Job Description:

Payroll Supervisor

Newton Abbot, Devon – Hybrid available after probation
Permanent | Monday-Friday 37.5 hours per week (flexible working around core hours 9:30am – 4:00pm and part-time considered)
Salary: Up to £40,000 depending on experience

About the Opportunity

Hawk 3 Talent Solutions are proud to be working in partnership with a long-established accountancy practice in Newton Abbot, who are looking to welcome a Payroll Supervisor to their friendly and supportive team.

Known for their strong team culture and excellent staff retention (with an average tenure of 8 years), this is a business where people feel valued, supported, and encouraged to grow. Collaboration, open communication, and work-life balance are genuinely prioritised, alongside ongoing training and development opportunities.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced payroll professional with bureau experience to join a busy payroll team of three in a fast-paced accountancy environment. The successful candidate will take responsibility for supervising the day-to-day operation of the payroll function, supporting the Payroll Manager, and mentoring junior team members while ensuring an exceptional service is delivered to clients.

The Role

As Payroll Supervisor, you will oversee the accurate and timely delivery of payroll services for a varied client portfolio. Working closely with the Payroll Manager, you'll help coordinate workloads, provide technical guidance, and ensure payroll processes are completed efficiently and in line with current legislation.

You'll play a key role in supporting and developing junior members of the team, maintaining high standards of client service, and identifying opportunities to improve payroll processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise the preparation and processing of weekly, monthly, and bi-weekly payrolls for a varied client portfolio.
• Review payrolls for accuracy and ensure all deadlines are met.
• Support and oversee calculations for tax, National Insurance, pensions, statutory payments, and deductions.
• Ensure accurate submission of HMRC RTI reports.
• Oversee pension processing and auto-enrolment compliance.
• Maintain payroll data across multiple systems and ensure data integrity.
• Act as a key point of contact for clients, HMRC, and other third parties, handling complex payroll queries.
• Oversee CIS submissions and year-end payroll processes including P60s and final submissions.
• Audit payroll data and implement quality control procedures.
• Allocate workloads within the payroll team and assist with prioritising tasks.
• Coach, mentor, and provide day-to-day support to junior members of the payroll team.
• Assist with onboarding and training new team members.
• Support the Payroll Manager with process improvements, legislative updates, and departmental projects.
• Complete timesheets and escalate any operational issues or risks to the Payroll Manager.

About You

This role would suit an experienced payroll professional with a strong background in high-volume payroll processing within a bureau environment. You'll have excellent technical payroll knowledge, enjoy supporting others, and be confident managing priorities in a busy environment.

Essential

• CIPP qualification (or working towards) or significant payroll experience.
• Proven experience working within a payroll bureau.
• Previous experience supervising, mentoring, or supporting a payroll team.
• Strong working knowledge of payroll legislation, HMRC requirements, pensions, and statutory payments.
• Experience using payroll software such as Sage 50.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with clients and colleagues.
• Proactive approach with excellent attention to detail.
• Exposure to accounts or systems such as CCH would be beneficial.

What's on Offer

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays. (20 days initially if not at managerial level)
• Extra day off at Christmas.
• Flexible working around core hours and part-time hours considered(9:30am – 4:00pm).
• Hybrid working after probation.
• Medicash plan.
• Online discount portal.
• 24/7 employee assistance helpline.
• One professional membership paid annually.
• Fully funded training and qualifications.
• Training bonuses for students.
• Parking permit salary sacrifice.
• Employee referral bonus (up to £1,500).
• Dress-down Fridays.
• Dedicated wellbeing team.

Why Apply?

If you're looking for the opportunity to take the next step in your payroll career within a welcoming, people-focused firm, this role offers the chance to combine hands-on payroll expertise with team leadership. You'll join a supportive organisation where your knowledge and experience will be valued, with genuine opportunities for continued professional development and progression.