PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Diary of a student… Jake ShergoldMCIPPdip, Assistant payroll manager, Crown Packaging UK
It is hard work, but the feeling once you have passed and graduated is great.
How did you manage the work- life balance and your study? Do you have any tips for others in the same position? A lot of support from my wife and son who completely understood if I had to spend a few hours of the weekend working on an assignment or attending a module review day, along with some discipline. Try to spread out the learning as much as you can. I found it easier to retain the information if I did thirty minutes of revision here or there, when I had the time throughout the day. This worked better for me than trying to do three hours of revision in a single night after a day’s work. But remember to take some time-off for yourself when you can. What would you say is the most important thing you learnt? The manual calculation process of statutory payments and deductions. Understanding these processes has provided me with a lot of confidence in myself and my abilities. Being able to explain these deductions to senior members of staff and key stakeholders often makes them appreciate how complicated the process is and that the function is not simply pressing a big red button. What did you gain from this qualification – both in terms of skills and also career progression? It helped me understand the importance of the payroll function to the overall running of the business, and how payroll can help companies at a strategic level because of the data it holds. I also gained the qualification to back up my experience and make it possible for me to move into an UK and Ireland assistant payroll manager role for a large global company. n
Tell us a little about your background and life so far? I started working in payroll just over nine years ago, making the move shortly after my son was born. My wife was working shifts as cabin crew, and I was working evenings at a popular cinema chain. We were both 23, and I wanted a career with sociable hours and progression opportunities. Unlike most, however, I chose a career in payroll. I was studying the AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) level 2 certificate in accounting when I had some exposure to payroll. I found the subject really interesting, so I did some research into the profession and thought it would really suit my skills set. So, I laid out a plan and made the jump. What can you tell us about your career and qualifications? I have been in my current role within the manufacturing industry for three years, but prior to that I worked in the public sector for the National Health Service (NHS). It was an unusual set up as we not only carried out the in-house payroll function but also provided an out-sourced payroll service to a few local Trusts. Most out- sourced payroll services within the NHS are provided by third-party companies. It was great to be part of this team and a department that was growing quickly. In my five years there, I developed quickly and managed to move through a number of positions from payroll officer to section lead for the largest client. I gained a lot of experience and knowledge of the profession, with the added complexities of managing a team and liaising with clients
regularly. It was whilst I was here that I studied the CIPP Foundation Degree in Payroll Management. Why did you choose to study the Foundation Degree? I wanted a qualification that would help me progress my career and give me a really good understanding of the payroll fundamentals, whilst also providing me with the other skills required for managers. The CIPP Foundation Degree in Payroll Management is a benchmark in the profession and many employers look for this qualification – so it was the perfect choice. How did you find the qualification? The course material covered a lot of legislation and had a lot of content but in a structure that was easy to digest and to become familiar with. The module review days were well-run and a great opportunity both to network with fellow students and to gain access to the vast amount of knowledge the tutors hold. What advice would you give to others who are thinking about studying in order to improve their career? The Foundation Degree is a great qualification which really shows to any potential employer that you have a sound understanding of the entire payroll function, both technically and of the surrounding legislation. It is the perfect partnership on your CV to the experiences you have gained through your working career.
| Professional in Payroll, Pensions and Reward | April 2021 | Issue 69 16
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