Professional April - May 2026

Celebrating the pay professionals ensuring staff get paid accurately and on time, every time PAYROLL CHAMPIONS 16 | YOUR CIPP

BEN BUCKLER | Assistant Payroll Manager, HWB Accountants “Ben is truly the superhero of payroll. He consistently seeks smarter ways to work, turning efficiency into an art form. If payroll were a race, Ben would finish first and then help everyone else cross the finish line with a smile. When challenges arise, Ben doesn’t panic. He steps in with solutions, spreadsheets and a calm confidence which transforms complex issues into simple, manageable processes. His ability to make stressful situations seamless is great. “What sets Ben apart is his genuine passion for payroll. While many see payroll as numbers and deadlines, Ben treats it as a craft. His enthusiasm is contagious, and when he talks about compliance or tax, you can’t help but share his excitement. Beyond his technical expertise, Ben brings energy and positivity that uplift the entire team. He creates an environment where everyone feels supported, and his willingness to mentor and share

knowledge makes him the go-to person. His approachable nature and cheerful demeanour turn even the most demanding pay runs into manageable tasks. Ben’s contributions extend far beyond his own responsibilities. He celebrates team successes, encourages growth and reminds us that payroll isn’t just about numbers, it’s about people. “In short, Ben is a payroll expert. His commitment to improvement, passion for his work and ability to make the process look effortless set him apart. I wholeheartedly believe Ben deserves this recognition for his outstanding contributions and unwavering dedication. As well as making

payroll a process that people almost forget involves maths and tax.” Nominated by: Amanda Cooley, Payroll Manager, HWB Accountants

MARGARET BERTOLLA | Payroll and Pensions Supervisor, SSUK Payroll, G4S Secure Solutions (UK) Limited

“We’re proud to nominate Mags for her exceptional leadership during a period of significant transition. Despite the challenges of a reduced headcount and multiple human resource / payroll system migrations, she remained a pillar of positivity. By implementing a new shared mailbox system, she eliminated redundant workflows and vastly improved query visibility. Mags fosters a truly collaborative environment where every voice is heard. She’s consistently open to feedback regarding process improvements and provides the high-level mentorship required to refine raw ideas into executable strategies. Despite her leadership status, she never hesitates to ‘roll up her sleeves’ and dive into the daily workload when the team is under pressure. This rare combination of deep compliance expertise and humble, hands-on support makes her an invaluable asset to the payroll team and organisation. We’re incredibly grateful for her open-minded leadership; the professional foundation she’s helped us build is a testament to her commitment to our growth. We truly wouldn’t be where we are today without her.” Nominated by: Liam Kelk, Payroll Administrator, SSUK Payroll, G4S Secure Solutions (UK) Limited

LAUREN LAVIN | Payroll Manager, Phase 3 “Lauren has distinguished herself as an exemplary payroll professional at Phase 3, and her recent actions speak volumes. During a challenging period for the payroll team, when unexpected sickness placed additional strain on resources, Lauren didn’t hesitate or wait to be asked for support. Instead, she stepped forward, taking on a significantly increased workload to ensure continuity, accuracy and timeliness across all payroll processes. This proactive attitude is a rare and invaluable quality, and it’s made a tangible difference to the payroll team and the wider business. Lauren demonstrated an unwavering sense of responsibility, showing that she understands her role and genuinely cares about the impact payroll has on colleagues across Phase 3 who rely on it being right, every single time. “Lauren’s exceptional level of accuracy and attention to detail was maintained throughout this period, and despite juggling additional responsibilities and tighter time pressures, Lauren consistently upheld the highest standards. Her meticulous approach ensured deadlines were met, errors were avoided and employees were paid correctly and on

time. This is all a testament to her strong technical knowledge, organisational skills and professionalism. Beyond her technical capability, Lauren’s dedication and team-first attitude truly set her apart. She willingly went above and beyond her usual responsibilities, not for recognition, but because she understood what needed to be done and took ownership without hesitation. Her positive, can-do approach helped steady the team, alleviating pressure on colleagues and providing reassurance during a difficult period. Lauren’s willingness to support others, combined with her reliability and strong work ethic, exemplifies the values Phase 3 strives to uphold. She’s a true role model and her actions have had a lasting, positive impact. Lauren’s commitment, accuracy and selfless dedication make her an outstanding asset, and her contribution deserves genuine recognition and appreciation.” Nominated by: Russell Webb, Business Development Manager, Phase 3

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