PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT INSIGHT
Diary of a student…
Claire Treadwell MCIPPdip Senior bureau manager, IRIS and Cascade Payroll Managed Service
Did the fact that the CIPP is Chartered or recognised within the industry influence your decision to enrol with the CIPP? And were there any particular modules which were of interest prior to enrolling? Yes, it did influence my decision. There isn’t any other qualification available at this level. It was important to me that I did a course through an organisation that my peers and clients knew, so that they could recognise the level of attainment. I was particularly interested in the benefits module. Benefits in kind are always an area of contention and with new legislation coming in I thought it would be really interesting to find out more. I really enjoyed the module that reviewed payroll processes as it gave me some sound ideas that I have used in my current role. For someone who is thinking about studying for a CIPP qualification, what would your advice be to them? Think carefully about what you want to get out of the course and be determined to achieve that. I started the course with the determination that I was going to do my best and I got great results. I would also say never give up. There are times when it is hard; and you need to overcome that and look at what you are trying to achieve. Always look at what you are aiming for as it makes the course go smoother. Ask for help. Your peers and people around you will have loads of great ideas or may have even done the course themselves. My best results came from asking those around me for ideas. n
Can you give us a brief background into your life? I moved from Yorkshire ten years ago and now live in a village on the outskirts of Newcastle. I love baking, gardening and visiting the local attractions. Can you give us an insight into your career and qualifications? I studied business management at university and discovered I had a talent for computer software. Since leaving university in 2000, I have always worked for human resources and payroll software companies. I have had various roles, ranging from an implementation consultant to a software product manager. The fact I have worked in various roles gives me a real insight into how a project can run, end to end. Why did you choose to study the Foundation Degree? When I first started the Foundation Degree, I was a senior product manager which involved looking after the IRIS product suite for IRIS payroll software. I felt the Foundation Degree qualification would give clients confidence in my knowledge and understanding of the payroll industry. I also believed it would improve my understanding of the complex legislation when dealing with our business analyst team.
How important is this degree in relation to your career? The degree has been invaluable and steered my career in a completely different direction. When I started my degree I was a senior product manager but as the Foundation Degree progressed an opportunity arose for a senior bureau manager within the same company. The position was to grow two payroll bureau teams and increase business. After completing the Foundation Degree and gaining great results, I was asked if I was interested in this role. I subsequently applied and was successful. I can honestly say that without the experience and knowledge gained from the Foundation Degree in Payroll Management I would not have applied for the role. How did you cope with the work-life balance and your study? I am a busy person by nature. I have a demanding full-time job and a family, all who deserve time and attention. I chose to work every evening after my little boy went to sleep. I found working most evenings meant that I had the weekend off and was able to enjoy the much- needed family time. It was hard work but well worth it as I had the time to relax and, of course, drink the occasional gin. More importantly, my little boy did not actually miss any time with me or even know I was studying.
| Professional in Payroll, Pensions and Reward | May 2018 | Issue 40 10
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