REWARD
Payroll: my unexpected goal
Claire O’Sullivan ACIPP, Head of People and Culture, Milwall Football Club, provides ‘the full 90’ on her payroll career, and explains how she empowers staff by educating them on on elements of their pay
M y payroll career story begins with the typical “I fell into the payroll world”, rather than with me leaving school knowing what I wanted to be – the Payroll Queen! However, since embracing the profession, I’ve discovered a strong sense of support and friendship, as well as a continual thirst for knowledge. I’m also always seeking to improve processes and systems to deliver the best possible outcomes for those I serve. Payroll is an integral part of any business, whether it’s processed in-house or outsourced, or via an accountant for those smaller businesses. Most people’s main priority for turning up to work is the pay they receive for it. I take great pride in every payroll I’ve ever run. The people receiving the pay feel supported, heard and able to come to me with any queries they may have. And that includes the ‘silly’ questions – it’ best to get the understanding as soon as possible. During my time at Millwall, I’ve worked hard to ensure that, when people have questions about their pay, tax codes or benefits, I help. I may not always know the answer straight away, but I strive to get the answer as soon as possible. In one instance, just breaking down a player’s tax code, and explaining what the numbers and letters meant, encouraged that individual to push his accountant to liaise
with HM Revenue and Customs. They then received a large tax rebate as the previous details had been incorrect. Great result, both on and off the pitch for him! “By planting seeds early, you help flowers bloom sooner” There’s currently not enough education in schools to help individuals understand tax codes and thresholds, and National Insurance. This needs to change. By empowering our future generations with basic tax / payroll knowledge, as well as an understanding of what interest rates are and the impact they have on the economy, we can make a massive difference in how they make their future plans. I work with our academy scholars to support them on their football career but also to give them the life skills they need, just in case that professional contract doesn’t arise. I have sessions with them which involve helping them understand: l what their payslip means l why they pay tax l how much tax they’ll pay once they make the first team l what impact any benefits could have on their net pay.
Obviously, I try to make it fun (the sweetie bowl helps the concentration), but I feel this is of utmost importance, giving them the tools to understand some of the elements of their pay once they do start earning a salary. Getting them to understand the importance of saving for the future and their pensions is also imperative. It can be quite daunting for the younger players who started at grass roots and were lucky enough to be scouted by an academy and taken onwards and upwards to the first team. From earning nothing to thousands of pounds a week – hence the need for the education around financial wellbeing. I’m passionate and proud to be part of the payroll family. I’m always looking forward and considering how we can elevate payroll as a career. As with every industry, we need fresh perspectives to highlight that it’s a valuable path to choose. Alongside working with our scholars, I‘ve also approached local secondary schools to join their career days for years eight, nine and 12. By planting seeds early, you help flowers bloom sooner. Payroll has grown on so many levels, and we must ensure we understand legislation and keep up to date with constant changes, but also that we can explain the reasons behind numbers on the payslip to support our employees. There are so many different strands to working in payroll. Let’s highlight them all. n
43
| Professional in Payroll, Pensions and Reward |
Issue 115 | November 2025
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker