Senior Payroll Specialist

Portfolio Payroll Limited; Leeds; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable accountancy firm in Leeds is seeking a Senior Payroll Specialist to manage complex client payrolls and supervise junior staff. This role involves ensuring compliance with payroll legislation and handling advanced payroll queries. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented and skilled in client communication. This is a permanent, full-time opportunity offering a chance to advance your career in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in payroll processing and management.
• Strong understanding of HMRC regulations and compliance.
• Experience mentoring or training junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Manage and process complex client payrolls from start to finish.
• Review payrolls processed by junior staff and provide guidance.
• Ensure compliance with HMRC regulations including RTI submissions.
• Handle advanced payroll queries and resolve client issues.
• Calculate and administer statutory payments and holiday pay.
• Prepare year-end documentation including P60s and payroll reconciliations.

Skills

Client-facing communication

Detail orientation

Complex payroll management

Regulatory compliance

Job description

Portfolio Payroll is pleased to be working alongside a well-established accountancy practice based in central Leeds to recruit a Senior Payroll Specialist on a permanent basis. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced payroll professional to take the next step in their career, joining a reputable firm known for its outstanding client service and strong internal culture. The successful candidate will oversee complex client payrolls, support junior team members and serve as a key point of contact for clients on payroll-related matters.

This position is ideal for a confident, detail-oriented individual who thrives in a client-facing environment and enjoys the challenge of handling multiple payrolls with varying complexity. If this sounds like your next best opportunity, apply directly or call on (phone number removed) and ask for Lidya to discuss the role further.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing and processing a portfolio of complex client payrolls from start to finish
• Reviewing payrolls processed by junior staff and providing guidance where necessary
• Ensuring compliance with HMRC regulations, including RTI submissions and auto-enrolment
• Handling advanced payroll queries and resolving escalated client issues
• Calculating and administering statutory payments (SSP, SMP, SPP) and holiday pay
• Preparing year-end documentation including P60s, P11Ds, and payroll reconciliations
• Supporting system migrations or software updates where required
• Liaising with internal departments, clients’ accountants, and third-party providers
• Assisting with internal training and mentoring junior members of the payroll team
• Keeping up to date with changes in payroll legislation and sharing best practices