REWARD
More than just payslips: career paths in payroll
Claire Warner FCIPP, Regulatory Analyst, Ciphr, explores the multitude of different career pathways open to payroll professionals
P ayroll is often seen as a back-office function – essential but invisible. Yet behind every payslip is a team of professionals who ensure people are paid accurately, on time and in line with ever-changing legislation. It’s a role that touches every part of a business and every person in it. And it’s evolving fast. Here’s a closer look at just a few of the payroll career opportunities you could explore. Where could payroll take you? Payroll is no longer just about processing pay. It’s about people, data, strategy and transformation. Whether you want to lead a team, specialise in systems or shape policy, there’s a path for you. And the best part? You don’t have to choose just one. Many payroll professionals move between roles: from operations to systems, from in-house to consultancy, from national to global. It’s a career which rewards curiosity, adaptability and a desire to make a difference. So if you’re in payroll – or thinking about it – know this: you’re in a profession that matters. And your next step could be bigger than you think.
Ciphr payroll team: our career journeys
Joe Norwell ACIPP, Payroll Bureau Manager:
Amanda Barnden, Sales Manager:
Paul Graham ACIPP, Senior Product Manager: “After almost six years in the Royal Air Force, I took a role as a human resources (HR) support officer and was quickly promoted. Managing both the team and the service gave me a solid grounding in payroll operations. “This led me into software implementation and then, product management, where I discovered a passion for payroll technology. Now, I help payroll teams work smarter by streamlining processes through tech. Having walked in their shoes, I’m driven to make their roles more efficient and less stressful.”
“Being good at maths, people often suggested I should pursue a career in accounting. I started in purchase ledger, then went into credit control / management accounts, before, like many, I ‘fell’ into payroll. I then ended up running payroll for a growing workforce. “For my next move, I made a conscious decision to focus solely on payroll and took a bureau role in an accountancy firm – a real eye-opener. I thought I knew payroll until I started managing multiple, varied payrolls each month. “At Ciphr, my career continues to progress and I currently manage a seven-strong team. I genuinely love working in payroll. It’s varied, intellectually stimulating and requires logical thinking and problem-solving. “It’s incredibly rewarding to provide an excellent service to our clients and ensure thousands of people are paid accurately and on time.”
“Payroll was my first ‘proper’ job! I applied for a finance assistant post at the County Council in Chichester aged 18. This was purely because I was good at maths and not sure what to do. As with many in the industry, I didn’t choose payroll – it found me. I was assigned to the payroll team and grew to love it. “Years later, I was asked to deliver my first sales demo. And that’s where I’ve stayed. I love meeting so many different organisations, understanding their payroll processes and finding how our tech can help.”
| Professional in Payroll, Pensions and Reward | November 2025 | Issue 115 56
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