Senior Payroll Assistant

EQ; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

EQ Accountants, part of the Sumer Group, is seeking a Payroll Assistant to join our growing team in the UK. You will handle weekly, fortnightly, and monthly payroll cycles, ensure accurate data entry, and support clients with payroll-related queries.

Experience in SAGE or Xero is desirable, with opportunities for mentorship and progression. Join a collaborative environment where accuracy and timely reporting to HMRC are key.

Qualifications

• Experience in payroll bureau or in-house payroll.
• Knowledge of UK payroll legislation and RTI submissions.
• Proactive, accurate with data and able to meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Providing a payroll service to clients on weekly, fortnightly, and monthly cycles.
• Uploading payslips to online documents (SAGE portal).
• Processing employee information and preparing payslips.
• Creating, evaluating, and submitting reports to clients and HMRC.
• Advising clients on payroll deductions, pensions, and PAYE liabilities.

Skills

SAGE

Payroll processing

HMRC regulations

Excel

Tools

SAGE

Xero

Job description

At EQ Accountants, part of the Sumer Group (one of the UK’s fastest-growing accountancy practices), we know our people are at the heart of everything we do. We’re not just colleagues – we’re a community. Our ethos, With You, means when our team thrives, our clients do too. We’re committed to creating an environment where you can grow professionally and personally, with access to mentorship, learning opportunities, and a clear path for progression.

We're looking for a Payroll Assistant to join our growing team. Experience in either a payroll bureau or in-house payroll environment is ideal.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing a payroll service to clients on a weekly, fortnightly, and monthly basis
• Uploading payslips and other information to SAGE online documents
• Processing employee information and preparing payslips
• Creating, evaluating, and submitting reports to clients.
• Reporting to HMRC on various issues
• Uploading pensions to the relevant pension provider each pay period
• Providing advice and guidance on the more complex aspects of payroll, pay and benefits to clients
• Advising clients of and PAYE liability due to HMRC
• Applying, deducting, and advising clients of any Earnings Arrestment’s deducted
• Reporting to HMRC each pay period by the required deadline dates
• Reporting and recoverable statutory payments and Apprenticeship Levy to HMRC
• Manual Calculations on all elements (Tax, NIC, Director NIC, Student Loan, Earnings Arrestment’s & Pensions)
• We are an approved BACS Bureau – we are responsible for making salary & PAYE payments on behalf of our clients each month, by the required dates
• CIS – Preparation and submission of monthly CIS Returns and CIS Suffered submissions to HMRC
• Building effective and long-term working relationships with each of your clients

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

Experience in SAGE is desirable (training will be provided)

• Knowledge of the payroll processes from start to finish, including calculations of gross pay, deductions (tax, pensions, etc.) and net pay
• Good working knowledge of current UK payroll legislation, including HMRC regulations, statutory payments (SSP, SMP, etc.) and RTI submissions.
• High level of accuracy when inputting data and processing payroll
• You’ll be proactive and enthusiastic - wanting to absorb as much information and training as possible to really excel in your role
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel
• Ability to work to deadlines and work on various projects at one time
• Enthusiastic for learning and wanting to absorb as much information and training as possible to really excel in your role
• Knowledge of the payroll process from start to finish would be beneficial
• Experience in SAGE or Xero is desirable
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel

Belong @ Sumer

At Sumer, we know everyone’s journey is different. That’s why we’re committed to fairness, removing barriers and giving people the support they need to do their best work. If you need any support during the hiring process, just let us know.

Our values represent what matters most to us and guide how we work every day:

• We Shine Together
• We Do the Right Thing
• We Make It Count

We know diverse teams make us stronger. That’s why we’re creating an inclusive workplace where everyone belongs and differences are valued and celebrated.

About EQ

At EQ Accountants, we believe that at the core of our success is our people. We are more than just colleagues; we are a community dedicated to supporting each other to foster a positive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

At EQ, we believe that taking care of our clients starts with taking care of our team. Our ethos, ‘With You,’ reflects this commitment when our people thrive, so do our clients.

We are committed to your professional growth and personal development. Whether you are just starting out, or looking to advance your career, you’ll find the support you need to excel.

As well as a comprehensive range of benefits, including enhanced family friendly policies, holidays, paid volunteering time, we offer continuous learning opportunities, mentorship, and a clear path for career progression to help you reach your full potential