Job Description: Payroll/Administrator
Location: Darlington
Salary: £26,000 per annum
Working Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday to Thursday, 8.30 AM – 3.30 PM Friday – 30 mins lunch break included – totalling 37.5 hours (option of 4 or 5 days per week, 30-37.5 hours total)
Contract Type: Full-time, office-based
Start Date: Immediate
Application Deadline: Open until filled
About our client
We are a well-established accountancy practice based in Darlington, providing expert financial services to a diverse range of clients, including small businesses, sole traders, and limited companies across the UK. Our commitment to accuracy, compliance, and client satisfaction drives our success. We are seeking an organized and detail-oriented Payroll/Administrator to join our team and support our growing practice with payroll processing and administrative duties.
Job Overview
We are looking for a Payroll/Administrator with an accountancy background to manage our payroll services and contribute to the smooth running of our practice. This role involves processing client payrolls, ensuring compliance with UK legislation, and performing general administrative tasks to support our accountancy team. The ideal candidate will have experience in payroll administration within an accountancy setting and a solid understanding of UK tax and payroll systems. Flexibility is offered with the option to work either 4 or 5 days per week, tailored to your preference.
Key Responsibilities
* Payroll Processing: Prepare and process client payrolls accurately and on time, including monthly, weekly, and ad-hoc payroll runs using payroll software (e.g., Sage Payroll, IRIS Payroll).
* Compliance: Ensure all payroll activities comply with HMRC regulations, including PAYE, National Insurance contributions, and pension auto-enrolment requirements. Submit Real Time Information (RTI) returns to HMRC.
* Client Liaison: Handle payroll-related queries from clients, providing advice on payslips, deductions, and statutory payments (e.g., SSP, SMP).
* Record Keeping: Maintain accurate payroll records, update employee data, and manage P45/P60 processes for leavers and year-end reporting.
* Administrative Support: Perform general office administration tasks, such as filing, data entry, managing correspondence, and supporting the accountancy team with client onboarding and document preparation.
* Reporting: Produce payroll reports for clients and internal use, including payslip summaries, BACS payment schedules, and pension contribution reconciliations.
Skills and Experience
* Essential:
* Previous experience in payroll administration within an accountancy practice or similar financial environment.
* Strong understanding of UK payroll systems, HMRC regulations, and tax codes.
* Proficiency with payroll and accounting software (e.g., Sage, IRIS, Xero).
* Excellent numerical skills and attention to detail.
* Good organizational and time-management abilities.
* Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive data.
* Desirable:
* Qualification in payroll or accountancy (e.g., CIPP Payroll Technician Certificate, AAT Level 2 or 3).
* Experience with auto-enrolment pension schemes and year-end payroll processes.
* Background: Candidates must have an accountancy background, ideally with exposure to client-facing payroll services in a practice setting.
Benefits
* Salary: £26,000 per annum, paid monthly (pro-rata if opting for 4 days per week).
* Working Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday to Thursday, 8.30 AM – 3.30 PM Friday – 30 mins lunch break included – totalling 37.5 hours (option of 4 or 5 days per week
* Holidays: 20 days annual leave plus statutory bank holidays (typically 8 additional days in England, totalling 28 days; pro-rata for 4-day week).
* Pension: Enrolment in the workplace pension scheme with employer contributions in line with UK auto-enrolment requirements (minimum 3% employer contribution).
* Work Arrangement: Full-time, office-based role at our Darlington office, supporting close collaboration with the accountancy team.
Location
* Place of Work: Darlington, County Durham. This is a fully office-based position with no hybrid or remote working option, ensuring seamless integration with our practice operations.
Start Date
* Immediate: This is an urgent vacancy, and we aim to fill the role straight away. The successful candidate should be available to start as soon as possible