Senior Payroll Specialist — Hybrid, Training & Career Growth

Downey Osborne; Belfast City District; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid and flexible working

Birthday leave

Professional study support

Ongoing training and development

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

Downey Osborne is seeking an experienced Payroll Senior to manage a portfolio of clients, ensure accurate payroll processing, and support junior teammates. The role emphasizes compliance, timely delivery and exceptional client service within a professional services environment.

You will handle end-to-end payroll, pensions and auto-enrolment, stay up to date with legislation, review peers, mentor colleagues, and contribute to process improvements while maintaining confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Experience in a payroll role with end-to-end responsibility.
• Experience using payroll software.
• Strong understanding of end-to-end payroll, pensions and statutory payments.
• Knowledge of payroll legislation and auto-enrolment.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Strong communication and client relationship management.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Experience mentoring colleagues is desirable.
• Payroll qualification or working towards one is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for a portfolio of clients, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Support wider payroll team and provide excellent client service.
• Maintain payroll records and identify process improvements.
• Review and peer-check payrolls completed by colleagues.
• Deliver team training on payroll legislation and systems.
• Produce ad hoc payroll and operational reports.
• Handle queries from clients, HMRC and third-party providers.
• Maintain clear communication with clients and key stakeholders.

Skills

Payroll experience

Payroll software

End-to-end payroll

Payroll legislation

Attention to detail

Client relationship management

Prioritisation

Mentoring colleagues

Education

Payroll qualification (advantageous)

Job description

Downey Osborne is seeking an experienced Payroll Senior to manage a portfolio of clients, ensure accurate payroll processing, and support junior teammates. The role emphasizes compliance, timely delivery and exceptional client service within a professional services environment.

You will handle end-to-end payroll, pensions and auto-enrolment, stay up to date with legislation, review peers, mentor colleagues, and contribute to process improvements while maintaining confidentiality.