REWARD
service for many payroll teams across the UK. Organisations that choose not to offer it could lose out on attracting or retaining top talent. From back-office to strategic lead: a new sense of purpose for payroll As payroll processes continue to become more automated, the role of payroll professionals is shifting from manual data entry to strategic workforce planning and compliance management. Key responsibilities now include: l advising human resources and finance on payroll-related decisions l ensuring compliance with UK and, in some cases, global, tax regulations l leveraging data analytics to optimise compensation strategies l enhancing employee experience through seamless payroll operations
apprenticeship levy funds to help provide students and early-careers workers with hands-on experience. Showcasing the career progression of your team Highlight the successes of your people – those who have advanced to leadership roles often have great stories to tell about the power of a career in payroll. Champion the use of modern payroll technology Make sure your systems are integrated with application programming interfaces, and demonstrate how your payroll team works with AI, automation and data analytics to drive business success. All this will attract young people to your organisation. Old software and manual ways of doing things will deter younger people from working with you. They’re accustomed to fast and intuitive digital solutions and find outdated systems frustrating and time-consuming. Young professionals want to work with cutting-edge tools which enhance creativity and efficiency. Outdated technology can make a job feel stagnant and less competitive in the market. Many legacy systems have clunky interfaces that aren’t as user-friendly and intuitive as modern apps and platforms, making them harder to navigate and reducing productivity. The payroll profession is undergoing a transformation in response to modern working practices. As automation and flexibility reshape the workforce, payroll professionals must embrace new skills, technology and strategic responsibilities. By fostering an attractive and rewarding career path, you can ensure you have the best payroll talent to support your current and future needs.
enhance job satisfaction and work-life balance. Or adjusted shift patterns that work around nursery and school runs, which help parents have a career in payroll and to be a mum or dad at the same time. Expanding your recognition and reward programme Payroll leaders who invest in creating an inclusive workplace culture, where payroll professionals are valued and motivated, may find it easier to retain their talented team. Engage with new generations to future-proof your payroll team To sustain the payroll talent pool, it’s essential to inspire younger people to consider payroll as a career choice. And this isn’t the responsibility of the CIPP, or any one organisation. It’s our collective responsibility as payroll professionals to educate others about the business and people impact of working in payroll. Every effort helps. Why not try: Taking part in school, university and local careers fairs We need to educate people and raise awareness of payroll as a profession. With the rise of AI in payroll, there’s the potential to attract a whole new generation of tech- minded workers into the profession. “To sustain the payroll talent pool, it’s essential to inspire younger people to consider payroll as a career choice”
l workforce planning and rostering l employee financial wellbeing.
How to attract and retain the best payroll talent The economic climate, coupled with a highly competitive job market, is making it tough to hire and hold on to the best payroll talent. So, you need to think strategically. You could consider: Offering more career development opportunities Provide your people with regular training on the latest payroll technologies, compliance updates and leadership skills. Offering financial support for CIPP payroll qualifications is attractive to those with ambition, and providing study time in working hours helps balance work, study and home life, which people value.
Flexible working arrangements Offer remote or hybrid work options to
Setting up an apprenticeship programme Any business can do it! You can use your
PROFESSI NAL in Payroll, Pensions and Reward
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June 2025 | Issue 111
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