Payroll Assistant – Axminster / Bideford / Exeter / Plymouth / Weston-super-Mare in Devon

Westcotts is a Top 50+50 Accountancy Practice and Real Living Wage Employer, with over 290 team members across 16 offices in Devon and Somerset. We are looking for an experienced Payroll Assistant to join us permanently, with both full‑time and part‑time hours available. The role can be based from our Axminster, Bideford, Exeter, Plymouth or Weston‑super‑Mare offices. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a friendly and supportive payroll team, working with a varied portfolio of clients across a range of sectors. If you enjoy delivering accurate payroll services, working closely with clients, and being part of a professional team environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Why Westcotts?

• A friendly and collaborative working environment
• Flexible full‑time or part‑time working options
• The opportunity to work with a varied and interesting client portfolio
• A genuine focus on wellbeing and work/life balance
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities within a growing and respected firm

Main Duties Responsibilities

In this role, you’ll support the delivery of accurate and efficient payroll services for a broad client base. Your responsibilities include:

• Processing payrolls from start to finish, ensuring all deadlines are met accurately and efficiently
• Collecting, compiling, and maintaining payroll data using payroll software and internal systems
• Calculating payroll deductions including PAYE, National Insurance, pensions, student loans, and other statutory deductions
• Processing new starters, leavers, salary changes, holiday calculations, and employee record updates
• Preparing payroll reports and supporting compliance with HMRC regulations and auto‑enrolment pension requirements
• Investigating and resolving payroll discrepancies and responding to payroll‑related queries from clients and employees
• Maintaining accurate payroll records and supporting the smooth running of payroll administration processes
• Providing general administrative support to the wider office and team when required

This list summarises the main duties of the role but is not exhaustive — you may be asked to support with additional tasks and projects at a similar level as required.

Attributes, Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• Previous experience processing payroll from start to finish
• CIPP qualification (preferred but not essential), or relevant payroll experience
• Good working knowledge of payroll and accounting software including Brain Payroll, BrightPay, Xero, QuickBooks, and Sage would be advantageous
• Experience working within a practice environment (preferred but not essential)
• Strong analytical, numerical, and problem‑solving skills
• A positive, friendly, and professional approach
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines accurately
• Excellent organisational skills and strong attention to detail
• A team‑oriented mindset with the ability to work independently and flexibly
• Experience delivering excellent customer service within an office environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Confidence learning and adapting to new IT systems and software

Terms / Benefits

• Ideally 36.25 hours / 5 days per week; however part‑time hours / days can also be considered
• Flexible and hybrid or office working available
• Annual salary review
• 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 25 days plus bank holidays after 3 years’ service
• Death in service 3 × annual salary
• Access to Westfield Rewards and Health scheme
• 24‑hour external Employee Assistance Programme helpline
• Flexible benefits including Buy and Sell holiday, Cycle to Work, Payroll Charity Giving and Private Medical Insurance
• Introducing clients and staff commission schemes
• Pension 3% rising to 4% (but matched up to 6%) after 4 years’ service

How To Apply

To apply for this position, please upload your CV along with a covering letter explaining why you feel you would be suitable for the role in particular, in regards to the desired attributes, skills, experience and qualifications. Please also state your current salary (if applicable), salary expectations, and available start date.