REWARD
Unlocking payroll potential through education
Claire Warner MSc FCIPP MBILD, Regulatory Analyst, Ciphr, explores the importance of continuous education in the payroll profession and explains why a strong learning culture is essential for organisational success
T he payroll industry, once viewed as a back-office function, has evolved into a dynamic and strategic pillar of business operations. With increasing regulatory complexity, rapid technological advancements and a growing emphasis on employee experience, the demand for skilled payroll professionals has never been higher. And education plays a pivotal role in equipping these professionals, not only to manage today’s challenges but also to drive innovation across payroll, pensions and reward systems.
(A-level equivalent) to master’s degrees. But we must also value short courses, conferences, webinars, software training and continuous professional development too. Staying current with legislation, such as the Employment Rights Bill, is essential, as are updates from case law and regulatory bodies. Education builds confidence and credibility. It empowers you to engage with senior stakeholders, influence policy and lead transformation. As payroll becomes more integrated with human resources, finance and information technology, the ability to speak the language of these departments becomes a vital asset. The future payroll professional: a hybrid expert Tomorrow’s payroll professionals will be part technician, part strategist and part communicator. Education must evolve to reflect this, incorporating: Behavioural economics To understand employee motivation and reward.
Education can take many forms: a course, a webinar, self-study or a conversation with a peer. No one knows everything, and that’s okay. What matters is the willingness to learn and adapt. Challenges and the way forward Despite the benefits, barriers to education remain – time, cost and access are common challenges, especially for those balancing work and family. Employers play a crucial role here. By investing in staff development, offering study support and recognising the importance of qualifications for career progression, they can foster a culture of continuous learning. Technology also offers solutions. Online platforms, virtual classrooms and AI-powered
A personal journey through payroll education
Education has been a cornerstone of my career and progression. Like many, I initially ‘fell’ into payroll, but I chose to make it my profession. Over the years, I’ve built my skills and knowledge across multiple industries, from manufacturing and retail to local Government and software development. My journey has taken me through system design, implementation, training, compliance and beyond. This has truly been a voyage of discovery. I’ve learned through formal qualifications that have validated and deepened my knowledge, and informally, through hands-on experience, mentorship and curiosity. Asking questions (especially the ‘silly’ ones) has been key. Being inquisitive has allowed me to expand my understanding and connect payroll with broader business functions. The many faces of payroll education Payroll education comes in many forms. Formal qualifications range from Level 3
tutors make learning more accessible and flexible. Even small businesses can now upskill their payroll teams without disrupting operations.
Education as a strategic advantage The future of payroll is digital, data-driven and deeply integrated with other business functions. Education will help professionals lead this transformation by: Mastering technology and AI Understanding AI, robotic process automation and data analytics to manage exceptions, ensure compliance and interpret insights. Becoming a strategic partner Contributing to workforce planning, reward strategy and employee engagement through knowledge of behavioural economics and business strategy.
Cybersecurity To protect sensitive payroll data.
Change management To lead digital transformation initiatives.
There’s no standing still in payroll. Legislation changes, software evolves and AI is reshaping how we work. Automation frees us from routine tasks, giving us time to focus on what’s next, whether that’s learning a new system, exploring AI or improving processes.
| Professional in Payroll, Pensions and Reward | September 2025 | Issue 113 42
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