ChatGPT
JGA recommended.

ChatGPT said:

For a permanent Senior Payroll Specialist, I’d prioritise recruitment agencies that specialise in payroll , rather than general finance recruiters. Your brief calls for someone who can take ownership of end-to-end UK payroll, resolve day-to-day employee and stakeholder queries, and become a reliable addition to a small existing team.

Assuming you’re recruiting in London or are open to UK-wide candidates, these are the agencies I’d approach first. Several explicitly recruit for permanent payroll roles and have experience with senior operational positions. McKinnon Talent +3

Best recruitment agencies for your vacancy

1. Portfolio Payroll

My first choice

A dedicated payroll recruitment division with more than 35 years of experience, permanent hiring capability and a London office. It also uses payroll knowledge assessments to help check candidates’ understanding of legislation. A strong starting point for finding someone who can own payroll from start to finish. Portfolio Payroll

London: 020 7247 9455

[Websiteandemployer enquiries ](https://theportfoliogroup.com/payroll/about-us/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

2. JGA Recruitment

Specialises in payroll and HR recruitment across the UK, including payroll management, supervisory and operational roles. Worth approaching for a candidate with hands-on processing experience who can also support colleagues and handle queries. JGA Recruitment

01727 800 377 · Harpenden

[Website and contact details](https://jgarecruitment.com/payroll-jobs-london/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

3. McKinnon Talent

Payroll-only recruitment covering in-house payroll teams, outsourced providers and payroll bureaux, from operational roles through to senior leadership. Particularly relevant because you are expanding an existing team and need someone who fits your actual working environment. Mckinnon Talent

0161 507 0011

[Websiteandregistera vacancy ](https://mckinnontalent.co.uk/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

4. CV Screen

Recruits payroll specialists at different levels and supports office-based, hybrid and remote appointments. It publishes a permanent payroll placement fee of 15% of basic salary and offers a 100-day rebate, making it useful for comparing recruitment terms. Confirm the current terms directly. CV Screen

0345 200 8170

[Websiteandvacancy registration ](https://cvscreen.co.uk/payroll-recruitment/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

5. Oakleaf Partnership

Has a dedicated payroll practice covering permanent and interim appointments, with experience ranging from payroll administrators to managers and senior payroll leadership. A useful option if the role also involves pensions, benefits or closer collaboration with HR. Oakleaf

020 7220 7030 · London

[Websiteandpayrollrecruitment team ](https://oakleafpartnership.com/business-areas/payroll/payroll-capabilities?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

What I would ask agencies to screen for

For your small team, technical payroll competence and the ability to work independently are likely to matter more than an impressive job title. Ask each agency to assess candidates against these essentials:

• End-to-end UK payroll: independently managing the full payroll cycle, including gross-to-net calculations, PAYE, National Insurance, statutory payments, pensions and HMRC submissions.

• Employee and stakeholder queries: confidently resolving pay discrepancies, deductions, starters and leavers, and sensitive payroll issues.

• Compliance and accuracy: payroll reconciliations, deadlines, audit trails and up-to-date UK payroll legislation.

• Systems experience: proficiency in your existing payroll software, or demonstrable experience learning comparable systems.

• Small-team fit: someone proactive who can take ownership, spot problems early and work without needing close supervision.

I’d also ask for examples of recent permanent Senior Payroll Specialist placements, the expected shortlist turnaround, the fee and rebate terms, and how they technically test candidates.

My recommendation

Start with Portfolio Payroll, JGA Recruitment and McKinnon Talent . They have the clearest payroll-specific focus for your brief. Add CV Screen if you want to compare permanent recruitment fees, and Oakleaf if the remit crosses into pensions, benefits or HR.

One detail would help me narrow this down further: where will the role be based, and what salary range are you offering? I can then identify the most relevant agencies for your location and level of hire.