Payroll Assistant

Payroll Assistant for an Accountancy Practice based in High Wycombe

Full-time in office position.Department:Payroll / Accounting

Reports To: Payroll Manager / Senior Accountant

The Role:

As a Payroll Assistant, you will be responsible for assisting with the preparation and processing of payroll for a diverse range of clients in an accountancy practice setting. You will ensure payroll is processed accurately and in a timely manner, while maintaining compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. The ideal candidate will have excellent attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and experience working in payroll or a similar administrative role within an accounting or finance environment.

Key Responibilities:

• Client Payroll Processing: Assist in processing payroll for multiple clients, ensuring that all employees are paid accurately and on time.
• Time & Attendance Management: Input client data, including employee time sheets, overtime, sick leave, and holiday entitlements, into the payroll system.
• Tax & Deduction Calculations: Accurately calculate deductions for taxes, pensions, benefits, and other withholdings in accordance with current regulations for each client.
• Compliance & Reporting: Ensure payroll compliance with federal, state, and local tax laws. Assist in preparing and submitting statutory returns such as PAYE, NIC, and other payroll taxes.
• Client Communication: Communicate with clients to resolve payroll issues, answer queries related to payroll processing, and assist with any concerns regarding employee pay and deductions.
• Payroll Documentation: Prepare and distribute payslips, P60s, and other payroll-related documents for clients. Maintain accurate payroll records for audit purposes.
• Month-End and Year-End Reporting: Assist with the preparation of year-end reports, including P11Ds, and the reconciliation of payroll accounts.
• Payroll Software Management: Utilize payroll software to enter and update employee records, ensuring accuracy in salary, benefits, and tax information. Recommend improvements in payroll systems where necessary.
• Regulatory Updates: Stay up-to-date with changes in payroll legislation and ensure that payroll systems and processes are updated accordingly to maintain compliance.
• General Support: Assist senior payroll staff with ad-hoc tasks, including payroll reconciliations, audits, and other special client requests.

About You:

• Experience: At least 4 years of experience in payroll processing, ideally within an accountancy practice or similar environment.
• Proficiency with payroll software (e.g., Sage Payroll, QuickBooks, Xero Payroll) and Microsoft Office (especially Excel).
• Knowledge of payroll tax laws, statutory requirements, and compliance matters.
• Strong attention to detail, ensuring payroll is processed with accuracy.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills to interact with clients and team members.
• Strong organisational and time management skills to meet strict deadlines, especially during month-end and year-end periods.
• Ability to process payroll data with high accuracy and meet client expectations.