Managing payroll involves more than making sure employees are paid on time. Businesses also need to keep up with PAYE, National Insurance, workplace pension requirements, reporting and other day-to-day obligations. For smaller teams in particular, handling all of this internally can become time-consuming quite quickly.
Cambridge has a mix of accountancy firms, payroll specialists and wider business advisory practices offering payroll support to local organisations. Their services can vary considerably, from basic payroll processing to more comprehensive support covering compliance, reporting and related finance functions. This guide looks at payroll service providers in Cambridge and the types of support businesses can typically expect, without ranking them.
Acumon
Acumon is a UK firm of chartered accountants and advisors providing payroll services to businesses in Cambridge and across the UK.
The firm works with organisations ranging from growing owner-managed businesses to larger corporate groups and regulated entities. Payroll services support accurate, timely and compliant payroll processing and ongoing employer responsibilities.
Acumon provides payroll services covering payroll processing, PAYE and National Insurance, pension administration, CIS and P11D support. Services are delivered through a structured approach designed to maintain accurate records and support statutory reporting and compliance.
Acumon holds a Public Interest Entity (PIE) audit licence, allowing the firm to audit listed companies and other entities subject to enhanced regulatory oversight in the United Kingdom. PIE audits are subject to additional regulatory supervision and quality requirements, and only a limited number of firms are authorised to undertake this type of work.
In addition to its UK audit registration, Acumon also holds audit licences in several international financial centres, including the Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands (BVI), Jersey, and Isle of Man. These licences enable the firm to support international corporate groups where entities are located across multiple jurisdictions.
International groups may employ staff across UK companies, overseas subsidiaries and other entities in multiple jurisdictions. Coordinating payroll across these structures requires consistent processes, accurate reporting and an understanding of UK payroll requirements.
Acumon works with business owners, directors, finance teams and payroll departments to support payroll requirements while also helping organisations maintain effective payroll processes, financial administration and compliance arrangements.
Payroll Services Capabilities
Acumon provides payroll services across a wide range of organisational structures and sectors.
These include:
- UK companies and corporate groups
- owner-managed businesses and growing companies
- UK subsidiaries of international groups
- regulated organisations
- charities and not-for-profit organisations
- organisations operating across multiple locations
Payroll engagements are typically led by experienced professionals with direct involvement throughout the engagement.
Regulatory Licences and Registrations
Acumon holds several registrations and professional qualifications that support its wider accounting, audit, tax and payroll services.
These include:
- UK statutory audit registration
- Public Interest Entity (PIE) audit licence
- Jersey audit licence
- Isle of Man audit licence
- CIPP-qualified payroll professionals
These qualifications and registrations support the firm’s work with organisations operating across the UK and selected international jurisdictions.
Core Services
In addition to payroll services, Acumon provides a range of payroll, accounting and tax services.
These include:
- payroll processing and management
- statutory external audit
- pension administration and auto-enrolment
- P11D and end-of-year returns
- group and subsidiary audits
- Public Interest Entity (PIE) audits
- charity and not-for-profit audit
- internal audit and governance reviews
- risk management and compliance support
Payroll work is often delivered alongside discussions with management regarding PAYE compliance, pension administration, financial reporting and wider employer obligations.
Many organisations seek professional payroll support as their workforce grows, payroll requirements become more complex or internal payroll resources change.
Acumon works with organisations that are:
- managing payroll and employer obligations
- growing their workforce
- improving financial administration
- strengthening compliance processes
- reviewing their payroll arrangements
- planning for future growth
Early engagement can help ensure that payroll processes, reporting and employer compliance remain aligned with HMRC requirements and organisational needs.
Contact Information
- Website: acumon.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: 1-2 Craven Road, Ealing, London, W5 2UA, UK
- Phone: 020 8567 3451
PEM
PEM is a Cambridge accountancy firm with a dedicated payroll team. Its service is structured around outsourcing the payroll calculation process, with the business providing employee and pay information while PEM calculates payroll and supplies the required reports and payslips. The firm also offers advice on HMRC and employee queries when needed. Payroll is part of a wider accountancy practice, which can be useful for companies that prefer to keep payroll alongside their other finance work.
