Senior QA Analyst (Expertise in payroll systems)
Maidenhead, United Kingdom | Posted on 22/04/2026
Job Title: Senior QA Analyst (Expertise in payroll systems)
Location: UK-based applicants only
Start Date: Immediate / ASAP
About the Role
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.
Key Responsibilities
* Design and execute detailed manual test cases for payroll-related features using TestRail 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:
o NI contributions (primary and secondary)
o Tax codes and thresholds
o Student loan deductions
o 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, GitHub, 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 GitHub Actions.
* Apply robust QA processes throughout the software development lifecycle (SDLC), ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
Qualifications and Skills
* Strong payroll testing background with deep understanding of UK payroll cycles, PAYE, and statutory obligations.
* 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 (GitHub 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.
* Experience working with virtualization environments (e.g., Hyper‑V, VirtualBox).
* ISEB/ISTQB certification or other industry‑recognised QA qualifications.
* Awareness of bilingual testing needs, such as English/Welsh UI compliance (desirable but not essential).
Why This Role?
* 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.
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