At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist with payroll processing and client queries while receiving full training.
- Company: Join Duncan & Toplis, a leading independent accountancy firm celebrating 100 years of excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, mental health support, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent long-term career prospects.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in payroll with structured training and real impact on clients.
- Qualifications: Detail-oriented, organised, and eager to learn with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 28000 £ per year.
Duncan & Toplis is one of the UK’s largest independent accountants and business advisers. Celebrating our 100‑year anniversary in 2025, we are on course for the biggest period of growth in our history. Our vision to be the team that clients always choose to work with and where talented people belong remains at the forefront and guides everything that we do.
We’re looking for someone who is enthusiastic about starting a career in payroll. Full training will be provided, and you’ll be supported as you grow your skills and confidence in the role.
What you’ll be doing (with training and support):
- Assisting with receiving payroll information from clients and helping to process payrolls using Sage, Xero, and other payroll software.
- Learning how to check payroll figures to ensure PAYE, National Insurance and pension deductions are calculated correctly.
- Supporting the team in meeting Real Time Information (RTI) requirements.
- Helping to manage auto‑enrolment and cyclical re‑enrolment tasks.
- Assisting with pension submissions to pension providers.
- Preparing payroll information for clients, including wage journals and customised reports.
- Helping to arrange PAYE and pension contribution payments (where authorised) or advising clients of amounts due.
- Supporting the setup of new PAYE and pension schemes.
- Responding to client queries by email and phone, always with professionalism and a willingness to learn.
- Building positive working relationships with clients.
- You may occasionally visit client sites with support from the team.
Who this role is ideal for:
- Someone at the start of their career who is keen to develop payroll expertise.
- A detail‑focused, organised person who is comfortable with numbers.
- A confident communicator who enjoys helping people and providing great service.
- Someone who wants structured training, progression and long‑term opportunities in payroll.
- You must have the full right to work in the UK (indefinite leave to remain).
Why Join Duncan & Toplis?
From flexible working arrangements and time‑matched volunteer hours to online fitness classes and mental health support, at Duncan & Toplis we are committed to helping our people maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle. We help our team to develop their talents and encourage ambitious individuals to progress their careers and expand their professional and personal capability with fully supported training and CPD. Our purpose ‘to positively impact our people, communities, and the world around us’ sits at our core, and our inherent values of trust, partnership, and inclusivity emphasise this.
Sounds like the right fit for you? Let’s talk! Duncan & Toplis is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates.
Payroll Trainee in Leicester employer: Duncan & Toplis
Duncan & Toplis is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its employees. With a strong emphasis on teamwork, inclusivity, and personal development, we offer flexible working arrangements, volunteer opportunities, and comprehensive support for mental health and fitness. Join us to be part of a collaborative environment where your contributions are valued, and you can thrive in your career as a Company Secretarial Adviser.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Trainee in Leicester
✨Tap into University Career Services
If you're a student or recent grad eyeing a trainee role in banking or financial services, your university career services are your secret weapon. They often have connections with firms, and can guide you to exclusive openings that aren't advertised widely, so make sure to get in touch!
✨Get Involved in Finance Societies
Joining finance-related societies or clubs at your university can seriously up your game. They often host networking events, guest speaker sessions, and workshops that can connect you directly with industry professionals and potential employers.
✨Show Your Passion Through Projects
Try working on finance-related projects or internships, even if they're unpaid. It shows your commitment and gives you something to discuss in interviews. Plus, if you've got a blog or a portfolio detailing your findings on market trends, that can really impress recruiters!
✨Use Our Website to Find Opportunities
We at StudySmarter recommend that you regularly check our website for trainee opportunities at leading companies like Duncan & Toplis. They often post openings directly there, so don't miss out on the chance to apply and show what you've got!
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Trainee in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show your numbers!:In banking and financial services, we love a bit of quantification. Be sure to highlight any relevant coursework, grades, or projects that showcase your analytical skills. If you've tackled math-heavy subjects or have experience with financial modelling, let that shine on your CV!
Tailor your application to finance:Don't just copy and paste a generic cover letter; weave in your passion for finance and share any relevant experiences or internships, no matter how small. Writing about your motivations and learning potential in relation to the role will help us see you fit in at Duncan & Toplis.
Certifications can set you apart:If you've got any finance-related certifications (think CFA Level 1, ACCA, or even online courses), make sure to include them! They show initiative and a commitment to your career in banking, which we really appreciate.
Proofread with a fine-tooth comb:In finance, attention to detail is crucial! Spam your application with typos or poor formatting, and we may flag you as 'not detail-oriented'. So, let’s double-check everything. A clear structure in your CV and cover letter will also help your application stand out. Remember, apply through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Duncan & Toplis
✨Brush Up on Your Financial Knowledge
Make sure you’re comfortable with financial concepts and terminology. The interview may dive into areas like risk assessment or investment strategies, so revisiting some core principles and current trends in the banking sector will really help us stand out at Duncan & Toplis.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to encounter case studies or hypothetical financial scenarios where you’ll need to demonstrate your analytical skills. Practising with examples can help us articulate our thought process clearly and show how we approach problem-solving specific to the banking and financial services sector.
✨Highlight Your Learning Agility
As a trainee, they’re looking for potential over experience. We should emphasise our willingness to learn and adapt. Be ready to discuss how we’ve taken on challenges in the past, showcasing our growth mindset and eagerness to dive into the banking world with both feet.
✨Showcase Your Interest in the Industry
Let your passion for banking shine through! Discuss any relevant coursework, internships, or even personal finance projects you’ve explored. This not only demonstrates our knowledge but also our genuine enthusiasm for a career in banking at Duncan & Toplis.
