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 01454 550885. or Jasmine@autographrecruitment.co.uk.
We also welcome confidential conversations about your career if this role is not quite the right fit.
We look forward to hearing from you.