Senior Payroll Assistant

Willow Recruit; Leeds; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional accountancy firm in Leeds is seeking a Senior Payroll Assistant to manage a portfolio of clients effectively. This role offers hybrid working options and focuses on building genuine relationships with clients. Successful candidates will have experience in payroll processing, strong attention to detail, and great communication skills. The firm promotes a friendly environment and invests in technology that supports smooth processes. An excellent benefits package is also provided, including discounts and healthcare cashback.

Benefits

Retailer discounts

Ability to buy and sell holidays

Enhanced sick pay

Subsidised gym membership

Cashback towards healthcare costs

Qualifications

• Experience processing payrolls in an accountancy practice or bureau.
• Calm and organised approach to tasks.
• Ability to explain complex topics in a friendly manner.

Responsibilities

• Run end-to-end payroll for a portfolio of clients.
• Guide clients on setting up payrolls and pensions.
• Handle payments and check data accuracy.

Skills

End-to-end payroll processing

Strong attention to detail

Great communication skills

Team player

Experience with Brightpay

Tools

Payroll software systems

Job description

Senior Payroll Assistant

Leeds

Up to £34k depending on experience

Full Time – Permanent

Hybrid Working

A long-standing accountancy firm with a strong regional presence is looking to add a Senior Payroll Assistant to its Leeds team. They’re the kind of business where people tend to stay, not because anyone’s chained to their desk, but because the culture is genuinely supportive, the teams work closely together, everyone knows who to turn to when they need a hand.

The culture includes regular catch‑ups rather than faceless emails, managers who actually make time for you, and colleagues who will happily jump on a call to talk through something than leaving you to figure it out. It’s a friendly payroll environment where work gets done properly, not frantically.

In this role, you’ll look after your own portfolio of clients from start to finish, work across a mix of sectors and payroll schedules, and become a trusted point of contact for both clients and employees. You’ll also help support and guide the administrators coming up behind you, sharing tips, best practices and the “we’ve all been there” moments that make a difference.

Why consider this role –

• You’ll manage your own portfolio, meaning you get to build genuine relationships with clients rather than feeling like a number.
• Hybrid working, a day at home to get through the quieter tasks, and office days for more team‑focused work
• Plenty of variety : one minute you’re setting up a new payroll, the next you’re helping a client understand pension contributions or troubleshooting something on a monthly run.
• A down‑to‑e‑ground culture where people actually talk to each other, shared lunches and team chats.
• Access to ongoing training, CPD and internal growth opportunities, with experienced payroll professionals on hand to support you.
• The firm continually invests in its tech and systems, so you’re not battling with outdated software or broken processes.
• Excellent benefits package including – retailer discounts, ability to buy and sell holidays, enhanced sick pay, subsidised gym membership and cashback towards healthcare costs.
• Chances to get involved in cross‑team projects, events and wider business initiatives.

What you’ll be doing :

• Running end‑to‑end payroll for your own portfolio, weekly, monthly, or a mix, depending on the client.
• Setting up new payrolls and workplace pensions, guiding clients through what’s needed in a clear, friendly way.
• Handling BACs payments, checking data accuracy and making sure deadlines are comfortably met.
• Supporting clients and employees with queries, anything from tax code questions to holiday pay clarifications.
• Carrying out more technical tasks such as PAYE scheme closures, pension scheme setups and payroll analysis.
• Coaching Payroll Administrators, sharing your experience and helping them build confidence.
• Keeping records up to date, producing reports and assisting the wider team to maintain smooth processes.
• Spotting small improvements, maybe a clearer template, a smarter workflow, or a better way to share information.

What we’re looking for :

• Experience processing payrolls within an accountancy practice or bureau setting and is confident handling end‑to‑end cycles.
• A calm, organised approach with strong attention to detail, someone who likes getting things right the first time.
• Great communication skills and the ability to explain things in a simple, friendly way.
• A team player who’s happy to support others and work together.
• Experience using payroll software / systems ideally Brightpay.
• Someone who enjoys learning new things and contributing to a positive team culture.

For more information get in touch with us for a confidential chat.