Payroll Associate

Ambition; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Referral vouchers

Job summary

Ambition is seeking an Associate Director – Payroll, Accounts & Tax to lead end-to-end payroll processing for a diverse UK client portfolio. You will manage multiple pay frequencies, ensure accuracy, and uphold compliance with RTI, auto-enrolment, and HMRC deadlines.

Working in our hybrid London-based Outsourcing team, you’ll develop client relationships, drive process improvements, and contribute to CPD to keep technical knowledge current while supporting the firm’s growth and client service

Qualifications

• Solid understanding of UK payroll legislation and auto-enrolment requirements.
• Practical experience processing weekly and monthly payrolls in a client-facing setting.
• Confident user of payroll software and spreadsheet tools; able to use formulas.

Responsibilities

• Process client payrolls accurately and on time across multiple pay cycles.
• Manage RTI submissions and HMRC correspondence to meet deadlines.
• Administer auto-enrolment, including employee assessments and contributions reporting.
• Handle HMRC documents (P45s, P60s) to support onboarding/offboarding.
• Complete year-end payroll processes and reconciliations.
• Keep clients informed of regulatory updates and changes in legislation.
• Serve as primary contact for payroll queries and maintain client relationships.
• Prepare client invoices and manage collections professionally.
• Operate Paycircle and other cloud payroll platforms for real-time collaboration.
• Support process improvements and CPD to stay current.

Skills

UK payroll legislation

Weekly & monthly payroll

Payroll software

Spreadsheets

Attention to detail

Client relationship management

CPD mindset

Team player

Education

CIPP qualification or equivalent

Tools

Paycircle

Job description

Associate Director - Audit, Accounts & Tax

If you're an organised, detail-driven payroll professional looking to develop your career within a fast-growing, tech-enabled accounting environment, this could be the opportunity for you.

Our client is a full-service accounting firm on an exciting growth trajectory, working with thousands of SME clients across the UK. Their Outsourcing team is at the heart of delivering that service, and they're now looking for a capable Payroll Administrator to join them.

In this role, you'll take ownership of end-to-end payroll processing across a diverse client portfolio, working across multiple pay frequencies and playing a key part in maintaining quality, compliance, and strong client relationships.

What you'll be doing

• Processing client payrolls accurately and on time across weekly, fortnightly, monthly, quarterly, and annual pay cycles
• Managing RTI submissions, online payroll filings, and ongoing correspondence with HMRC to meet statutory deadlines
• Administering workplace pension auto-enrolment, including employee assessments, opt-in and opt-out processing, and contributions reporting in line with The Pensions Regulator requirements
• Handling key HMRC documentation including starter checklists, P45s, and P60s to support smooth employee onboarding and offboarding
• Completing year-end processes including final HMRC submissions, reconciliations, P60 production, and preparation of payroll summaries
• Monitoring changes in payroll and employment legislation and keeping clients informed of relevant regulatory updates
• Acting as a trusted point of contact for clients on payroll queries, resolving issues professionally and building strong, long-term working relationships
• Preparing and issuing accurate client invoices and following up on outstanding payments in a professional manner
• Operating Paycircle and other cloud-based payroll platforms to support real-time collaboration and data accuracy
• Contributing to wider team administration and supporting process improvement initiatives as the business continues to grow
• Committing to relevant CPD activity to keep technical knowledge current and in line with industry best practice

What we're looking for

• Solid understanding of UK payroll legislation and auto-enrolment requirements
• Practical experience processing weekly and monthly payrolls, ideally within a bureau or client-facing setting
• Confident user of payroll software and spreadsheet tools, including the use of formulas
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy under pressure
• Clear and professional communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to manage a client portfolio and build positive working relationships
• A proactive approach to learning and professional development
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team

Nice to have

• Experience using Paycircle or a comparable cloud-based payroll platform
• CIPP qualification or equivalent professional accreditation (or actively working towards it)

Our client places genuine value on employee wellbeing and flexibility. Their standard working week is 37.5 hours on a hybrid basis, with core hours between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday, giving you a degree of flexibility around how you structure your day.

They are committed to professional development and will work with you to build a clear progression plan from the outset. For a firm of their size, their investment in learning and development is notable, and you'll be joining at a time of real momentum and growth.

If this job isn't quite right for you, but you know someone who would be great at this role, why not take advantage of our referral scheme? We offer £200 in shopping vouchers for every referred candidate who we place in a role. Terms & Conditions Apply. https://www.ambition.co.uk/refer-a-friend