Bookkeeper / Payroll Administrator

AWD online; Wokingham; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

27 days paid holiday

Pension – up to 6% matched

Flexible working arrangements

Structured payroll training

Job summary

AWD online is seeking a meticulous Bookkeeper / Payroll Administrator for a 12-month fixed-term contract. You will support SME clients with bookkeeping and payroll using Xero, maintain ledgers, handle reconciliations, VAT and PAYE issues, and communicate effectively with clients.

Hybrid working is available with 1–2 days in the Sonning, Wokingham office. Essential experience includes Xero proficiency, strong Excel skills, and due attention to detail.

Qualifications

• Previous bookkeeping experience, ideally within a practice or multi-client environment.
• Working knowledge of Xero.
• Confident use of Excel and Microsoft Office.
• High attention to detail with a methodical and organised approach.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines and manage competing priorities.
• Good communication skills, with confidence liaising directly with clients and colleagues.
• Discretion and professionalism when handling confidential client information.

Responsibilities

• Process sales, purchases, bank receipts, payments, supplier invoices, expenses and client invoices using Xero.
• Carry out bank reconciliations, investigate reconciling items and maintain accurate ledgers across a portfolio of SME clients.
• Assist with VAT return preparation and submission, ensuring records are accurate and information is available on time.
• Liaise with clients to resolve queries, request missing information and provide professional support.
• Assist with weekly, fortnightly and monthly client payrolls, including starters, leavers, changes and payslip distribution.
• Calculate statutory payments including SSP, SMP, SPP and holiday pay.
• Submit RTI filings, support PAYE correspondence and liaise with pension providers to assist auto-enrolment compliance.
• Prepare payroll returns, support P60 distribution and help maintain up-to-date knowledge of payroll legislation.

Skills

Bookkeeping

Payroll

Xero

Excel

Reconciliations

VAT

PAYE

HMRC

Client payroll

Education

AAT qualification or equivalent

Tools

Xero

Job description

Bookkeeper / Payroll Administrator

An excellent opportunity for a detail-focused Bookkeeper / Payroll Administrator with bookkeeping, payroll, Xero, Excel, reconciliations, VAT, PAYE, HMRC and client payroll experience.

We are also interested in candidates who have experience in the following roles: Bookkeeper, Payroll Administrator, Accounts Assistant, Finance Assistant, Accounts Administrator, Finance Administrator, Accounts Clerk, Payroll Assistant, Finance Officer, Accounts Payable Assistant.

SALARY: Competitive + Benefits

LOCATION: Flexible Working. You can be office based or Hybrid, working 1 to 2 days per week from the office in Sonning, Wokingham and the remainder from home.

JOB TYPE: 12 Months Fixed-Term, Full-Time Contract (Part-Time Hours will also be considered and can be discussed during the interview)

Job Overview

We have a fantastic new job opportunity for a Bookkeeper / Payroll Administrator with previous bookkeeping experience, strong attention to detail and working knowledge of Xero.

As a Bookkeeper / Payroll Administrator you will support bookkeeping and payroll administration across a varied portfolio of SME clients, including reconciliations, ledgers, VAT, payroll changes, RTI filings and PAYE correspondence.

This role offers structured payroll training and the chance to broaden your skills within a supportive professional environment.

The Bookkeeper / Payroll Administrator will work closely with colleagues and clients, managing confidential information accurately and professionally.

Duties

• Client Bookkeeping: Process sales, purchases, bank receipts, payments, supplier invoices, expenses and client invoices using Xero.
• Bank Reconciliations: Carry out bank reconciliations, investigate reconciling items and maintain accurate ledgers across a portfolio of SME clients.
• VAT Support: Assist with VAT return preparation and submission, ensuring records are accurate and information is available on time.
• Client Communication: Liaise with clients to resolve queries, request missing information and provide professional support.
• Payroll Processing: Assist with weekly, fortnightly and monthly client payrolls, including starters, leavers, changes and payslip distribution.
• Statutory Payments: Calculate statutory payments including SSP, SMP, SPP and holiday pay.
• HMRC and Pensions: Submit RTI filings, support PAYE correspondence and liaise with pension providers to assist auto-enrolment compliance.
• Year-End Processes: Prepare payroll returns, support P60 distribution and help maintain up-to-date knowledge of payroll legislation.

Candidate Requirements

Essential

• Previous bookkeeping experience, ideally within a practice or multi-client environment.
• Working knowledge of Xero.
• Confident use of Excel and Microsoft Office.
• High attention to detail with a methodical and organised approach.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines and manage competing priorities.
• Good communication skills, with confidence liaising directly with clients and colleagues.
• Discretion and professionalism when handling confidential client information.

Desirable

• Experience with other accounting systems such as QuickBooks and Sage Online.
• Some exposure to payroll processing.
• Familiarity with payroll software, including bureau or practice payroll systems.
• AAT qualified or part-qualified, or equivalent bookkeeping qualification.
• Experience working within an accountancy practice or professional services firm.
• Familiarity with HMRC's Making Tax Digital requirements.

Benefits

• A supportive, collaborative team environment with low staff turnover.
• Structured on-the-job payroll training from an existing team member.
• 27 days paid holiday.
• Pension – up to 6% matched contributions.
• A varied and interesting client portfolio spanning multiple sectors.
• The opportunity to broaden your skills and grow within the firm.
• Flexible working arrangements considered.

How to Apply

To be considered for this job vacancy, please submit your CV to our Recruitment Team who will review your details. CVs of job applicants meeting this requirement will be submitted to our client for consideration. By submitting your job application to us you are hereby giving us your express consent to submit your details to our client for this purpose.

JOB REF: AWDO-C14937