At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage complex payrolls and provide expert advice to clients across various sectors.
- Company: Join a leading professional services firm with a focus on client relationships.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and comprehensive wellbeing support.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working and opportunities for career growth in a diverse team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by mentoring others and solving complex payroll challenges.
- Qualifications: 3+ years of payroll experience and strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Senior Payroll Advisor is a client-facing role at one of the UK's leading professional services firms. You'll take ownership of a portfolio of complex, high-frequency client payrolls spanning multiple sectors, including payrolled benefits, share schemes, Teachers' Pensions, complex pension arrangements, and international assignments. You won't just be processing payroll; you'll be the technical authority your clients and colleagues rely on. Expect to advise, mentor, problem-solve, and shape how the payroll bureau operates. If you're an experienced payroll professional who thrives on complexity and wants a role where your expertise genuinely matters, this is worth reading on. Romford-based with hybrid working, just one day a week in the office. Easily commutable via the Elizabeth line from central and east London, and across Essex.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage end-to-end payrolls across weekly, monthly, and annual cycles for complex multi-site client portfolios, including payrolled benefits, share schemes, Teachers' Pensions, and expatriate payrolls.
- Handle variable and complex pay structures across multiple sites, brands, and legal entities, each with different pay rules and management structures.
- Manage all HMRC correspondence, RTI submissions, statutory filings, and year-end processes including P60 production and reconciliations.
- Administer auto-enrolment and complex pension schemes in line with The Pensions Regulator requirements.
- Operate IRIS Payroll Professional at an advanced level; support system implementations, parallel runs, and new client onboarding.
- Advise clients confidently on holiday pay, Working Time Regulations, and statutory payments for irregular earnings.
- Mentor and develop junior team members and contribute to best practice across the bureau.
- Act as a trusted senior point of contact for clients, resolving complex issues proactively and clearly.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
- Minimum 3 years' payroll processing experience, ideally in a bureau or client-facing professional services environment.
- Strong, current knowledge of UK payroll legislation, auto-enrolment, complex pensions, and statutory compliance.
- Experience with expatriate, international, and multi-entity payrolls.
- Advanced proficiency in IRIS Payroll Professional.
- Confident managing client relationships and complex payroll queries independently.
- Strong Excel skills including formulas for data analysis and reporting.
- Excellent communicator, able to translate technical detail into clear, practical advice.
- CIPP qualification is a definite advantage, though not essential.
Job Benefits
- Salary: Transparent pay framework & promotion opportunities to recognise your contributions and performance.
- Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 25 days plus three days off at Christmas.
- Flexible Working: We're committed to a positive work-life balance, offering a hybrid working policy that prioritises your well-being and flexibility.
- Comprehensive Wellbeing Support: Private Health Insurance, Access to Digicare+, Employee Assistance Programme, and more!
- Professional Subscriptions: Invest in your growth and development.
- Inclusive Employer: Be part of a diverse team with equity, inclusion, and flexibility at the core.
Senior Payroll Advisor employer: Moore Kingston Smith
As a Senior Payroll Advisor at one of the UK's leading professional services firms, you'll thrive in a dynamic and supportive environment that values your expertise and contributions. With a transparent pay framework, generous annual leave, and a commitment to flexible working, you can achieve a healthy work-life balance while enjoying comprehensive wellbeing support and opportunities for professional growth. Located in Romford with easy access via the Elizabeth line, this role offers a unique chance to be part of a diverse team dedicated to equity and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Payroll Advisor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the payroll industry and let them know you're on the lookout for new opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK payroll legislation and complex pension schemes. Be ready to showcase your expertise and how you can add value to the team at the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and career goals. Check out our website for openings that suit your skills, especially if you’re keen on a role where your expertise truly matters.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and gives you another chance to highlight your fit for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Payroll Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your payroll processing experience, especially in complex environments, and don’t forget to showcase your knowledge of UK payroll legislation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Senior Payroll Advisor role. Mention specific examples from your past that demonstrate your ability to manage complex payrolls and client relationships.
Show Off Your Technical Skills:Since this role requires advanced proficiency in IRIS Payroll Professional, make sure to mention any relevant experience you have with this software. If you’ve handled HMRC correspondence or complex pension schemes, be sure to include that too!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Moore Kingston Smith
✨Know Your Payroll Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK payroll legislation, auto-enrolment, and complex pensions. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you've navigated these areas successfully, as this will show your expertise and confidence in handling complex payroll queries.
✨Showcase Your Client Management Skills
Since this role is client-facing, prepare examples of how you've managed client relationships in the past. Think about times when you resolved complex issues or provided clear, practical advice. This will demonstrate your ability to be a trusted point of contact for clients.
✨Get Familiar with IRIS Payroll Professional
As advanced proficiency in IRIS Payroll Professional is crucial, make sure you can talk about your experience with the software. If possible, practice using it before the interview so you can confidently discuss system implementations and new client onboarding.
✨Prepare to Mentor and Lead
This role involves mentoring junior team members, so think about your leadership style and how you've contributed to best practices in previous roles. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've developed others and improved processes within a payroll bureau.
