FEATURE TOPIC
Enhancement through education
There’s an expanding range of learning and development opportunities available for payroll professionals. Jerome Smail, Freelance Journalist, gathers insights from industry leaders on how both formal qualifications and real-world experience have shaped their careers, as they offer their views on how learning will shape the future of payroll, pensions and reward
This issue, Jerome spoke to: Jack Chinnery MCIPP, Payroll Manager, Group Metropolitan Paul Hammond MCIPPdip, Partner, National Payroll / Business Services and Outsourcing, BDO
Gemma Mullis MCIPPdip , End Point Assessment Manager, IPP Education Curtis Sharpe MCIPP , Human Resources (HR) Analytics Partner, Aldermore.
Could you share how educational opportunities have helped to advance your career? Jack Chinnery: Educational opportunities have been instrumental in shaping my career in payroll. Early on, structured learning gave me the technical foundation I needed – understanding legislation, compliance and payroll systems. But as I progressed, it was the more advanced and specialised training, like CIPP-approved qualifications and continuous professional development (CPD) courses, that helped me transition from
operational roles into strategic leadership. Education has also helped me build confidence. Knowing that I had the right knowledge behind me allowed me to speak up in meetings, contribute to policy decisions and lead projects with authority. It’s not just about ticking boxes for compliance; it’s about being empowered to make a real impact in any organisation. Paul Hammond: Reflecting on my journey to becoming a partner in the national payroll team at BDO, I can’t help but appreciate the pivotal role education has played.
From the Foundation Degree in Payroll Management to vital soft skills courses – presentation skills, effective communication and delegation, to name a few – each has been instrumental in shaping my approach to work and leadership. Taking a proactive and industry-specific approach to learning, qualifications and development means I can confidently present to audiences ranging from a handful to over 150 people, whether it’s discussing payroll intricacies at a workshop or seminar, or pitching for new business.
| Professional in Payroll, Pensions and Reward | September 2025 | Issue 113 32
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