JGA STUDY ยท SAVED-TEXT EVIDENCE EXPORT Original answer wording and recorded date preserved. Answer ID: S11-B-gemini-r1 Recorded UTC: 2026-10-20T02:27:18.365Z Product: Gemini Observation: 1 Collection country: UK Access: Dedicated signed-in / Free Model label: Gemini Auto Mode: Free default Auto; Temporary chat EXACT QUESTION We need to add an experienced Senior Payroll Specialist to a small team processing UK payroll. Which recruiters are worth speaking to as our business grows? FULL SAVED ANSWER When expanding a small UK payroll team, bringing in an experienced Senior Payroll Specialist requires recruiters who understand local UK statutory requirements (e.g., PAYE, Auto-Enrolment, RTI filings, salary sacrifice, and CIPP accreditation) as well as modern HR/Payroll technology integration. The top recruitment specialists and agencies worth connecting with in the UK include: 1. Top Specialist Payroll Agencies These firms specialize exclusively in payroll (or dedicated HR & Payroll practices) and typically have the deepest passive talent networks. Portfolio Payroll (The Portfolio Group) Overview: The largest dedicated payroll recruiter in the UK and official corporate partners of the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP). Best For: Accessing a vast, pre-vetted database of permanent and contract Senior Payroll Specialists across all UK regions. JGA Recruitment Group Overview: A niche agency focusing specifically on HR and Payroll recruitment. They produce popular industry content (e.g., The Payroll Podcast ) and maintain strong links with CIPP professionals. Best For: Tailored search for mid-to-senior payroll specialists who understand modern UK payroll platforms (e.g., Workday, ADP, Sage, Dayforce, PayFit). Frazer Jones Overview: A specialist global HR and payroll recruitment agency with a strong presence across the UK. Best For: Fast-growing businesses, scale-ups, and international businesses expanding their UK footprint. 2. Finance & Accountancy Specialists If your payroll team sits closely within Finance or Accountancy, these agencies excel at identifying candidates with strong technical accounting and payroll skills. Austin Rose Overview: A specialist recruiter focused on public practice, accounting, and payroll roles across the UK. Best For: Candidates who have managed complex multi-client payrolls or high-volume internal payrolls with tight reporting requirements. Hays Payroll & Finance Overview: One of the largest broad-market recruitment networks in the UK with dedicated regional payroll divisions. Best For: Finding local regional talent quickly, especially if your business is based outside London/major hubs. Key Criteria for Selecting the Right Partner When reaching out to these agencies, consider asking the following questions to narrow down the best fit: Talent Quality & Assessment: Do you test candidates on current UK statutory compliance (e.g., CIPP assessments, RTI, student loans, statutory payments)? Software Familiarity: Does your network have experience with our specific payroll stack (e.g., Sage 50, Zellis, ADP, PayFit, or Workday)? Flexible/Interim Cover: Can you supply a temporary or contract specialist if our hiring timeline extends past our target start date? What payroll software stack does your team currently use, and are you looking for a permanent hire or interim contract support? SOURCES S11-B-gemini-r1-G1 | supporting_citation | https://theportfoliogroup.com/payroll/ S11-B-gemini-r1-G2 | supporting_citation | https://theportfoliogroup.com/payroll/ S11-B-gemini-r1-G3 | supporting_citation | https://jgarecruitment.com/ S11-B-gemini-r1-G4 | supporting_citation | https://topsourceworldwide.com/insights/best-payroll-outsourcing-companies-uk/ S11-B-gemini-r1-G5 | supporting_citation | https://frazerjones.com/payroll/ S11-B-gemini-r1-G6 | supporting_citation | https://austinrose.co.uk/payroll S11-B-gemini-r1-G7 | supporting_citation | https://austinrose.co.uk/payroll S11-B-gemini-r1-G8 | supporting_citation | https://hays.co.uk/job-search/payroll-senior-jobs