Payroll Manager

About Firm:

Our client is a modern, forward-thinking accountancy practice based in Basildon, known for its innovative culture, close-knit team, and commitment to excellence.

Due to continued growth, they are looking for a well-rounded and ambitious Payroll Manager / Bookkeeper to join their team. This is a varied and client-facing role with excellent progression prospects, including a clear path to a Payroll Manager position.

The Role:

This is a dual role covering both payroll (80%) and bookkeeping (20%) duties. The successful candidate will manage a portfolio of payroll clients, support bookkeeping clients across various sectors, and handle CIS returns. Strong communication skills, a proactive attitude, and a high level of attention to detail are essential.

Key Responsibilities:

Payroll

• Ensuring all payroll processing and autoenrollment compliance deadlines met.
• Arrange monthly payroll cover and cover during sick or annual leave.
• Management of payroll cover staff; reviewing work and ensuring deadlines are met.
• Training of payroll cover staff on payroll processing, internal processes and ensuring their payroll knowledge is up to date.
• Reporting to Portfolio Managers with payroll updates and any payroll issues.
• Overall management of payroll client engagement process.
• Overall management of payroll client disengagement process.
• Regular maintenance and updating of payroll processes, to ensure efficiency.
• Annual review of payroll fee structure.
• Regular review of payroll fees for clients, ensuring in line with payroll fee structure.
• Management of client online payroll portal and communication with clients on this
• Maintain and update payroll software as needed.
• Maintain and update payroll task lists in practice management software.

Bookkeeping & CIS - Training can be given

• Provide day-to-day bookkeeping services for a variety of clients using cloud accounting software (e.g., Xero, QuickBooks, Sage)
• Assist clients with VAT returns, bank reconciliations, and ledger maintenance
• Prepare and submit CIS returns and liaise with clients on CIS compliance
• Support with onboarding new bookkeeping clients and maintaining strong client relationships

Person Specification:

• Solid experience in both payroll and bookkeeping, ideally within an accountancy practice or bureau environment
• Confident using BrightPay and cloud accounting software (Xero, QuickBooks etc)
• Good understanding of CIS and P11D compliance
• Excellent communication skills - written and verbal
• Strong organisation and time management skills
• A collaborative and dependable team player
• Ambitious and driven by personal and professional growth

What’s on offer:

• Competitive salary of £40,000 - £45,000, depending on experience
• 20 days holiday + Bank Holidays + Birthday Day off
• Full CIPP study support to enhance your payroll expertise
• Clear career progression towards a Payroll Manager role
• Opportunity to work in a modern, supportive, and dynamic team
• Exposure to a varied client base and interesting, hands-on work
• Flexible working environment with a focus on continuous improvement

Looking for a role where your payroll and bookkeeping skills can truly shine?
Apply today and take the next step in your career with a progressive firm that values your contribution and invests in your growth. Message Liam Snell at LGS Vision for more information.