Payroll Accountant Hiring Guide
Running payroll involves far more than just paying your employees. It requires accurate calculation of PAYE income tax, National Insurance contributions, student loan deductions, pension auto-enrolment, statutory sick pay, maternity/paternity pay, and Real Time Information (RTI) reporting to HMRC. A payroll provider can manage some or all of this work; confirm the exact scope, review process, deadlines, and responsibility for corrections before appointing one.
General guidance reviewed 12 July 2026 · How we review content
Browse Public-Record ListingsWhat to Check Before Hiring
The right payroll accountant should be clear about scope, records needed, deadlines, and how they keep you compliant after the first conversation.
RTI filing process
Auto-enrolment pension support
Statutory pay and leaver/starter handling
Pricing Context
Payroll is commonly priced per payroll run plus a per-employee amount, with year-end forms and pension administration sometimes charged separately.
Compliance Context
Confirm support for PAYE deadlines, FPS/EPS submissions, pension uploads, P60s, P45s, and payroll record retention.
Payroll FAQs
When do I need to set up payroll?
You need to register as an employer with HMRC and set up payroll before your first employee starts work. This includes directors who pay themselves a salary through their limited company.
What are the employer NI rates?
For 2026/27, employers pay Class 1 secondary NICs at 15% on earnings above the secondary threshold. The Employment Allowance of £10,500 is available to eligible employers.
What is pension auto-enrolment?
Auto-enrolment requires employers to automatically enrol eligible employees into a workplace pension scheme and make minimum contributions. The minimum total contribution is 8% of qualifying earnings (3% employer, 5% employee).
Check the official guidance
Choosing an accountant for payroll?
Use the checks and official sources above, then browse public-record listings and confirm service availability directly with each firm.