Senior Payroll Administrator

Sumer Group Holdings Limited; Uckfield; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A modern payroll service provider in the UK is seeking an experienced Senior Payroll Administrator. This role is crucial for delivering end-to-end payroll services to a diverse portfolio of clients, ensuring compliance with UK payroll legislation, and supporting junior team members. The ideal candidate will possess strong payroll knowledge, handle complex payroll scenarios confidently, and thrive under tight deadlines. This position is a 12-month Fixed Term Contract, offering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

Qualifications

• Experience managing multiple client payrolls with varying pay frequencies.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines.
• Experience in a payroll bureau or accountancy environment.

Responsibilities

• Process end-to-end payrolls for UK clients.
• Manage complex payrolls including statutory payments.
• Ensure compliance with UK payroll legislation.
• Act as a senior contact for client payroll queries.
• Assist with payroll reconciliations and reporting.

Skills

Proven experience in a senior payroll role

Strong working knowledge of UK payroll legislation

Confident handling complex payroll queries

Proficient with payroll software

Strong attention to detail

Education

CIPP qualification (or working towards)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Senior Payroll Administrator

Department: Payroll

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract

Location: Uckfield

Description

We are a modern, and friendly outsourced payroll bureau that provides tailored payroll services to businesses of all sizes across the UK. We pride ourselves on delivering reliable, compliant and personalised payroll solutions – from pension auto-enrolment and customised reporting to fully integrated BACA services – helping our clients focus on running their business with confidence.

We are looking for an experienced Senior Payroll Administrator to play a key role in the delivery of high-quality payroll services to our client portfolio. This is a hands‑on position responsible for end‑to‑end payroll processing, acting as a senior point of contact for clients, and supporting the Payroll Manager with workflow, quality control and team development.

Please note – this is a 12‑month Fixed Term Contract.

Key Responsibilitiesh3>

• Process end-to-end payrolls for a varied portfolio of UK clients, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery
• Manage complex payrolls including directors’ pay, statutory payments, pension deductions and leavers/joiners
• Ensure compliance with UK payroll legislation, including PAYE, NIC, RTI submissions and auto-enrolment
• Act as a senior contact for client payroll queries, providing clear and confident advice
• Review payrolls prepared by junior team members and support quality control processes
• Assist with payroll reconciliations, reporting and year-end processes (P60s, P11Ds where applicable)
• Support the Payroll Manager with process improvements, documentation and workflow planning
• Keep up to date with payroll legislation and contribute to best‑practice within the team
• Liaise with HMRC, pension providers and other third parties as required

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Proven experience in a senior payroll role, ideally within a payroll bureau or accountancy environment
• Strong working knowledge of UK payroll legislation and HMRC requirements
• Experience managing multiple client payrolls with varying pay frequencies
• Confident handling complex payroll queries and providing client‑facing support
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work to tight deadlines
• Proficient with payroll software and Microsoft Excel
• CIPP qualification (or working towards) is desirable

Belong @ Sumer

At Sumer, we know everyone’s journey is different. That’s why we’re committed to fairness, removing barriers, and giving people the support they need to do their best work. If you need any support during the hiring process, just let us know.

Our values represent what matters most to us and guide how we work every day:

• We Shine Together
• We Do the Right Thing
• We Make It Count

We know diverse teams make us stronger. That’s why we’re creating an inclusive workplace where everyone belongs and differences are valued and celebrated.