Who I help

SMEs. Family-owned businesses. Charities. Large organisations.

How I help

Payroll processing & compliance. Payroll reporting & advice.

“Providing accurate & timely payroll support every time”

With over 40 years of experience in payroll, Mark Leece, Payroll Manager based in our Bolton office, brings a wealth of knowledge to his role and the team. He oversees payroll operations for a diverse range of clients, from director-only payrolls to those with over a thousand employees, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance at every stage, as well as providing tailored advice. Mark is also focused on improving processes, looking for ways to enhance speed and precision while maintaining the highest standards of service. Clients and colleagues value Mark’s approachable personality, deep expertise, and his ability to make payroll smooth and stress-free for our clients.

Building strong relationships

“Clients know they can rely on me for accuracy, honesty, and clear communication. Whether I’m working with new or existing clients, I believe in always going above and beyond, especially in those first few payroll runs. Accuracy and attention to detail build trust, and I always want my clients to feel that we understand what matters most to them. Over time, I’ve seen payroll functions transform from something stressful into something that runs seamlessly, simply because the relationship has been built on communication, openness and strong foundations.”

A career built on experience

“Like many in payroll, I didn’t set out to pursue this career, it’s something I fell into. But once I started, I quickly discovered the challenge and variety that comes with payroll work. No two weeks are ever the same, and that constant change has kept me motivated and engaged for over 40 years.

Early in my career, I worked directly in business as well as within bureau settings, and that combination has given me a broad perspective. Today, it allows me to advise clients not just on the mechanics of payroll, but on the best way to run their payroll function overall.”

Diverse responsibilities

“My role involves overseeing the smooth running of our payroll department, which supports a diverse range of clients. We use systems such as SAGE, and I always make sure each payroll is processed both accurately and on time. I also focus on efficiency, reviewing our processes to see where we can save time and improve the overall experience for our clients. Alongside this, I spend a lot of time communicating with both clients and colleagues, making sure everyone feels supported and confident.”

Changing payroll perceptions

“One common misconception is that payroll is just about putting numbers into a computer. In reality, it’s much more complex, requiring attention to detail, efficient processes, and open communication with clients.

Payroll is one of the most important functions in any business. If employees aren’t paid accurately and on time, it can damage morale and trust. For me, the most satisfying part of the job is knowing that I’m playing a key role in supporting businesses and their people. Clients often tell me how much easier life feels when their payroll is handled properly. One even said they wished they had come to us years earlier because of the difference it made to their stress levels. That’s exactly the kind of feedback that makes this job worthwhile, knowing you have made a positive impact.”

A collaborative approach

“I once had a client who had issues around the apprenticeship levy and associated companies. We worked closely with them to gather all the necessary information and provided HMRC with the correct data. Resolving that issue gave the client confidence and peace of mind that we had everything under control for them.”

Learning from experiences

“The biggest challenge of my career was, without a doubt, the Covid-19 pandemic. Like everyone in payroll, we had to adapt quickly to working from home, using online meetings to stay connected as a team. We also had to get to grips with furlough regulations almost overnight. Clients needed reassurance that their staff would be paid correctly and that funding would come through. It was a stressful period, but as a team, we pulled together with regular updates and problem-solving to remove any stress for our clients and keep them informed along the way. The whole experience showed me just how adaptable people can be and the value of remote working.”

Looking forward

“Payroll is always evolving, and I’m particularly keen to see more automation come into play. Automating repetitive tasks makes processing more efficient, freeing up time to focus on enhancing the service we can offer to our clients. For me, payroll will always be about accuracy and timeliness, but the more we can use technology to support those goals, the better the experience will be for clients.

I really value the strong sense of teamwork in the payroll department. I know I can rely on each member of the team to carry out their role to the best of their ability. I’m also looking forward to learning from colleagues in other areas, and sharing my own knowledge to support the wider team.”