Payroll Administrator

Howard James Recruitment Consultancy Ltd; Ilkeston; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment consultancy based in Ilkeston seeks an experienced Payroll Administrator to manage payroll services for diverse clients. This full-time role offers a competitive salary, bonus scheme, and flexible hybrid working arrangements post-probation. Ideal candidates should possess solid payroll experience and strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation. Join a friendly team committed to continuous improvement and professional development.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Bonus scheme

Private pension scheme

Additional leave

Casual dress code

Referral programme

Ongoing CPD and training support

Qualifications

• Ideally have experience within a bureau or accountancy firm.
• Familiarity with payroll systems such as BrightPay, Xero Payroll, or IRIS is a plus.
• Ability to handle year-end processes including P60s and P11Ds.

Responsibilities

• End-to-end processing of multiple payrolls.
• Managing auto-enrolment and pension uploads.
• Producing payslips, RTI submissions, and handling HMRC reporting.
• Onboarding new client payrolls and setting up schemes.
• Answering payroll queries from clients, employees, and external agencies.

Skills

Solid payroll experience

Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation

Proficiency with Sage Payroll

Ability to manage multiple client deadlines

High level of accuracy

Excellent communication skills

Tools

Sage Payroll

BrightPay

Xero Payroll

IRIS

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Payroll Administrator
Salary: £28,000 - £32,000 per annum + Bonus + Benefits
Job Type: Full-time | Flexitime | Hybrid Working After Probation

We’re currently working on behalf of a well-established and growing accountancy practice to recruit an experienced Payroll Administrator. This is a standalone position where you’ll be responsible for delivering accurate, compliant payroll services for a varied portfolio of clients. If you thrive in a fast-paced, client-focused environment and enjoy owning the full payroll function, this could be the perfect opportunity to make your mark!

Responsibilities

• End-to-end processing of multiple payrolls ( weekly, fortnightly, and monthly ), including director-only and CIS payrolls
• Managing auto-enrolment and pension uploads (Nest and other providers)
• Producing payslips, RTI submissions, FPS/EPS filings, and handling HMRC reporting
• Onboarding new client payrolls and setting up schemes
• Handling starters, leavers, statutory payments (SSP, SMP, etc.), and changes in employee details
• Answering payroll queries from clients, employees, and external agencies
• Year-end processes including P60s and P11Ds
• Supporting and upskilling internal team members on payroll matters
• Contributing to the continuous improvement of payroll procedures

What We're Looking For

• Solid payroll experience (ideally within a bureau or accountancy firm)
• Strong working knowledge of UK payroll legislation, RTI, auto-enrolment, and CIS
• Proficient with Sage Payroll (desktop version preferred)
• Able to manage multiple client deadlines and work independently
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills with a friendly, client-focused attitude

Nice to Have (But Not Essential)

• Familiarity with other payroll systems such as BrightPay, Xero Payroll, or IRIS
• Basic bookkeeping or accounts knowledge
• A passion for improving internal processes and systems

What’s in It for You

• Competitive salary + bonus scheme
• Flexitime and hybrid working after probation
• Private pension scheme
• Additional leave
• Casual dress code
• Referral programme
• Ongoing CPD and training support
• Supportive, friendly working culture
• Interesting and varied client work

Interested?

If you’re a payroll professional looking for a fresh challenge in a supportive environment with real autonomy, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today or contact the team at Howard James Recruitment for more information.