Job Title: Payroll Clerk
Location: Durham
Salary: TBC
Job Type: Full-time / Permanent
ABOUT US:
We are a dynamic and growing accountancy practice providing a broad range of accounting, tax, and advisory services to a diverse portfolio of clients across multiple industries. We currently have offices in Newcastle and Durham and have vacancies in both sites. Our payroll bureau, based at our Durham office has a strong reputation. We pride ourselves on delivering accurate, compliant, and timely payroll solutions.
Due to continued growth, we are seeking an experienced Payroll Clerk to join our team. This role is ideal for someone with strong payroll experience, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple client payrolls efficiently.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
* Process weekly, fortnightly and monthly, payrolls for multiple clients accurately and on time.
* Calculate statutory payments such as SSP, SMP, SPP, and holiday pay.
* Manage auto-enrolment pension duties, including assessment, enrolment, and submission to multiple pension providers (e.g., NEST, The People’s Pension, Smart Pension, True Potential etc.).
* Administer starters, leavers, and employee changes (e.g., tax codes, benefits, bonuses, overtime).
* Produce payslips, P45s, P60s, and other payroll-related reports for clients.
* Handle client queries regarding payroll, tax codes, NI, pensions, and HMRC matters.
* Manage RTI submissions to HMRC, ensuring all deadlines are met.
* Communicate with HMRC to resolve payroll-related queries, tax code discrepancies, and compliance matters.
* Process year-end procedures, including P60s and P11Ds (if applicable).
* Maintain accurate records in line with GDPR and data protection requirements.
* Assist with onboarding new payroll clients, ensuring a smooth transition.
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
* Minimum 3 years' experience in a payroll role within a payroll bureau or a multi-client environment is essential.
* Proficient in managing auto-enrolment and continued maintenance of records across multiple pension providers.
* Confident liaising with HMRC, including handling queries and resolving issues.
* Strong understanding of UK payroll legislation, including PAYE, NIC, statutory payments, and pensions.
* Experience with payroll software (e.g., BrightPay, Moneysoft, Payroll Manager, or similar) is preferred.
* Excellent numerical skills with high attention to detail and accuracy.
* Ability to work under pressure to meet multiple deadlines.
* Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, for client liaison.
* Highly organised with strong time management skills.
* Competent in Microsoft Office, especially Excel and Outlook.
* Knowledge of CIS (Construction Industry Scheme) payroll processing is advantageous but not essential.
DESIRABLE:
* CIPP qualification or working towards it (preferred but not essential).
* Experience in dealing with holiday accrual for irregular hours workers (following recent legislative
* updates).
* Familiarity with GDPR in relation to payroll data.
BENEFITS:
* Competitive salary dependent on experience
* 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
* Pension scheme
* Professional development support (CPD, training, and qualifications)
* Flexible working opportunities (subject to agreement)
* Friendly, supportive, and professional working environment
HOW TO APPLY:
Please submit your CV and a covering letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are interested in joining our team to joanne@equityaccounting.co.uk