Associate, Payroll Delivery, Newcastle Upon Tyne / Manchester / Belfast

Ernst & Young; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global professional services firm is seeking Payroll Associates to join their UK Payroll Operate team. The role involves managing payroll processes, ensuring compliance, and building relationships across the organization. Successful candidates will have experience in payroll, excellent IT skills, and strong communication abilities. Join a supportive environment where you can grow your career and contribute to high-profile projects.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience of end-to-end payroll processing.
• Good knowledge and understanding of payroll compliance and best practices.
• Excellent IT skills and proficiency in Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and solve problems.
• Flexibility and adaptability to change.

Responsibilities

• Process payroll data accurately each pay period.
• Manage payroll tasks for new joiners and leavers.
• Validate system calculations and process statutory payments.
• Prepare and distribute payroll reports for clients.
• Create BACS payment files and issue payslips.
• Maintain client files and document procedures.
• Prepare client invoices and support payroll system updates.
• Escalate payroll issues to senior associates and leadership.

Skills

End-to-end payroll processing

Knowledge of payroll compliance

IT skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Adaptability to change

Tools

IRIS Payroll Software

iTrent

Job description

We are currently looking for Payroll Associates to join our UK Payroll Operate based in Newcastle Upon Tyne, Manchester and Belfast. This is an excellent opportunity to join our fast‑growing payroll team within EY. Reporting to the Payroll Manager, the successful candidate will be part of a team with responsibility for the successful delivery of payroll services for new and existing clients. You will need to ensure all payrolls are executed to a high standard, manage stakeholders, report on internal EY metrics and build positive relationships across the firm. As part of this role, you will also need to prioritise your time and workload to ensure payrolls are delivered on time.

Responsibilities

• Accurately process payroll data each pay period, ensuring adherence to the agreed payroll schedule and statutory requirements.
• Manage employee lifecycle payroll tasks, including setting up new joiners and terminating leavers on payroll software.
• Import pay data, validate system calculations (PAYE, NI, Apprenticeship Levy), and process statutory payments.
• Prepare and distribute payroll reports for clients, including General Ledger, and submit regulatory returns such as FPS, EPS, Auto Enrolment, and Apprenticeship Levy.
• Create BACS payment files and issue online payslips, P60s, and P45s to employees.
• Maintain up‑to‑date payroll schedules, client files, document procedures, and minute client meetings as required.
• Prepare client invoices, participate in certification processes (e.g. ISAE), and support payroll system updates and testing.
• Escalate payroll issues to senior associates and leadership, while building strong relationships with clients and EY teams.

Qualifications

• Demonstratable experience of end‑to‑end payroll processing
• Good knowledge and understanding of payroll compliance and best practice
• Excellent IT skills and highly competent with Word, Excel and Outlook
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to work under own initiative to solve problems either by research or by sign‑posting how problems can be solved
• Flexibility and someone who is adaptable to change
• Ideally, you'll also have:
  • Experience with IRIS Payroll Software and/or iTrent is preferred

At EY, we’re all in to shape your future with confidence. We’ll help you succeed in a globally connected powerhouse of diverse teams and take your career wherever you want it to go. Join EY and help build a better working world. The opportunity EY Tax is a market leader, renowned for delivering sustainable growth and empowering our people to shape their own careers. Our diverse, collaborative team advises on high‑profile transactions, combines technical expertise, innovation and a genuine focus on continuous development. Join us to work on challenging, multi‑country projects in a supportive, dynamic environment where your impact truly matters.

At EY, we’ll develop you with future‑focused skills and equip you with world‑class experiences. We’ll empower you in a flexible environment, and fuel you and your extraordinary talents in a diverse and inclusive culture of globally connected teams. Learn more.

Are you ready to shape your future with confidence? Apply today. To help create the best experience during the recruitment process, please describe any disability‑related adjustments or accommodations you may need.