Professional October 2021

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Confucius

Editor’s comment I can’t quite believe I’m writing this, but October’s issue of Professional marks my first as editor. To say this is my dream job is a complete understatement, and, although this has been a steep learning curve,

I was working as a payroll administrator, I never envisaged that I would become editor of the CIPP’s flagship magazine. There are many interesting articles within this issue exploring topics such as pay on demand, the future of employment status and recent employment law cases. We couldn’t let October slip by without mention of Halloween, so some payroll horror stories have also crept in. We recommend that you don’t read these with your light off!

I have found the whole process very rewarding. Mike Nicholas edited the magazine since 2008, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mike for all his hard work in making the magazine a huge success, and for the training and mentoring he has given to me. I wish him a very happy retirement. Coincidentally, the theme of this issue focuses on career paths and opportunities for payroll professionals. My payroll journey pays testament to just how varied a payroll career can be. Back when

Lora Murphy ACIPP (editor@cipp.org.uk) Editor

Chair’s message

Payroll professionals must be highly numerate, pay attention to detail and have good computer skills at the start of their careers. From there, the world is their oyster in terms of career opportunities.

have gained a payroll qualification and they will explain how it has benefitted them. Working in payroll brings exposure to diverse subjects: a deep financial awareness, appreciation of the financial commitments people face and understanding the consequences of making mistakes for individuals they pay. The knowledge a payroll professional builds is invaluable in everyday life. A much-discussed subject is where payroll fits within organisations. Even though we know payroll should be a function in its own right, it generally sits in either human resources or finance. Whichever route or role, keeping abreast of developments in the world of payroll is essential. Opportunities will present themselves which you will want to be ready to grasp.

As a tutor, I always ask new students if they chose payroll as a career. Twenty years ago, it was rare to find one student who had, whereas recently, some even confirm they self-fund their studies as they want to embark on a payroll career. Those who work in payroll would never describe it as dull. We experience constant changes - some small, some big, but all of which the conscientious payroll professional will embrace to ensure employees are paid accurately and on time. My own career path, although diverse, has not encompassed the multitude of opportunities available. Starting as a payroll apprentice moving through the ranks to become payroll director is just one route. Gaining payroll qualifications along the way enhances career prospects, opening many doors. Speak to fellow professionals who

Liz Lay MSc FCIPPdip FHEA ACIPD (liz.lay@cipp.org.uk) Chair, CIPP

CEO’s message

Well, my message is almost the same as it was this time last year, as summer is over and many of us have not had the holidays we envisaged or visited our country of choice. I do hope you and your families and

the need for well-educated payroll professionals, and it was great we could collaborate and celebrate NPW. We are excited for the highlight of the year – the Annual Conference and Annual Excellence Awards – on 6 and 7 October 2021. We have implemented the right platform and technology so that it can be delivered online. Expect a high-calibre agenda, with professional speakers and excellent workshops and discussions, designed to ensure your continuous professional development. At the time of writing, the intention is to hold our Graduation Ceremony on 5 November 2021 for those who have successfully completed our university-approved qualifications. We will hold two Graduation Ceremonies for the classes of 2020 and 2021. Let’s hope the world looks a safer place this time next year for meeting colleagues face to face for all our events.

colleagues remain well and have managed a break or ‘staycation’. Once again, the CIPP team is preparing for a busy autumn of CIPP virtual events but is saddened that the normal in-person visit to Celtic Manor for the Annual Conference and Excellence Awards Ceremony won’t go ahead. Fingers crossed this will be a face-to- face celebration on 5 and 6 October 2022 – put it in your diary! We celebrated the 23rd anniversary of National Payroll Week (NPW), mixing online and in-person events in the week commencing 6 September 2021, supported by our Chair, Liz Lay. I’m delighted that we met Chartered and fellow CIPP members as well as many distinguished guests. It was a pleasure to celebrate the payroll profession, alongside other organisations, who played an active part in promoting and educating payroll professionals. They included the Global Payroll Association, Reward Strategy and the Payroll Centre. We recognise

Ken Pullar FCIPP (ken.pullar@cipp.org.uk) Chief executive officer, CIPP

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| Professional in Payroll, Pensions and Reward |

Issue 74 | October 2021

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