Senior Payroll Specialist

Brightwater Recruitment; Athlone; On-site; EUR 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus: 3% annually

Pension Contribution: 3%

Continuous learning program

Exam & study support

Job summary

Brightwater Recruitment is seeking an experienced Senior Payroll Specialist for a Westmeath-based role. You will manage a portfolio of client payrolls, ensuring accurate processing, deadlines, and a high-quality payroll service.

The role requires strong knowledge of Irish payroll, PAYE/PRSI, Revenue, pensions and statutory deductions, with a focus on client relationships and process improvement. Collaboration with the payroll team is essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in payroll, ideally in multi-client environment.
• Strong knowledge of Irish payroll, PAYE, PRSI, Revenue requirements and pensions.
• Proven ability to manage portfolio of client payrolls independently.
• Excellent client-facing and communication skills and ability to resolve queries.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability with payroll issues.
• High attention to detail and quality control.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills with multiple cycles.

Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of an assigned portfolio of client payrolls, processing weekly, fortnightly and monthly payrolls accurately and within deadlines.
• Act as primary contact for clients, building strong relationships and delivering a professional service.
• Manage full payroll lifecycle: starters, leavers, tax certificates, BIK, pensions, deductions and amendments.
• Advise on payroll queries and provide practical solutions to issues.
• Prepare and review PAYE, PRSI and EFT files ensuring statutory compliance.
• Perform detailed payroll checks and reconciliations before finalising payrolls.

Skills

Irish payroll

Client management

Excel

Payroll software

Attention to detail

Communication

Time management

Job description

My client, based in Westmeath, are a leading firm of Chartered Accountants delivering premium audit, tax, and business advisory services to a diverse client base across the SME and mid-to-large corporate markets. As a people-first firm, they operate as one united, thriving team with a culture that is driven by core values of putting people first, making a positive difference and being in it together:

They are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Payroll Specialist to join their busy payroll bureau. This is a key role within the payroll team, with responsibility for managing a portfolio of client payrolls and providing a high-quality, professional payroll service from start to finish.

The successful candidate will have strong technical knowledge of Irish payroll, excellent attention to detail and the confidence to manage client relationships independently. You will be responsible for ensuring payrolls are processed accurately and within strict deadlines, while acting as a trusted point of contact for clients and supporting more junior members of the team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced payroll professional looking to take the next step in their career within a professional, client-focused payroll environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of an assigned portfolio of client payrolls, processing weekly, fortnightly and monthly payrolls accurately and within agreed deadlines.
• Act as a primary point of contact for clients, building strong working relationships and providing a responsive, professional and knowledgeable service.
• Manage the full payroll lifecycle, including starters, leavers, tax certificates, BIK, pensions, statutory deductions, adjustments and payroll amendments.
• Advise clients on payroll-related queries and provide practical solutions to more complex payroll issues.
• Prepare, process and review PAYE, PRSI and EFT payment files, ensuring accuracy and compliance with statutory requirements.
• Carry out detailed payroll checks and reconciliations before finalising payrolls and issuing reports to clients.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of Irish payroll legislation and Revenue requirements, ensuring legislative changes are correctly implemented across client payrolls.
• Investigate discrepancies and take ownership of resolving payroll issues, escalating only where appropriate.
• Maintain accurate client payroll records and documentation in accordance with internal procedures and data protection requirements.
• Manage completing client deadlines effectively and ensure all payrolls are delivered to the required standard and within agreed service levels.
• Work closely with the Senior Payroll Manager and wider team on complex payroll matters, client requirements and process improvements.
• Provide guidance, knowledge sharing and support to junior payroll team members.
• Assist with the development and improvement of payroll processes, controls and procedures.
• Maintain the highest standards of confidentiality, accuracy and professionalism when handling sensitive client and employee information.

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years' experience in payroll, ideally within a payroll bureau, accountancy practice or multi-client environment.
• Strong technical knowledge of Irish payroll, PAYE, PRSI, Revenue requirements, pensions, BIK and statutory deductions.
• Proven experience managing a portfolio of client payrolls independently.
• Excellent client-facing and communication skills, with the confidence to deal directly with clients and resolve queries.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability, particularly when dealing with complex or unusual payroll issues.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a strong focus on payroll accuracy and quality control.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple payroll cycles and completing deadlines.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills and experience working with payroll reports and large volumes of data.
• Experience using Quantum or similar payroll software.
• Ability to work independently, take ownership and use professional judgement.
• Experience mentoring or supporting junior payroll staff would be advantageous.
• IPASS or equivalent payroll qualification is desirable but not essential.

Salary and Benefits

• Bonus: 3% annually (usually around October/ November)
• Pension Contribution: 3%
• Continuous individualised learning & development program
• Enhanced exam & study support