Senior Payroll Advisor

Portfolio Payroll; Manchester; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Bank holidays off

Birthday off

Enhanced pension contributions

Health Shield

Group life insurance

On-site gym

Cycle to Work

Travel loan

Discounts & lifestyle

Job summary

Portfolio Group are recruiting a Senior Payroll Advisor in Manchester to become the escalation expert for complex payroll and software issues, supporting clients using specialist payroll technology.

You will investigate root causes, replicate problems in a test environment, and work with Product and Technical Support to drive resolutions.

This advisory-led role offers impact on product improvements and client experience within a fast-growing business.

Qualifications

• Strong UK payroll knowledge and understanding of UK legislation.
• Experience supporting payroll software or payroll systems environments.
• Confident with HMRC reporting requirements and payroll compliance.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of complex payroll software and advisory cases.
• Investigate issues thoroughly and identify root causes.
• Replicate software problems in a test environment to drive resolutions.
• Collaborate with Product and Technical teams to resolve software issues.
• Advise on payroll corrections and data discrepancies.

Skills

UK payroll knowledge

Payroll software experience

HMRC reporting

Payroll data reconciliation

Analytical thinking

Client communication

Investigative mindset

Payroll bureau experience

Team mentoring

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

Portfolio are partnering with a leading HR & Payroll technology business to recruit a Senior Payroll Advisor into their growing specialist Payroll Advisory team.

This isn't a traditional payroll role.

This is an opportunity for an experienced payroll professional to become the go-to escalation expert for complex payroll and software-related issues, supporting clients who rely on best-in-class payroll technology to keep their businesses running smoothly.

You'll work at the intersection of payroll, software, client support, and problem-solving - collaborating with Product, Technical Support, and third-party providers to investigate issues, identify solutions, and deliver an exceptional customer experience.

If you enjoy untangling complex payroll queries, troubleshooting technical challenges, and being the person others turn to for answers, this role offers the chance to step into a more specialist, advisory-led position within a fast-growing and forward-thinking business.

The Role

As a Senior Payroll Advisor, you'll take ownership of complex payroll software and advisory cases, supporting clients with high-level technical and legislative queries while acting as an escalation point for the wider Payroll team.

You'll be responsible for investigating issues thoroughly, identifying root causes, replicating software problems within a test environment, and working closely with internal teams to drive resolutions forward.

This is a role where your payroll expertise genuinely makes an impact - not only for clients, but also in helping shape product improvements, system enhancements, and internal best practice.

What You'll Be Doing

• Being the go-to escalation expert for complex payroll and software queries
• Investigating payroll issues, identifying root causes, and finding practical solutions
• Supporting clients with technical payroll guidance and system troubleshooting
• Working closely with Product and Technical teams to resolve software issues
• Replicating bugs in test environments and escalating where needed
• Advising on payroll corrections, HMRC compliance, and data discrepancies
• Supporting and mentoring Payroll Advisers on more complex cases
• Identifying opportunities to improve systems, processes, and client experience
• Keeping cases updated accurately within Salesforce and managing workloads effectively
• Building trusted relationships with clients through expert support and problem-solving

What We're Looking For

• Strong technical payroll knowledge with a solid understanding of UK payroll legislation
• Previous experience supporting payroll software or working within a payroll systems environment
• Confident understanding of HMRC reporting requirements and payroll compliance
• Experience troubleshooting payroll discrepancies and reconciling payroll data
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Ability to communicate confidently with clients, stakeholders, and internal teams
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment managing multiple priorities
• A naturally inquisitive mindset with the ability to investigate issues thoroughly and think commercially
• Experience within a bureau, outsourced payroll, or payroll software environment would be highly advantageous

Why Join?

This is an opportunity to join a business that's investing heavily in its Payroll division and building a specialist team of experts who genuinely influence the direction of the service and software offering.

You'll be surrounded by experienced professionals, exposed to complex and varied payroll challenges, and given the opportunity to develop your technical expertise in a highly collaborative environment.

Alongside a competitive salary, you'll also benefit from:

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays & your birthday off
• Enhanced pension contributions with service
• Health Shield & Employee Assistance Programme
• Group life insurance
• On-site gym & discounted health club membership
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Travel loan scheme
• Retail, travel & lifestyle discounts
• Ongoing training, development & progression opportunities

51225GOR3

INDPAYN

The Portfolio Group are acting on behalf of our client in recruiting for this position.