REWARD
Emma Watson MCIPPdip Assoc CIPD, payroll manager (EW)
Erin Alderson, payroll senior (EA)
Olivia Graham, payroll junior (OG)
the department, the team quickly reallocates roles and responsibilities to ensure that the daily workload is still being met while the query is being dealt with. For example, we have had clients who’ve received furlough investigations from HMRC. These were high priority, so work allocations were changed to ensure all other deadlines were being met. Other examples include cases in which clients receive underpayment letters from HMRC. These are also high priority to ensure that the client does not accrue interest on any outstanding payments. EA: New situations arise, causing change within the department. We have days where we will be processing payroll and carrying out administrative tasks and other days where one query can take up a full day. We keep up to date with continuous legislation change which at times also feels fast paced, “Payroll is a fast- paced job which requires an ability to be organised, multitask and be confident in communicating – even under pressure”
deliver the human resources function for our clients. This includes generating written statements and assisting with reviewing contracts. I also meet with clients, discussing their payroll needs and assisting them using our online secure portal. Other tasks include organising the marketing of the bureau, ensuring we are on track for our Payroll Assurance Scheme re-accreditation and building relationships with stakeholders. EA: My usual tasks include keeping track of the wages that need to be processed for the week / month, completing payroll runs and checking the work of our junior. I keep the payroll system up to date with client information to assist with efficient payroll processes. I set up PAYE schemes and pension schemes, as well as carry out Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) monthly. OG: Every day, I run weekly and monthly payrolls. This includes running minimum wage reports and sending pension correspondence to the correct provider after each payroll run. I’m also responsible for administrative tasks such as filing, both in paper form and electronically. We are aiming to become a paperless bureau, therefore filing includes saving email streams and tidying the server. I post payroll journals to a variety of software providers to assist with accounts preparation. I also send payroll entry requests to clients to allow us to import their timesheets into the payroll software. In my spare time I’m currently being trained in CIS, so I watch webinars and assist with social media posts in relation to the bureau. How does the daily workload change in a bureau environment? EW: Working in a payroll bureau is fast paced due to the volume of clients. Even though we follow a standard payroll procedure, each client has specific needs unique to their business requirements. If a query of a high priority is highlighted in
especially around the start of the new tax year! This is what I like about working in payroll – you are constantly learning. OG: In the workplace things can change rapidly, so you need to be prepared. Payroll is a fast-paced job which requires an ability to be organised, multitask and be confident in communicating – even under pressure. How do you work together as a team to support each other in the fast-paced working environment? EW: We have regular informal check-ins within the team to ensure that everyone understands the daily tasks set and to see if anyone needs any assistance. Each team member has a diary in which we note down our tasks and deadlines. A part of our positive working culture is that no question is a silly one. We openly talk about queries received from clients, sharing expertise on the best way to solve them. We have a strong relationship within the team, built from trust and honesty, sharing the same passion for continuous improvement within the bureau. EA: We always communicate well within the bureau. We share queries so that everyone can help answer them as quickly as possible. We go through busy periods, but we always stay calm and support each other, keeping a positive attitude and tackling tasks together. OG: Working in a fast-paced environment like payroll means that teamwork is crucial. In our department, teamwork is important as it allows us to spread the workload, provide support and ask any questions. We are good at communicating with one another, ensuring all tasks are done thoroughly and correctly. Teamwork in our department also means resolving queries together, breaking them down into steps, giving each other advice and alternative viewpoints to ensure the best possible solutions for our clients. We have a supportive team in payroll, which means our processes run smoothly. n
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| Professional in Payroll, Pensions and Reward |
Issue 105 | November 2024
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