Payroll - Senior

Payroll Senior Reporting to: Payroll Manager Hours: Full time Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm (37.5 hours per week) Location: Harlow office Affinia is a UK Top 50 Accountancy firm and growing. Through successful acquisitions and organic growth, we have seen significant development within the last 18 months. In 2024 we launched ‘Affinia’ ( which saw the coming together of LB Group and six other like-minded firms across the East & South East of England to form a combined accounting, tax and business advisory firm. With a combined heritage spanning over 300 years, we have more than 400 accountancy professionals based in Stratford, Colchester, Chelmsford, Ipswich, Halstead, Harlow, Leigh on Sea, Orpington, Sidcup and Sutton. We advise businesses, government and public sector organisations and individuals in the UK and internationally across seven principal practice groups: Accountancy & Advisory, Tax and Planning, Audit Services, Corporate Finance, Digital Solutions, Payroll and Financial Planning. We have invested continuously in technology and gained in-depth knowledge across a broad range of markets, growing through acquisitions and private investment. We offer an exceptional service to our clients, with access to our sector experts to develop the strategy that will help them reach their goals. We keep a finger on the industry pulse, so our clients receive the best short to medium and long-term advice. Purpose of the role: As a Payroll Senior your role 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’ll be able to combine working from Affinia’s office, client’s offices when required, and from home when you are able. Affinia provides access to technical training and soft skills training through platforms such as Croner-i, Mercia, Tolley’s and LinkedIn Learning, which you will be able to access. We are committed to supporting your learning professionally and personally and recognise the value that L&D offers to you and to us as an organisation. 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: Key skills and attributes required: Accounting, Tax, and/or Payroll qualifications are desirable/useful but not essential Proven experience (at least 2+years) 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. Core Benefits: At Affinia, our culture is driven by ambition and a commitment to positively impact all the communities we serve. We are dedicated to the success, development, and wellbeing of our colleagues, helping them achieve their goals and seize the opportunities that come with our growth. Alongside a flexible and inclusive work environment, we offer the following core benefits: 23 days holiday (FTE) plus Bank Holidays. Full study support including tuition fees and paid study days Professional membership support Auto enrolment Pension Scheme Agile/Hybrid Working Policy 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. We welcome applications from people looking for flexible and agile roles and we are happy to explore you preferred working patterns as part of your application. 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.