The Recruiters View: Inside the Payroll temp market 2025 – trends, pay, and what’s changing?

We caught up with Mollie Anker, Senior Recruiter at Portfolio Payroll Temps, to get her take on the state of the temporary payroll market in 2025. From shifting candidate priorities to growing demand for system expertise, Mollie shares what employers need to know to attract and secure the right payroll professionals in a market that moves quickly.

A Busy and Evolving Market

The temp payroll market remains active and full of opportunity. While the pace can vary week to week, there is a steady demand for experienced payroll professionals, particularly when businesses need quick cover, additional support during busy periods such as year-end, or specialist expertise for payroll projects like system implementations or process improvements.

Right now, many briefs are focused on candidates with strong technical payroll skills. Proficiency in systems such as Oracle, iTrent, Zellis and ADP is highly sought after, along with strong Excel capabilities. Employers across both the public and private sectors are

looking for individuals who can step in with minimal handover, add immediate value, and support the wider payroll function from day one.

What Candidates Are Looking For

Flexibility is no longer a bonus. Since the pandemic, most payroll candidates expect hybrid working as standard. Roles that offer a degree of choice around working patterns or location tend to generate far more interest than those that are fully office-based.

Progression is also front of mind. Many payroll professionals are looking to expand their experience, gain exposure to new systems, or work in different sectors. Even those who have been in the same role for ten years or more are now exploring fresh challenges and new opportunities to grow.

Interestingly, many senior candidates are showing more flexibility too. Payroll managers and team leads are often open to stepping into day-to-day processing roles, especially when those roles involve transformation, change, or a system implementation.

How Employers Can Make an Impact

The employers who are hiring successfully right now tend to have two things in common: a streamlined process and a flexible approach. Acting quickly on CVs and keeping interview stages focused makes a real difference, particularly when the strongest payroll candidates are often in multiple processes.

Being open to hybrid working, flexible hours or clearly defined deliverables within a contract role can also help. Small adjustments to the structure or working pattern can significantly widen the pool of experienced candidates available to support your payroll team.

What’s Happening with Pay and Benefits

Salaries have continued to rise, especially for payroll professionals with project experience or technical expertise. Those who can support with system change, implementation or transformation often command higher day rates and are in strong demand.

That said, salary is rarely the only consideration. Payroll candidates are also thinking about flexibility, commute times, team culture, and whether the role supports their long-term goals. Employers who offer a well-rounded package that balances competitive pay with a realistic working model are in a much stronger position.

Looking Ahead

AI is starting to reshape how payroll teams operate. Tasks like data input, validation and reporting are increasingly automated, allowing professionals to focus more on analysis, compliance and system improvements.

For temps, this means growing demand for tech-savvy candidates who are confident working with payroll systems, supporting change projects, or integrating new platforms. Strong processing skills still matter, but roles are becoming more strategic and system-led.

Payroll professionals who embrace technology and continue to upskill will be well placed to take on more varied and higher-value roles as the function evolves.

Final Thoughts

If you are hiring temporary payroll talent this year, move quickly, stay flexible and make sure your process is clear. Candidates know what they are looking for and won’t wait around. A fast, well-structured approach with a competitive offer will put you in the best position to secure the right people.

About Mollie Anker

Mollie Anker is a Senior Recruiter at Portfolio Payroll, specialising in temporary and contract payroll recruitment. With over three years’ experience, she works with organisations across the UK to deliver fast, reliable solutions for interim cover, system-led projects and short-term peaks. Mollie recruits across all levels of payroll, with particular expertise in sourcing candidates with iTrent and Oracle.

📩 Looking for support with your next temp hire?
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