Payroll Assistant

Larking Gowen LLP; Norwich; Hybrid; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous Holiday Allowance

Life Assurance

Pension with employer

Medicash Plan

Paid sickness

Professional subscriptions

Group Income Protection

Annual salary review

Option to purchase PMI

Job summary

Larking Gowen LLP in Norwich is seeking a Payroll Assistant to join our payroll bureau. You will look after client payrolls, prepare payrolls end-to-end, liaise with clients and HMRC, and manage deadlines in a busy team.

This role offers flexible hybrid working and opportunities to develop skills, take on more responsibility for clients, and progress within the firm. We value teamwork, strong organisational and communication skills, and a proactive approach to solving problems.

Qualifications

• Experience in payroll role for at least two years.
• Ability to manage a portfolio efficiently and effectively.
• Able to adapt quickly to changing deadlines and priorities.
• Experience dealing with client matters.

Responsibilities

• Looking after a portfolio of client payrolls of varying size, complexity and frequency.
• Preparing the payrolls from start to finish, liaising with clients and HMRC with queries, taking full control of submissions and deadlines.
• Day-to-day contact for your client base, ensuring high levels of client care.
• Organising workload to meet deadlines and supporting the team.
• Develop knowledge of payroll legislation and stay updated.
• Support business development by advising clients on regulatory changes.

Skills

Payroll experience

Portfolio management

Deadline management

Client communication

Education

CIPP technician or equivalent

Tools

Paycircle

Xero

QuickBooks

HMRC Basic PAYE tools

Job description

We are looking to grow our payroll bureau team and offer a flexible approach to hybrid working.

This role may be suitable for you if you have previously been involved in the preparation of payrolls (ideally within a bureau environment) and if you have a keen interest in further developing your skills and becoming part of a busy payroll bureau.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to get involved in all aspects of the payroll function and will have the potential to progress with increased responsibility for clients. We are looking for a candidate with good communication skills, who enjoys working as part of a team, can organise your workload, works well to deadlines and has an appetite for learning and development.

Responsibilities

Key areas of focus

General

• Looking after a portfolio of client payrolls, varying in size, complexity and frequency.
• Preparing the payrolls from start to finish, liaising with clients and HMRC with any queries, taking full control of all regulatory submissions, deadlines and ensuring client expectations are met.
• Taking full responsibility for being the day‑to‑day contact for your client base, answering any queries they may have and ensuring a high level of client care.
• Taking an interest in the client’s values and business needs to develop good working relationships.
• Demonstrating the ability to work independently.
• Organising your workload, particularly in peak periods, ensuring deadlines are met and communicating with the team around you to ensure work flows smoothly.
• Supporting the rest of the team and working as one.
• Learning all aspects of the payroll function.
• Holds an understanding of payroll legislation, calculations, and the industries related regulations.
• Completes regular technical reading to ensure knowledge is up to date and prepared for any new legislative or environmental changes.

Business Development

• Actively seek out opportunities to develop and grow the firm
• Have an awareness of the wide range of services that Larking Gowen offers to spot opportunities to assist clients
• Take a proactive approach to advising clients on forthcoming regulatory changes

Training

• Ensure compliance with all CPD requirements.
• Proactively identify training requirements to assist with personal development.
• Share experience to assist with the development of others.

Other Responsibilities

• Adhere to the firm’s risk management policies and procedures,
• Undertake other duties to meet the demands of the business as required

Person Specification

Education and qualifications

Desirable

• Professional qualification (CIPP technician or equivalent)

Skills and Experience

Essential

• Experience working in a payroll role for at least two years
• Proven ability to manage a portfolio efficiently and effectively
• Proven ability to adapt quickly to changing deadline and priorities
• Experience of dealing with client matters.

Desirable

• Experience working on Paycircle
• Xero / Quickbooks / HMRC Basic PAYE tools payroll experience.
• Background in working in a payroll bureau environment.

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Strong organisation skills
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
• Be proactive in identifying practical solutions to internal and client issues
• Be able to operate at a high level of confidentiality
• Have a “can do” approach
• Innovative and able to use own initiative
• A commitment to drive technological and digital improvements.
• Prioritise delivery of excellent client service at all times.

Desirable

• Experience working on Paycircle
• Xero / Quickbooks / HMRC Basic PAYE tools payroll experience.
• Background in working in a payroll bureau environment.

In return you will have support to establish your career with Larking Gowen at a pace that suits you both personally and professionally. We also offer benefits which include:

• Generous Holiday Allowance
• Life Assurance
• Pension with employer
• Medicash Plan
• Paid sickness
• Professional subscriptions
• Group Income Protection
• Annual salary review
• Option to purchase PMI

Plus many more!

Requirements

Job Title: Payroll Assistant

Department: Payroll

Location: Norwich

Working hours: Flexible working hours

Salary: starting from £27,000 depending on experience

At Larking Gowen, our people get the very best career opportunities in accountancy and business advice. Whether you're just starting out and you’re looking for an Apprenticeship or Graduate opportunity or you've been working in the business for some time, we'll make sure you get all the support you need to take you to the next step in your career and beyond.

We pride ourselves on being a friendly business that looks after our people and is active in the community. As soon as you join us, you'll be working hands‑on, and starting to build your own professional relationships.

Larking Gowen has been around for more than 130 years. We have gone from strength to strength and have built our reputation for loyalty and reliability. We're also forward looking, keeping abreast of change in a fast‑moving environment.

Platinum credited training provider

Pension scheme (salary exchange)

Paid professional subscriptions

Rewards for client referrals

Social responsibility and charity support

Social and sports activities

Suggestion scheme and Innovation Fund

Paid holiday and option to purchase additional holiday through salary exchange

Corporate membership providing discounts on theatre and arts