PEM’s Cambridge office is on Station Road, making it a straightforward option for local businesses that prefer dealing with a nearby accountancy firm.
Key Facts
- Ideal for: Businesses outsourcing payroll alongside accountancy services
- Core services: Payroll calculations, payslips, reporting, payroll outsourcing
- Specialization: Payroll and accountancy support for businesses
- Notable strength: Dedicated payroll team based within a Cambridge accountancy practice
Contact Information
- Website: www.pem.co.uk
- Email: [email protected]
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/pem
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/pem_people
- Address: Salisbury House, Station Road, Cambridge, CB1 2LA
- Phone: 01223 728222
Streets
Streets provides fully outsourced payroll for businesses ranging from very small employers to organisations with hundreds of staff. Its service includes new starters and leavers, PAYE and National Insurance calculations, RTI submissions, auto-enrolment, BACS payments, payslips and payroll reporting. It also offers CIS payroll support for construction businesses. Streets has a Cambridge office in Girton and lists payroll as part of its broader accountancy, tax and advisory offering.
Its payroll service can be run at weekly, fortnightly, monthly and other frequencies, which gives employers some flexibility as their payroll requirements change.
Key Facts
- Ideal for: Start-ups, SMEs and larger employers needing managed payroll
- Core services: PAYE, RTI, pensions, BACS payments, payslips, payroll reporting, CIS
- Specialization: Outsourced payroll and wider accountancy support
- Notable strength: Flexible payroll frequencies and a dedicated payroll service
Contact Information
- Website: www.streets.uk
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/StreetsAccountants
- Twitter: x.com/StreetsAcc
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/streetsaccountants
- Address: 3 Wellbrook Court, Girton, Cambridge, CB3 0NA
- Phone: 01223 570000
Lakin Rose
Lakin Rose operates a payroll bureau from its office in Girton, Cambridge. Its payroll service covers businesses from start-ups and single-person unincorporated businesses to larger established companies. Their offering includes pension support, payrolling of benefits, cloud-based payroll software, custom reporting, accounting integrations and an employee payslip portal.
The wider practice also provides accounting and tax services, so payroll can sit alongside bookkeeping, accounts preparation and other business support rather than being handled as a completely separate function.
Key Facts
- Ideal for: Start-ups, owner-managed businesses and established companies
- Core services: Payroll processing, pensions, benefits, payslips, reporting
- Specialization: Payroll bureau services with accounting integration
- Notable strength: Cloud payroll with accounting software integration
Contact Information
- Website: lakinrose.co.uk
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: Cambridge House, Camboro Business Park, Girton, Cambridge, CB3 0QH
- Phone: 01223 235707
Wilson Partners
Wilson Partners offers payroll services through its Cambridge team in Great Shelford. The service includes weekly and monthly payroll runs, pension compliance, payrolling of benefits, payroll changes and auto-enrolment processing. Clients also have access to payroll information, while a dedicated account manager can provide support around payroll and related business matters.
The firm is broader than a payroll bureau, with services spanning accounting, tax, corporate finance, valuations and outsourced finance. This makes it more relevant to businesses that want payroll handled as part of a wider finance function.
Key Facts
- Ideal for: SMEs wanting payroll alongside wider finance support
- Core services: UK payroll, pensions, benefits, auto-enrolment, payroll changes
- Specialization: Payroll and business advisory services
- Notable strength: Payroll support integrated with broader business services
Contact Information
- Website: www.wilson-partners.co.uk
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/thinkingbusinessUK
- Twitter: x.com/wilsonpartners
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/wilson-partners-limited
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/wilsonpartners
- Address: Windsor House, Station Court, Station Road, Great Shelford, Cambridge, CB22 5NE
- Phone: 0330 057 6265
DBS Accountants of Cambridge
DBS Accountants provides payroll as part of its services for small and medium-sized businesses. The firm supports payroll setup, weekly and monthly payroll cycles, in-year forms, customised payslips, HMRC queries, P11D preparation, RTI submissions, auto-enrolment and general PAYE advice.
