Senior Payroll Technician

About Sapphire and the Role

Sapphire is an employee-owned payroll, accountancy, and technology firm specializing in supporting recruitment companies and contractors throughout the UK and beyond. Recognized as one of the top small companies to work for in the UK, Sapphire combines innovative payroll solutions with a collaborative work environment. We are currently seeking a Senior Payroll Technician to join our Stockport office. This role involves managing complex payrolls, providing escalation support for clients and colleagues, and ensuring high accuracy and quality in all payroll operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee a portfolio of clients, ensuring payrolls are completed accurately and promptly.
• Manage complex payroll processes tailored to various client needs.
• Address and resolve intricate payroll and technical queries efficiently.
• Serve as a primary escalation point for internal teams, clients, and colleagues.
• Ensure correct application of PAYE and National Insurance deductions.
• Coordinate closely with the Finance team to reconcile payroll payments.
• Conduct quality assurance reviews to uphold payroll precision.
• Monitor financial controls such as outstanding advances and overpayments.
• Provide guidance and knowledge sharing to team members on payroll matters.
• Assist in workload planning and prioritization to meet deadlines and service targets.
• Cultivate strong client relationships by understanding their specific payroll requirements.
• Contribute to payroll team projects and continuous service improvements.
• Stay current with payroll legislation, compliance standards, and industry trends.

Candidate Profile

• Minimum of three years’ hands-on payroll experience with a track record of managing payrolls independently.
• Strong technical understanding of PAYE, National Insurance, and payroll administration.
• Proven ability to resolve complex payroll issues and queries.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Effective communication skills, comfortable engaging directly with clients.
• Good organizational abilities to handle multiple deadlines simultaneously.
• Collaborative mindset with a willingness to support team growth and development.
• Problem-solving orientation with confidence in taking ownership of issues.
• Experience with umbrella payroll is advantageous but not mandatory.
• Possession or desire to attain CIPP payroll qualifications, with study support provided.

Employee Benefits and Culture

• Employee ownership with substantial bonus potential tied to company performance, with bonuses historically around 50% of base salary.
• Recognition as the 4th Best Small Company to Work For in the UK (2025).
• Funding and support to achieve professional payroll qualifications such as CIPP.
• Clear avenues for career progression into technical, management, and leadership roles.
• Generous holiday entitlement of a minimum 34 days (including bank holidays and birthday), increasing to 37 days with tenure.
• Company-sponsored travel experiences and team events in vibrant destinations.
• Healthcare membership, enhanced maternity and paternity policies.
• Modern office facilities including collaborative spaces, games room, and bar, located in Stockport.