Payroll & Accounts Assistant

Job Title: Payroll & Accounts Assistant Location: Belfast Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent Salary: Competitive (DOE) About the Company Our client is one of Northern Ireland’s most established and respected accountancy practices, with over 70 years’ experience supporting SMEs, owner-managed businesses, and growing companies across a range of sectors. With a strong focus on cloud accounting and modern finance solutions, the firm provides a full suite of services including payroll, VAT, tax planning, audit, and business advisory. This role offers the opportunity to join a professional, client-focused team and gain exposure to a wide portfolio of businesses. The Role This is a hybrid payroll and accounts preparation role, with approximately 60% payroll and 40% accounts/VAT responsibilities. You will be responsible for managing multiple client payrolls on a weekly basis, alongside supporting the accounts team with VAT returns and general accounts preparation. This role would suit someone coming from a practice or bureau environment, or a strong payroll professional looking to broaden into accounts. Key Responsibilities Payroll (60%) Processing multiple weekly payrolls for a portfolio of clients Managing starters, leavers, and statutory payments (SSP, SMP etc.) Ensuring full PAYE compliance and accurate submissions Working with BrightPay payroll software Handling payroll queries from clients in a professional and timely manner Supporting with payroll reporting and reconciliations Accounts Preparation (40%) Assisting with accounts preparation for a range of clients (sole traders, partnerships, limited companies) Preparing and submitting VAT returns Supporting with bookkeeping and financial data processing Working with a variety of cloud accounting systems (e.g. Xero, Sage, QuickBooks) Ensuring accurate and timely financial records Essential Criteria Minimum 2 years’ experience in payroll and/or accounts Experience processing multiple payrolls (ideally multi-client) Strong attention to detail and ability to meet strict deadlines Confident communicator, comfortable dealing with clients Desirable Criteria Experience using BrightPay Previous experience within an accountancy practice or payroll bureau Knowledge of VAT returns and accounts preparation Exposure to cloud accounting software (Xero, Sage, QuickBooks etc.) Why Apply? Join a well-established and reputable accountancy practice Work across a diverse client portfolio Gain exposure to both payroll and accounts (great for development) Opportunity to develop within a modern, cloud-focused environment Supportive team with strong technical expertise Ashton Recruitment is acting like Recruitment Agency…