The practice is based in Milton and has operated since the early 1990s. Its smaller-firm structure may appeal to businesses that want payroll handled by an accountancy practice rather than a large payroll provider.
Key Facts
- Ideal for: Small and medium-sized businesses
- Core services: Payroll setup, PAYE, RTI, payslips, P11D, auto-enrolment
- Specialization: Small business accountancy and payroll
- Notable strength: Payroll combined with general accountancy services
Contact Information
- Website: dbsaccountants.co.uk
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: Unit 6 Glassworld, Cambridge Road Industrial Estate, Milton, Cambridge, CB24 6AZ
- Phone: 01223 420402
PSF Accounting
PSF Accounting is a small accountancy firm with branches in Cambridge and Stamford. Its payroll service covers organisations from sole directors to businesses with larger workforces, including temporary staffing companies. The firm also handles auto-enrolment pension administration, HMRC payroll enquiries and related reporting.
Payroll sits within a wider package of bookkeeping, accounts, tax and outsourced finance services. For businesses already looking for broader accounting support, that combined structure may be more practical than using a separate payroll bureau.
Key Facts
- Ideal for: Small and medium-sized businesses needing payroll and accounting
- Core services: Payroll, pensions, auto-enrolment, HMRC support, reporting
- Specialization: Payroll within a wider accounting service
- Notable strength: Payroll support for businesses ranging from sole directors to larger teams
Contact Information
- Website: psfaccounting.co.uk
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: Allia Future Business Centre, Kings Hedges Road, Cambridge, CB4 2HY
- Phone: 01223 297 381
Abacus Business Consultants
Abacus Business Consultants provides payroll services from its Cambridge Innovation Park location in Waterbeach. Its services include monthly payroll, employee payslips, RTI submissions, pension reporting and direct debit payment, as well as holiday pay calculations. The firm also can advise businesses on streamlining payroll processes and reducing the risk of errors.
Payroll forms part of the practice’s broader accounting work, which includes VAT and limited company accounting. It may therefore be relevant to smaller businesses looking for several finance functions under one roof.
Key Facts
- Ideal for: Small businesses needing payroll alongside accounting
- Core services: Monthly payroll, payslips, RTI, pensions, holiday pay
- Specialization: Small business accounting and payroll
- Notable strength: Fixed-fee monthly payroll option published on its website
Contact Information
- Website: abacuscma.co.uk
- Email: [email protected]
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/abacus-business-consultants-cambridge
- Address: Cambridge Innovation Park, Denny End Road, Waterbeach, Cambridge, CB25 9PB
- Phone: 01223 798902
Chater Allan
Chater Allan is a chartered accountancy practice in Stow-cum-Quy, near Cambridge, offering payroll alongside accounts, audit, tax and charity services. The firm describes its payroll service as focused on accurate and timely processing in line with HMRC requirements.
The practice is relatively broad in terms of accounting support, which can be useful for organisations that prefer to keep payroll connected to their wider finance work. Its Cambridge-area location also makes it relevant to employers looking for a local provider.
Key Facts
- Ideal for: Businesses wanting payroll from a local accountancy practice
- Core services: Payroll processing, accounts, audit, tax
- Specialization: General accountancy and business support
- Notable strength: Payroll delivered alongside accounting and audit services
Contact Information
- Website: www.chaterallan.co.uk
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: 7 Quy Court, Colliers Lane, Stow-cum-Quy, Cambridge, CB25 9AU
- Phone: 01223 354233
IDB Bookkeeping Services
IDB Bookkeeping Services is a Cambridgeshire bookkeeping practice that also provides payroll for local businesses. Payroll can be arranged weekly or monthly, with packages covering annual returns and payslips. The business also provides bookkeeping, VAT, CIS, year-end accounts and self-assessment services.
The practice is licensed and regulated by the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers and is based in Bottisham. Its service is likely to be most relevant to smaller businesses that want bookkeeping and payroll managed together.
