Payroll & Accounts Assistant

About the Role

We are looking for an organised and detail-oriented Payroll & Accounts Assistant to join our team. This is a varied role with a strong focus on payroll, alongside bookkeeping, VAT returns and personal tax work.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing a portfolio of client payrolls while supporting the wider accounts team with day-to-day compliance services.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll (approximately 60% of the role)

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 70–75 client payrolls from start to finish.
• Process weekly, fortnightly and monthly payrolls accurately and on time.
• Handle payrolls ranging from small owner-managed businesses (predominantly husband-and-wife companies and family businesses) to larger employers, with only two payrolls exceeding 20 employees.
• Process starters, leavers, statutory payments and pension contributions.
• Ensure compliance with HMRC legislation and payroll deadlines.
• Respond to client payroll queries in a professional and timely manner.

Bookkeeping & Compliance

• Maintain accurate bookkeeping records using cloud accounting software.
• Prepare and submit VAT returns.
• Assist with the preparation of personal tax returns.
• Liaise with clients to obtain records and resolve queries.
• Support the wider team with general accounts and administrative duties as required.

About You

The ideal candidate will have:

• Previous experience processing multiple client payrolls within an accountancy practice or payroll bureau.
• A good understanding of UK payroll legislation and HMRC requirements.
• Experience with bookkeeping and VAT returns.
• Experience preparing personal tax returns would be advantageous.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
• Good communication skills and a client-focused approach.
• Experience using payroll and cloud accounting software (such as BrightPay, Xero, Sage or QuickBooks) would be beneficial.

What We Offer

• A varied role with a diverse client portfolio.
• Supportive and friendly working environment.
• Opportunities for ongoing training and professional development.
• Competitive salary and benefits, dependent on experience.

Next steps

If this sounds like a great opportunity and you can demonstrate the skills and enthusiasm required, then please click Apply to upload your CV for consideration. Alternatively, contact Jasmine Dorel on [phone removed]. or [email removed].

We also welcome confidential conversations about your career if this role is not quite the right fit.

We look forward to hearing from you.