Junior Payroll Assistant

Mission of the role To ensure the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of payroll for multiple UK clients. The UK Payroll Executive will be responsible for managing payroll data, processing payroll transactions, supporting workplace pension auto-enrolment, responding to client queries, and ensuring all payroll activities are completed in line with UK labour laws, HMRC requirements, tax regulations, and agreed client timelines. The role requires strong attention to detail, client service, ownership, and the ability to manage multiple payrolls and deadlines efficiently while continuously looking for ways to improve workflows through technology, AI, and automation. Key outcomes In the first 6–12 months Outcome 1: UK Payroll Knowledge & Process Proficiency Develop a strong foundational understanding of UK payroll regulations and processes and confidently apply the appropriate rules when preparing and processing client payrolls. Become fully familiar with Sleek's internal payroll platforms and processes, including HMRC submissions such as RTI, FPS and EPS, workplace pension submissions, and year-end reporting requirements including P60s and P11Ds by the third month. Outcome 2: Accurate & Compliant Payroll Processing Process assigned client payrolls accurately and within agreed timelines, ensuring all payroll data is complete and correctly validated before submission. Ensure 100% compliance with agreed payroll and statutory deadlines, including payroll runs, pension auto-enrolment submissions, and applicable HMRC requirements. Identify discrepancies or potential issues early, take ownership of resolving them, and maintain high standards of confidentiality and data accuracy. Outcome 3: Client Service & Responsiveness Maintain a high level of client satisfaction by providing prompt, accurate, and professional responses to payroll-related queries. Consistently achieve a CSAT target of at least 97% month-on-month while ensuring that client queries and emails are responded to within the agreed communication SLA, with no non-reply tickets or emails left unresolved at the end of the working day. Build trusted relationships with clients by providing clear updates, proactively following up on outstanding information, and handling difficult conversations positively when required. Outcome 4: Team Collaboration & Process Improvement Work effectively with the UK Payroll team and other internal departments to ensure smooth payroll operations and timely resolution of client or processing issues. Contribute to improving payroll processes and operational efficiency by identifying opportunities to use AI, automation, payroll technology, and improved workflows to reduce manual work, improve accuracy, and increase turnaround times. Must-have experience Minimum 1–2 years of hands-on UK payroll processing experience. Experience working in a bureau, outsourced payroll environment, or shared services centre is preferred. Experience managing multiple client payroll accounts is an advantage. Working knowledge of UK payroll processes, HMRC requirements, tax regulations, and workplace pension processes. Experience with payroll software such as BrightPay, Xero Payroll, or similar is an advantage. Strong attention to detail and experience working with sensitive and confidential financial information. Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines. Strong written and verbal English communication skills. Comfortable working with data and payroll-related reporting and metrics. Practical experience or strong interest in using AI tools, automation, and IT applications to improve daily workflows. Must-have attributes Ownership & Accountability: Takes full responsibility for assigned payrolls and client accounts, follows through on tasks without constant supervision, and proactively resolves issues or roadblocks. Humility: Open to feedback, willing to learn, and comfortable acknowledging knowledge gaps and seeking support when required. Structured Thinking: Able to organise multiple client payrolls, deadlines, queries, and tasks in a clear and logical manner, while using sound judgement to prioritise competing requirements. Data Driven & Attention to Detail: Comfortable working with numbers and payroll data, with a strong focus on accuracy. Able to identify discrepancies, missing information, or inconsistencies before they impact payroll processing or clients. Can Have Tough Conversations in a Positive Way: Able to communicate clearly and professionally when dealing with sensitive payroll issues, missing information, delays, or difficult client situations while maintaining a constructive client relationship. AI & Tech Savvy: Energetic about adopting new software, AI tools, automation, and technology to make payroll processes more efficient and effective. The interview process The successful candidate will participate in the following interview stages. We anticipate the process to last no more than 3 weeks from start to finish. TA Screen / One-way Video Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete a one-way video interview to assess spoken and written communication, relevant UK payroll experience, motivation, and initial background. Technical Round: A 30-minute interview and practical assessment with the Hiring Team to assess UK payroll knowledge, payroll processing experience, attention to detail, ability to work with payroll data, and understanding of UK payroll processes and deadlines. Soft Skills Round: A 30-minute chat with a member of the leadership team to evaluate real-world work scenarios against our core behavioural values, including ownership, humility, structured thinking, communication, and ability to handle challenging situations. Reference Verification: Prior to final offer confirmation, we will conduct one professional reference check with your recent direct manager or supervisor. To keep the process moving smoothly, this step may be initiated during the final interview stages. Requirement for background screening Please be aware that Sleek is a regulated entity and as such is required to perform different levels of background checks on staff depending on their role. This may include using external vendors to verify: Your education Any criminal history Any political exposure Any bankruptcy or adverse credit history We will ask for your consent before conducting these checks. Depending on your role at Sleek, an adverse result on one of these checks may prohibit you from passing probation. Some other great things about working at Sleek Humility and kindness: Humility is a core attribute we hire for, which means we have a culture of not taking ourselves too seriously and being able to laugh. Kindness is also incredibly important. We are committed to creating and nurturing a diverse and inclusive environment. Flexibility: You’ll be able to work remotely. If you need to start early or start late to cater to your family or other needs, we don’t mind, so long as you get your work done and proactively communicate. You can also work fully remote from anywhere in the world for 1 month each year. Financial benefits: We pay competitive market salaries and provide staff with generous paid time off and holiday schedules. Certain staff at Sleek are also eligible for our employee share ownership plan and can share in the upside of our stellar growth trajectory as we work toward listing on a prominent stock exchange in the Asia Pacific region. Personal growth: You’ll get a lot of responsibility and autonomy at Sleek - we move at a fast pace so you’ll be making decisions, making mistakes and learning. There’s also a range of internal and external facing training programmes we run. We’re also at the forefront of utilising AI in our space and are developing a regional centre of AI excellence. It is our intention that if you leave Sleek, you leave as a more well-rounded person and professional. Sleek is also a proudly certified B Corp. Since we started our journey in 2017, we’ve been committed to building Sleek as a force for good. In just over 5 years, we’ve joined a community of industry leaders like Patagonia, Ben & Jerry's, and P&G who are building an inclusive, equitable, and a regenerative economy.