Key Facts
- Ideal for: Sole traders, partnerships and small limited companies
- Core services: Weekly or monthly payroll, payslips, annual payroll returns
- Specialization: Bookkeeping and payroll for smaller businesses
- Notable strength: Payroll combined with bookkeeping, VAT and CIS support
Contact Information
- Website: idbbookkeeping.co.uk
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/IDB-Bookkeeping-Services-Ltd-102717161984229
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/claire-bradford23
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/idb_bookkeeping
- Address: 9 Spring Lane, Bottisham, Cambridge, CB25 9BL
- Phone: 07725266615
TaxAssist Accountants Cambridge
TaxAssist Accountants Cambridge provides payroll and HR support as part of its local accounting services. The Cambridge office offers business accounting, bookkeeping, VAT, tax planning and payroll, while the firm also has a separate Great Shelford location in the area.
For businesses that want to meet an accountant locally, the Cambridge office is based on Mill Road. The wider TaxAssist network also means payroll can be handled alongside other business services without having to use separate providers for each function.
Key Facts
- Ideal for: Small businesses wanting local accounting and payroll support
- Core services: Payroll and HR, bookkeeping, VAT, business accounting, tax planning
- Specialization: Small business accounting and tax
- Notable strength: Local office combined with wider TaxAssist support
Contact Information
- Website: www.taxassist.co.uk
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/TaxAssistAccountantsUK
- Twitter: x.com/TaxAssistUK
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/taxassist-accountants
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/taxassistuk
- Address: 208 Mill Road, Cambridge, CB1 3NF
- Phone: 0800 0523 555
GMS Business Accountants
GMS Business Accountants is based in Cambridgeshire and provides payroll as part of its services for limited companies, sole traders and other small businesses. Its payroll offering covers salary calculations, including overtime, bonuses and statutory pay, alongside PAYE and National Insurance deductions.
The practice also works with businesses on VAT, management accounts, company formation and other accounting needs. It serves clients across the UK, with Cambridge among its main locations.
Key Facts
- Ideal for: SMEs and owner-managed businesses
- Core services: Salary calculations, PAYE, National Insurance, payroll
- Specialization: Small business accounting
- Notable strength: Payroll integrated with wider SME accounting services
Contact Information
- Website: gms-accountants.co.uk
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/gmsbusinessaccountants
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/gms-business-accountants-ltd
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/gmsaccountants
- Phone: 07739 828423
Affinity Associates
Affinity Associates, formerly operating as Nicholas Cliffe & Co, is a chartered accountancy practice in Great Shelford. Its Cambridge practice provides payroll alongside accounts, tax, audit and other business services. The payroll service covers new payroll setups, day-to-day processing, PAYE and National Insurance deductions, year-end returns, holiday pay, statutory pay and stakeholder pensions.
The practice has a dedicated payroll role within its team and supports businesses ranging from sole director companies to those with around 50 employees. Payroll covers day-to-day processing as well as PAYE, National Insurance, statutory payments and pension administration.
Key Facts
- Ideal for: Small and medium-sized businesses
- Core services: Payroll processing, PAYE, National Insurance, pensions, statutory pay
- Specialization: Chartered accountancy and payroll bureau services
- Notable strength: Dedicated payroll function within a local accountancy practice
Contact Information
- Website: affinityassociates.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/AffinityAssociatesLimited
- Twitter: x.com/AffinityLondon
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/affinity-associates-ltd
- Address: Mill House, Mill Court, Great Shelford, Cambridge, CB22 5LD
- Phone: 01223 471 576
Conclusion
Payroll is often one of those business processes that works quietly in the background until something goes wrong. The providers covered in this guide take different approaches, from dedicated payroll processing to services that sit alongside bookkeeping, accounting and tax support.
When comparing payroll providers in Cambridge, businesses may want to look at factors such as the size of their workforce, payroll frequency, pension administration, reporting needs and the level of support they expect from their accountant or payroll bureau. There is no single option that fits every organisation, so the most suitable provider will depend on the business’s specific requirements.