JGA STUDY · SAVED-TEXT EVIDENCE EXPORT Original answer wording and recorded date preserved. Answer ID: S11-A-gemini-r2 Recorded UTC: 2026-10-22T00:39:02.652Z Product: Gemini Observation: 2 Collection country: UK Access: Dedicated signed-in / Free Model label: Gemini Auto Mode: Free; native Temporary chat; Gemini Auto EXACT QUESTION Our business is growing and our small UK payroll team needs another Senior Payroll Specialist to share the workload. Which recruitment agencies should we speak to for a permanent hire? FULL SAVED ANSWER To recruit a permanent Senior Payroll Specialist in the UK, engaging a specialist recruitment firm often yields better results than general finance or HR recruiters. Senior payroll roles require exact compliance knowledge (e. g., HMRC statutory payments, RTI, workplace pensions, auto-enrolment, benefits-in-kind/P11Ds) and proficiency in specific software (e. g., ADP, Workday, SD Worx, Sage, BrightPay). Recommended Specialist Payroll Agencies 1. Portfolio Payroll (The Portfolio Group) Best for: Market reach, volume, and established networks. Overview: Widely recognized as the UK’s largest pure-play payroll recruiter. They have dedicated teams covering permanent mid-to-senior payroll appointments across the UK. [Source G01] Why speak to them: They publish widely respected annual salary benchmarks and maintain the largest candidate database for payroll professionals. 2. JGA Recruitment Group Best for: Executive/Senior search and high candidate-retention placements. [Source G02] Overview: A boutique specialist recruiter focusing exclusively on payroll and HR positions. They are highly active in the payroll community (hosting industry podcasts and partnering with payroll bodies). [Source G03] Why speak to them: They report exceptionally high placement retention rates and utilize search-led methodologies for permanent roles rather than just database matching. 3. Payroll Elite Best for: Dedicated niche hiring across public and private sectors. [Source G04] Overview: Operating for nearly 30 years, Payroll Elite focuses strictly on payroll and reward positions. Why speak to them: Their deep regional networks allow them to source senior specialists with specific, hard-to-find technical skill sets. 4. McKinnon Talent Best for: Personalized boutique service and consultative hiring. Overview: A specialized payroll and HR recruitment agency covering permanent hires across the UK. [Source G05] Why speak to them: Ideal if you want direct, high-touch access to senior recruiters rather than working through large account managers. Alternative: Major Finance & HR Agencies If you already have preferred supplier agreements (PSL) with broader recruitment partners, the finance/accountancy arms of these agencies also handle permanent senior payroll hires: Michael Page / Page Personnel (Finance & HR): Strong coverage for mid-to-senior level commercial payroll roles across UK regions. Hays Accountancy & Finance: Large regional footprint with local talent pools across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Robert Half: Excellent for candidates who have strong software-implementation or systems-focused payroll backgrounds. Key Things to Assess Before Engaging Software & Tech Alignment: Clarify early on whether you need a candidate experienced in a specific engine (e. g., ADP, Workday, Dayforce) or someone with software-migration experience. Fee Structure & Guarantees: For permanent hires, standard contingent recruitment fees in the UK typically range between 15% and 25% of the candidate's first-year base salary. Ask agencies about their rebate/replacement guarantee period (usually 8 to 12 weeks). CIPP Accreditation: Ask the recruiter if they test or verify qualifications from the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP) , such as the Foundation Degree in Payroll Management. Would you like advice on average UK market salary benchmarks for a Senior Payroll Specialist, or assistance drafting a job description for the role? SOURCES S11-A-gemini-r2-G01-1 | supporting_citation | https://theportfoliogroup.com/payroll/ S11-A-gemini-r2-G02-1 | supporting_citation | https://jgarecruitment.com/payroll-recruitment/ S11-A-gemini-r2-G03-1 | supporting_citation | https://jgarecruitment.com/payroll-recruitment/ S11-A-gemini-r2-G03-2 | supporting_citation | https://jgarecruitment.com/payroll-recruitment/ S11-A-gemini-r2-G04-1 | supporting_citation | https://payrollelite.co.uk/About-Us.html S11-A-gemini-r2-G05-1 | supporting_citation | https://mckinnontalent.co.uk/about-3