Senior Payroll Specialist — AI-Driven Frontline Pay

Sona; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working (London)

Share options

Pension contributions matching up to 5

Health insurance

Parental leave & pay

Equipment budget for home office

Professional development budget

Annual team retreats

MacBook and devices budget

Job summary

Sona is seeking a Senior Payroll Specialist to own payroll processing for a growing portfolio of frontline customers. You will be part of a fast-moving startup that pushes AI-driven improvements beyond a standard bureau, with ownership of processes and client relationships.

The role offers a hybrid London-based schedule, working with cross-functional teams and contributing to AI-enabled payroll innovations while ensuring compliance and high-quality service.

Qualifications

• Hands-on bureau payroll experience for multiple clients.
• Strong knowledge of PAYE, RTI, pension auto-enrolment, and statutory payments.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent payrolls across cycles.
• Excellent client relationship skills and trusted advisor.
• Self-sufficient, proactive in improving processes.
• Bonus: CIPP qualification or progress; experience with payroll tools and AI.

Responsibilities

• Run end-to-end payrolls for enterprise clients with various cycles.
• Own client relationships and act as primary contact.
• Identify and implement process improvements, including AI opportunities.
• Support sales as payroll expert to explain bureau operations.
• Collaborate with Implementation, Product, Customer Success.
• Learn HR and WFM integration with payroll.
• Monitor KPIs, SLAs and compliance.
• Stay updated on payroll legislation and trends.

Skills

Client relationship management

UK payroll knowledge

Multi-client payroll handling

Problem solving

Self-starting attitude

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Payroll software

Job description

Sona is seeking a Senior Payroll Specialist to own payroll processing for a growing portfolio of frontline customers. You will be part of a fast-moving startup that pushes AI-driven improvements beyond a standard bureau, with ownership of processes and client relationships.

The role offers a hybrid London-based schedule, working with cross-functional teams and contributing to AI-enabled payroll innovations while ensuring compliance and high-quality service.