Payroll Officer

Sutton McGrath Hartley Ltd; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 80,000 - GBP 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A Yorkshire-based financial services firm is seeking an experienced Payroll Administrator to join their expanding practice. This full-time position involves processing payroll, ensuring compliance with legislation, and developing payroll services. Candidates should have over 3 years of payroll experience and relevant qualifications like CIPP or AAT. The role offers competitive salary starting at £30,000, study support for qualifications, and generous holiday leave including the option to purchase additional days.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Life Assurance 4x salary

Study support for professional qualifications

Social events

Volunteering opportunities

Qualifications

• 3+ years payroll experience, preferably in a payroll bureau.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting software.
• Excellent client service skills and telephone manner.

Responsibilities

• Process end-to-end payroll for clients weekly, fortnightly, and monthly.
• Ensure compliance with payroll legislation and prepare statutory reports.
• Liaise with clients for payroll queries and provide advice.

Skills

Payroll legislation knowledge

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Education

CIPP or AAT qualification

Tools

Sage

Xero

BrightPay

Job description

The SMH Group offers a comprehensive suite of financial services to our clients including Accountancy, Financial Services, Wills & Probate, Commercial Finance, Residential Mortgages and Corporate Finance. We have over 220 employees across our 11 offices throughout the Yorkshire/Derbyshire region.

At SMH Group we truly believe our people are our greatest strength which is why we want to give them the confidence to grow and shape their future. As we continue to grow as a business we strive to be guided by our core behaviours – Client Centric, acting as One Firm, and Caring by doing the right thing for our people, clients and communities. As clients and our people at the fore front of everything we do, we leave no stone unturned to deliver consistent and impactful results. We foster a culture of respect, support, and inclusion within our teams.

About the role

This is an opportunity to join an expanding practice who are looking to strengthen their existing Payroll department by recruiting a confident, professional and dedicated Payroll Administrator. The position would suit an individual who is looking to not just prepare the normal payroll functions, but to help to develop the service delivered and always to be looking to see how we can improve on the service they deliver.

Duties to include:

• Process end-to-end payroll for a portfolio of clients on a weekly, fortnightly, and monthly basis
• Ensure accurate calculation of wages, overtime, bonuses, deductions, and statutory payments
• Maintain up-to-date employee payroll records and ensure data accuracy
• Ensure compliance with relevant tax, social security, and employment legislation
• Prepare and submit statutory payroll reports and filings (e.g. PAYE, NI, pension contributions)
• Liaise with clients to resolve payroll queries and provide payroll-related advice
• Handle payroll amendments, starters, leavers, and year-end processes
• Reconcile payroll reports and assist with audits when required
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive payroll and employee information
• Support continuous improvement of payroll processes and systems

Required Skills and Experience

• Proven experience in a payroll role, preferably within an accountancy bureau or professional services environment
• Strong knowledge of payroll legislation and statutory compliance
• Experience using payroll software (e.g. Sage, Xero, BrightPay, or similar)
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Strong organisational and time-management skills
• Ability to manage multiple client deadlines
• Excellent communication and client service skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and general accounting software

Qualifications (Preferred)

• Relevant payroll or accounting qualification (e.g. CIPP, AAT, or equivalent)
• Ongoing professional development in payroll or employment legislation

The Successful Candidate

The person:

• Professional and discreet with confidential information
• Proactive and solution-focused
• Able to work independently and as part of a team
• Calm under pressure and deadline-driven

Experience:

• +3 years payroll experience, preferrable within a payroll bureau.
• Excellent telephone manner – essential
• Interpersonal skills – essential
• Good IT skills and use of Office 365 – essential
• Brightpay Payroll – desirable

What’s on offer

• Study support for professional qualifications
• 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays (with the ability to purchase up to 5 more)
• Life Assurance 4x salary
• Eye tests
• Social events
• Volunteering opportunities
• Staff discounts on Wills, LPAs and residential mortgages

Job Type: Full-time (37.5 hours per week), Permanent

Salary: £30,000 + per year depending on experience and qualifications