Senior Payroll Administrator in Newcastle upon Tyne

Join our OSS Team as a Senior Payroll Administrator! We are Cintra, known for award‑winning payroll solutions delivered to over 1000 clients. As the proud recipient of the Payroll Service Provider of the Year 2025 award at the CIPP Annual Excellence Awards, we offer opportunities for professional development, competitive bonuses, and a collaborative environment.

Why This Role Is Different

This is not an entry‑level processing role. As a Senior Payroll Administrator you will own a full portfolio of client payrolls end to end, act as the first point of contact for junior colleagues, and play an active part in keeping the team running smoothly. You sit between the team and the Payroll Manager, trusted to get it right every time, and to bring others along.

Key Responsibilities

• Process a portfolio of client payrolls end to end within agreed timeframes, including complex payrolls, manual calculations, and statutory payment schedules.
• Submit RTI and pension files, process HMRC and third‑party payments, and liaise directly with HMRC on client matters.
• Perform manual calculations covering starters and leavers, tax and NI, student loans, pensions, apprenticeship levy, employment allowance, and Small ER relief.
• Carry out payroll corrections and EYUs, using imports, reports and functions to support efficient data processing.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with your client portfolio – liaising regularly and holding service review meetings.
• Act as a professional and knowledgeable point of contact, handling queries and complaints with confidence and composure.
• Serve as the first point of contact for Payroll Administrators' queries, checking colleagues' payrolls and supporting accuracy across the team.
• Hold training sessions with junior colleagues on payroll processes and legislation, and monitor their progress and development needs.
• Work closely with the Payroll Manager to create and improve procedures, and step up to cover the Manager when needed.
• Take an active role in ensuring the smooth day‑to‑day running of the team.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for a technically strong payroll professional who combines accuracy and rigour with a genuine desire to support others, develop junior colleagues, and contribute to a high‑performing team.

Essential

• 3 or more years of end‑to‑end payroll experience with a strong working knowledge of payroll systems.
• Excellent understanding of HMRC legislation, statutory payments, pensions, and auto‑enrolment rules.
• Confident with manual calculations – starters and leavers, tax and NI, student loans, apprenticeship levy, employment allowance, and Small ER relief.
• High‑level attention to detail and strong numeracy skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.
• Experience training and mentoring junior payroll colleagues, with patience and communication skills to explain complex processes clearly.
• Excellent team player who spots the needs of the team and steps in proactively.
• Confident working autonomously and solving system issues without escalating unnecessarily.
• Resilient and calm under pressure in a fast‑paced bureau environment.

Desirable

• Experience of holding client service review meetings and managing client complaints.
• Experience in a payroll bureau or outsourced services environment.
• Demonstrable initiative in improving or innovating on existing processes.

Why Join Cintra?

At Cintra we invest in our employees, offering:

• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements supporting work‑life balance.
• Employer‑matched pension contribution to 5%.
• Wellbeing support through a company‑funded health plan, health checks and employee assistance program.
• Onsite parking.
• Additional benefits.