At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage client payrolls end to end and support junior colleagues.
- Company: Award-winning payroll solutions provider with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Hybrid work, health plan, pension contributions, and more perks.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a high-performing team and make a real impact in payroll management.
- Qualifications: 3+ years payroll experience and strong knowledge of HMRC legislation.
The predicted salary is between 31750 - 36250 £ per year.
Application Deadline: 17 July 2026
Department: Outsourced Payroll
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Compensation: £31,750 - £36,250 / year
About Cintra
Cintra is known for its award‑winning software that delivers payroll solutions to over 1000 clients. We are proud recipients of the Payroll Service Provider of the Year 2025 award at the CIPP Annual Excellence Awards and offer exciting opportunities for professional development, competitive bonus structures and a collaborative work environment. Our modern offices are located in Hoults Yard on the outskirts of the vibrant Ouseburn Valley, offering a thriving creative community and vibrant local culture.
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 trusted to bring others along with you.
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 and use 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 Requirements
- 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 the 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.
Benefits
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements supporting your work‑life balance.
- Employer‑matched pension contribution to 5%.
- Wellbeing support through a company‑funded health plan, health checks and employee assistance program.
- On‑site parking.
- And more!
Further details of the role can be found linked in the Job Description. We do not accept unsolicited CVs from agencies for this position. We reserve the right to close this job advert at any time should there be a high volume of applications.
Contact Details:
Cintra HR & Payroll Services Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Payroll Administrator
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Payroll Administrator
Some tips for your application 🫡
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How to prepare for a job interview at Cintra HR & Payroll Services
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Cintra HR & Payroll Services.
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Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
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A full-time HR role at Cintra HR & Payroll Services will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
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