FEATURE TOPIC
Staying ahead of legislation and technological advancements has been crucial in navigating complex issues and finding successful resolutions. My education has empowered me to build and lead a team effectively, using communication, delegation and leadership skills to foster career growth for those around me, which has also propelled my own advancement. As my career evolved from payroll junior, the skills required shifted, necessitating continuous learning and adaptation. Education, alongside work experience, has been key to climbing the career ladder, ultimately leading me to my current role at BDO. Gemma Mullis: Educational opportunities have been influential in advancing my career. Formal qualifications have given me a strong foundation in technical and operational payroll knowledge, while elevating my strategic thinking and leadership skills. While it may not be necessary for all, working alongside learning has helped me to apply my knowledge in real scenarios. Each learning experience increased my confidence, deepened my expertise and opened doors to new roles and responsibilities. Education has supported me to feel more equipped to lead, solve complex issues and to support others in their learning journeys. Curtis Sharpe: Keeping up with educational events and accomplishing the Level 5 Payroll Apprenticeship in 2024 has created the tactical steps for me to operate confidently at a more senior level. While striving to take the next step in my career, my blended approach of education and role experience will be integral to powering up my career in the payroll and HR professions. Do you believe there are more education opportunities for payroll professionals now than there were 10 years ago? JC: Absolutely. The landscape has changed dramatically. 10 years ago, payroll education was often limited to on-the-job training or a handful of formal qualifications. Now, there’s a wealth of options, from online micro-courses and webinars to full diplomas and degrees focussed on payroll, reward and global mobility. The rise of digital learning platforms has made education more accessible, especially for those balancing work and study. There’s also a broader recognition of payroll as a profession in its own right, which has
driven investment in more tailored and high-quality learning resources. PH: Absolutely. The landscape for payroll professionals has evolved significantly. Around a decade ago, the options for education and professional development in payroll were largely limited. Today, the opportunities have expanded considerably, and that’s down to the growing recognition of payroll as a critical function in business operations, ensuring more payroll professionals are now sitting at the top table in firms. “Each learning experience increased my confidence, deepened my expertise and opened doors to new roles and responsibilities” We now have a range of courses, certifications and workshops available, both online and in person, catering to various levels of expertise. Organisations like IPPE and the Payroll Centre offer comprehensive training programmes, which cover everything from basic payroll principles to advanced strategic management. The rise of digital platforms has also made it easier than ever to access these resources, allowing professionals to learn at their own pace and convenience. This shift not only enhances the skills of individuals but also elevates the standards of the industry. If you’re looking to advance your career in payroll, there’s never been a better time to dive into the wealth of educational opportunities available. GM: Absolutely. Over the last decade, there’s been a real shift in how payroll is viewed; we’ve come out of the ‘back-office’ and are now seen as a strategic function rather than a purely administrative one. This change has driven growth in educational products, from industry-recognised qualifications and certifications to webinars, online courses and payroll apprenticeship standards. There’s now a broader and more accessible range of learning pathways to give everyone the chance to learn and gain qualifications within the industry. Dare I say the ‘C’ word... Covid... but due to the
restrictions that caused, learning within the industry is far more flexible than before. All CIPP-approved qualifications and training can be delivered remotely. Our newly launched Payroll Quick Learn gives access to learning at the click of a button, which can be accessed anywhere. Having options like this readily available means professionals at all stages can continuously upskill. CS: Absolutely. Circa 2015, I was the payroll and operations manager of a small engineer unit in the British Army, educated with only payroll training in-house and curiosity, as payroll courses to support my career were a minority. Now, times have changed and there are multiple streams of educational opportunities available to payroll professionals. What skills and knowledge do you think are required for the future of payroll? JC: The future of payroll will demand a blend of technical, analytical and strategic skills. A few key areas: 1. Digital literacy: As automation and artificial intelligence (AI) become more embedded in payroll systems, professionals will need to understand how to work with these technologies – not just how to operate them, but also how to interpret outputs and troubleshoot issues. 2. Data analysis: Payroll is a goldmine of data. Being able to extract insights, spot trends and support business decisions will be a huge asset. 3. Global compliance knowledge: With more companies operating internationally, understanding cross-border payroll, tax treaties and local legislation will be increasingly important. 4. Change management: Payroll is often at the heart of transformation projects. Professionals who can lead change, communicate effectively and manage stakeholders will be in high demand. PH: The future of payroll is shaping up to be exciting, but it’s going to demand a diverse set of skills and knowledge to keep pace with the constant changes occurring in the industry. Here are a few key areas I believe will be crucial: 1. Technological proficiency: As payroll systems become more sophisticated, understanding the technology behind them is essential. This includes familiarity with payroll software, data analytics tools and emerging technologies like AI. 2. Regulatory knowledge: The payroll
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| Professional in Payroll, Pensions and Reward |
Issue 113 | September 2025
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