Senior Payroll Advisor (18-month FTC)

Our Payroll team is a comprehensive payroll bureau, delivering end-to-end payroll solutions to more than 1,400 clients, a number that continues to grow year on year. We are seeking a Senior Payroll Advisor to join us on an 18 month fixed-term contract, supporting the delivery of accurate, compliant and timely payroll services for a portfolio of Moore Kingston Smith's larger, higher-frequency and technically complex client payrolls. These include payrolling of benefits, share schemes, Teachers' Pensions, complex pension arrangements, expatriate and international payrolls, and both UK and non-UK payrolls.

The role requires advanced technical payroll expertise, strong client advisory capability, and the ability to collaborate effectively with Payroll Associates and Payroll Advisors to drive continuous improvements in accuracy, efficiency and compliance. The Senior Payroll Advisor will provide guidance and mentoring to junior team members, proactively resolve complex payroll issues, and play a pivotal role in process development and service enhancement.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of complex client payrolls, ensuring accurate, compliant and timely processing across multiple payroll frequencies and jurisdictions.
• Deliver payroll services involving complex pension arrangements, Teachers' Pensions, expatriate and international payrolls, benefits and share schemes.
• Act as a senior technical payroll specialist, providing guidance on complex payroll queries and legislative requirements.
• Manage HMRC submissions, statutory filings and year-end payroll processes, ensuring compliance and accuracy.
• Administer workplace pension auto-enrolment obligations and related statutory requirements.
• Support payroll implementations, client onboarding and system enhancements to deliver an excellent client experience.
• Operate payroll systems including IRIS Payroll Professional, ensuring high levels of accuracy and efficiency.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, acting as a trusted point of contact for complex payroll matters.
• Prepare client billing information and support commercial opportunities across the wider business.
• Mentor and support junior team members, sharing knowledge and promoting best practice across the payroll team.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, helping enhance payroll processes, compliance and service delivery.
• Stay abreast of payroll legislation, industry developments and emerging best practice.

Please review full job description attached to this posting. 

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Solid payroll processing experience within a bureau or client facing professional services environment.
• CIPP qualification or qualified by experience, demonstrating professional commitment and technical competence.
• Advanced working knowledge of payroll systems, particularly IRIS Payroll Professional, with the ability to use systems efficiently and accurately.
• Experience managing client relationships and payroll portfolios, with ability to multi-task by working on different payrolls day-to-day.
• Excellent and up to date knowledge of UK payroll legislation, auto enrolment, complex pensions, and payroll compliance.
• Proven experience managing multifaceted payroll issues, including expatriate, international, and complex pension arrangements.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to quality and compliance.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex payroll matters clearly to clients and colleagues.
• Strong IT and Excel skills, including the use of formulas for payroll data analysis and reporting.

Benefits