Senior QA Analyst; Expertise in payroll systems

Job Title: Senior QA Analyst (Expertise in payroll systems)

Location: UK-based applicants only

Start Date: Immediate / ASAP

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented QA Analyst (Mid to Senior Level) with deep expertise in payroll systems.

You'll be responsible for designing, executing, and maintaining both manual and automated test suites, with a special emphasis on complex payroll calculations, National Insurance (NI), tax compliance, and desktop software validation.

• Design and execute detailed manual test cases for payroll-related features using Test Rail or similar tools.
• Develop and maintain automated test scripts using Selenium with Java or Python for regression and functional testing.
• Validate payroll calculation logic, including:
  • NI contributions (primary and secondary)
  • Tax codes and thresholds
  • Student loan deductions
  • Statutory payments (e.g., SMP, SPP, SSP)
• Simulate and create payroll datasets that cover varied worker scenarios (e.g., full-time, part-time, irregular pay).
• Use API endpoints (e.g., RTI submissions, NVR checks, FPS/EPS generation) to validate system integration.
• Conduct end-to-end testing of desktop-based applications, focusing on cross-platform compatibility, performance, and UI consistency.
• Log, triage, and track defects using JIRA, Git Hub, or similar issue management systems.
• Collaborate in Agile sprints and ceremonies with developers, analysts, and product owners.
• Maintain and configure Dockerised test environments, including CI/CD pipelines with Git Hub Actions.
• Apply robust QA processes throughout the software development lifecycle (SDLC), ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

• Strong payroll testing background with deep understanding of UK payroll cycles, PAYE, and statutory obligations.
• Proven hands on experience in:
  • NI category letters and contribution calculations
  • PAYE tax band logic, personal allowances, and thresholds
  • Apprenticeship levy and employment allowance interactions
• Working knowledge of desktop payroll applications.
• Solid experience writing test cases and automating test scripts using Selenium with Java or Python.
• Familiarity with technical documentation and API schemas.
• Proficient with version control (GIT) and CI/CD tooling (Git Hub Actions, Jenkins).
• Experience using Docker and managing isolated testing environments.
• Strong understanding of manual and automated testing practices within Agile and Waterfall models.

• Familiarity with RTI submissions (FPS, EPS), NVR responses, and error message validations.
• Experience creating or maintaining an automated testing framework.
• Confidence in writing test data scenarios that include irregular earnings, leavers/joiners, pension contributions, and holiday pay.
• Cross-platform testing experience:
  Windows, Linux, macOS.
• Working with virtualisation environments (e.g., Hyper V, Virtual Box).
• ISEB/ISTQB certification or other industry-recognised QA qualifications.
• Awareness of bilingual testing needs, such as English/Welsh UI compliance (desirable but not essential).

• Work on critical national infrastructure systems used by thousands of UK employers.
• Deepen your domain expertise in compliance and payroll automation.
• Collaborate in a supportive, technically sound QA team.
• Long-term visibility with strong extension potential.