Senior Payroll Officer & Accounts Assistant

About the Role We are seeking an experienced Senior Payroll Officer & Accounts Assistant to join a successful and growing organisation on a 12-month fixed-term maternity cover contract. This is a varied and hands-on role within an established finance team, reporting directly to the Financial Controller. The successful candidate will have responsibility for the accurate and timely administration of payroll, purchase ledger and general accounts processes across a multi-site organisation.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced payroll and accounts professional to join a supportive and dynamic finance environment.

What We Offer Competitive salary, dependent on experience 30 days' annual leave, inclusive of statutory bank holidays Company pension scheme Staff discount Friendly, supportive and dynamic finance team Free on-site car parking 12-month fixed-term contract providing maternity cover

Key Responsibilities Payroll Maintain and update accurate employee payroll records. Process new starters, leavers and P45s in a timely manner. Monitor employee clock-ins and investigate and correct anomalies in conjunction with relevant managers. Process overtime, bonuses, pension contributions, health insurance and other ad-hoc payments. Calculate and administer Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) and Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) in accordance with individual employment terms and relevant dates.

Respond to and resolve employee payroll queries professionally and promptly. Prepare monthly sickness and absence reports for HR. Monitor and maintain employee holiday records. Work closely with HR and provide payroll-related reports as required. Complete all associated payroll administration. Ensure payroll records and processes are accurate, compliant and up to date. Undertake other payroll duties as required. Accounts Reconcile weekly till/cash sheets received from individual sites and prepare summaries for management.

Post monthly summaries to Sage 50 Accounts. Manage the Purchase Ledger function across multiple sites and head office. Ensure invoices and supplier statements are accurately processed onto Sage 50 Accounts ahead of VAT and HMRC submissions. Reconcile UK and Republic of Ireland bank accounts using Sage 50 Accounts. Prepare and process monthly supplier payment runs for individual sites. Complete supplier licence and documentation checks.

Manage credit notes and associated records. Reconcile locum payments. Complete general accounts administration and other finance duties as required. Perform any other reasonable duties assigned by management. About You The successful candidate will ideally have:
At least three years' experience in payroll administration, including experience using Sage Payroll and an electronic clocking/time-recording system within a medium-to-large organisation. Experience managing or supporting aPurchase Ledger function. Strong knowledge of payroll processes and a good understanding of relevant payroll legislation. Excellent attention to detail and a high level of accuracy. Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to meet strict payroll, VAT and management accounts deadlines.

Experience using

Sage 50 Accounts and Sage Payroll. Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel. Previous experience using

Bizimply or similar workforce/time-management software would be advantageous. A relevant payroll, accounting or finance qualification would be desirable but is not essential. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. The ability to work independently while also contributing effectively as part of a wider finance team. A proactive and professional approach, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a busy environment.

The Ideal Candidate This role would suit an experienced Senior Payroll Officer, Payroll Officer, Senior Payroll Administrator, Payroll & Accounts Assistant or Accounts Assistant who is available for a 12-month fixed-term maternity cover position. You will be someone who takes pride in accuracy, enjoys working with figures and systems, and is confident managing both payroll and accounts responsibilities within a busy, multi-site organisation.