Payroll Senior in Cambridge

Location: Hybrid / Cambridge, UK

Job type: Permanent / Full-time

Sector and subsector: Finance & Legal | Accounting & Payroll

Salary: Competitive salary

Affinia is the UK’s fastest growing purpose‑led, purpose‑built accountancy firm, focused on building stronger, more valuable relationships. With over 1000 colleagues across the East, Southeast, London and the Midlands, we are dedicated to supporting our clients, colleagues and communities.

Purpose of the role: As a Payroll Senior your role has a greater focus on leadership, strategic input, and complex problem‑solving than at Semi Senior level. You will play a pivotal role in delivering high‑quality payroll services, managing client relationships, and contributing to the development of the payroll team and service line. You’ll move away from processing the simple client payrolls and be able to independently process the more complex clients. We operate a hybrid working policy, so you will be able to combine working from Affinia’s office, client’s offices when required, and from home when you are able.

Accountabilities:

• Independently manage and oversee the end‑to‑end processing of a diverse portfolio of client payrolls.
• Ensure timely and accurate calculation of gross pay, deductions, statutory payments and pension contributions.
• Oversee year‑end processing and other statutory reporting.
• Act as a primary point of contact and trusted advisor for an allocated client portfolio, building strong, lasting relationships.
• Proactively manage client expectations regarding deadlines, scope, and service delivery.
• Identify and advise clients on opportunities for value‑added services.
• Effectively resolve complex client queries and issues, ensuring high levels of client satisfaction.
• Implement and maintain robust internal quality control procedures for all payroll processes.
• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate risks related to payroll accuracy, compliance, and data security (e.g., GDPR).
• Ensure 100% compliance with current and new payroll legislation (HMRC, TPR, etc.), implementing necessary changes efficiently.
• Conduct internal audits and reviews to maintain service excellence and minimise errors.
• Provide guidance, support, and technical mentorship to junior payroll administrators and semi‑seniors.
• Review work performed by junior staff, providing constructive feedback and ensuring accuracy.
• Assist with the training and onboarding of new team members.
• Foster a collaborative and high‑performing team environment.
• Identify and implement opportunities for process improvements and automation within the payroll function to enhance efficiency and reduce processing times.
• Contribute to the continuous development and optimisation of payroll systems and workflows.
• Manage personal and team WIP (Work in Progress) effectively to ensure timely billing and contribute to service line profitability.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of all relevant payroll legislation, software updates, and industry best practices.
• Actively participate in professional development activities to enhance skills and knowledge.

Skills/Qualifications:

• Accounting, Tax, and/or Payroll qualifications are desirable/useful but not essential.
• Proven experience within a payroll function ideally in a Practice setting.
• Experience in handling complex Payroll scenarios.
• Experience of managing and mentoring others.
• Expert in Payroll software.
• Advanced MS Excel skills.
• Strong understanding and application of UK Payroll legislation.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong communication skills with clients and colleagues alike.
• Proactive, client‑focused approach.

Culture & Core Benefits:

• Full study support including tuition fees and paid study days.
• Professional membership support.
• Dress for your Diary Policy.

Affinia is a flexible business which has embraced a hybrid working model where our colleagues enjoy a mix of home and office working. Affinia is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our policy is unequivocal: we do not tolerate discrimination based on age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, or sexual orientation. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive organisation that actively promotes equality of opportunity for all, valuing the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates, and selection for roles is based solely on individual merit.