothly, nobody notices. When it doesn’t, everybody does.
That’s why this role needs someone who knows how to keep things moving properly.
Clients paid correctly. Deadlines hit. RTI submissions checked. Pension uploads handled. Queries answered. Juniors supported. Issues escalated before they become problems.
If you’re an experienced payroll professional who enjoys being the person others rely on, this could be a very good move.
You’ll be joining the payroll team of a long-established accountancy and advisory firm, working from its Discovery Park office in Sandwich on a hybrid basis. The office is based in one of the world’s leading science and business parks, with strong links across Kent and London, so it’s a good fit if you want a professional services role without having to be in the City every day.
This is not just a processing role. You’ll manage payroll delivery across a varied client portfolio, act as a key client contact, support the onboarding of new payroll clients and help supervise the people around you.
In other words, you’ll be close to the work, close to the clients and close to the team.
What you’ll be walking into
The payroll team needs someone who can help keep standards high across the service line.
You’ll manage and oversee client payroll work across your allocated portfolio, stepping in during busy periods where needed and making sure work is completed accurately, on time and within budget.
You’ll be involved in payroll processing, RTI reviews, pension uploads, payroll logs and action logs. You’ll also keep an eye on workflow, client expectations, billing, WIP, write-offs and invoicing, so there is a proper commercial and operational side to the role too.
There’s also plenty of client contact. You’ll respond to payroll queries, attend client meetings, manage communications and help new clients get set up properly, including AML and relevant employment legislation requirements for smaller clients.
And because payroll delivery only works well when the team works well, you’ll also supervise, mentor and support Payroll Advisers, Semi Seniors and Assistants.
The bit that will probably matter most
You’ll have responsibility, but you won’t be expected to carry everything alone.
The firm has a strong focus on agile working, wellbeing and personal development, with hybrid working, flexible policies, mental health support and clear development routes across the business. Its careers information also highlights a culture built around people, balance and helping colleagues progress rather than just expecting them to get on with it.
That should matter if you’re in payroll, because this is a job where workload, deadlines and detail can quickly pile up. You want a place that understands that, supports the team properly and gives you room to grow.
What you’ll be doing
You’ll be trusted to:
*Manage and oversee payroll services across a varied client portfolio
*Keep payroll processing, RTI reviews, pension uploads and payroll logs moving accurately and on time
*Monitor workflow and communicate clearly with clients and internal teams
*Act as a key client contact for payroll queries and service delivery
*Support onboarding for new payroll clients
*Escalate complex payroll issues sensibly when they need Assistant Manager-level input or above
*Support billing, WIP reviews, write-offs and timely client invoicing
*Make sure relevant documents and submissions receive the right senior sign-off
*Attend client meetings and manage expectations properly
*Supervise, mentor and support Payroll Advisers, Semi Seniors and Assistants
*Set clear action plans, milestones and expectations for payroll delivery
*Provide coaching, feedback and knowledge sharing
*Support payroll software training and help new starters settle in
*Build internal relationships across service lines and spot cross-referral opportunities
*Support networking, meetings and relevant webinars where appropriate
What will help you do well here
You’ll probably already be working in payroll within a bureau, practice or client-service environment.
You don’t need someone to explain why deadlines matter. You know payroll has to be right, and you know clients expect clear answers quickly.
The right person will be organised, accurate and calm under pressure. You’ll be comfortable juggling multiple payrolls, keeping track of actions and making sure nothing important slips through the cracks.
You’ll also need to be good with people. Clients need reassurance and clear communication. Junior colleagues need direction, feedback and support. Senior colleagues need to know issues are being handled properly or escalated early.
This will suit someone who likes being useful, trusted and central to how a team operates.
A few things that would make you a strong fit
*Strong payroll experience in practice, bureau or another client-facing payroll environment
*Confidence managing payroll work across a varied portfolio
*Good knowledge of payroll processing, RTI and pension uploads
*Experience dealing with client payroll queries
*Strong organisation and deadline management skills
*High attention to detail
*Experience supervising, mentoring or supporting junior colleagues
*Confidence escalating complex issues at the right time
*A practical understanding of on boarding new payroll clients
*A team-focused approach, with the confidence to keep people on track
The benefits bit
The package includes hybrid working, flexible working policies, pension, life assurance, health cash plan, income protection, private medical insurance, critical illness insurance, Employee Assistance Programme, counselling support, annual flu jab, holiday buying and access to discounts and rewards.
There are also family-friendly policies, monthly recognition awards, paid volunteering time, charitable giving options, cycle to work and interest-free travel or vehicle loan options where applicable.
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