FEATURE TOPIC
an inspiring time to begin a career in payroll. VG: There are many varied and interesting routes for payroll professionals as they progress through their careers. Most payroll professionals will be involved in projects at some stage during their career; this could be implementing a new system(s) or processes and will use a payroll professional’s attention to detail and ability to anticipate issues and problem solve. During my career, I’ve seen many payroll professionals then choose project management as a career pathway, to support others in implementing their projects and using their knowledge, understanding and experience to support those embarking on similar projects. For others, the software development route is more suited. This is often chosen by payroll professionals who have improved processes through RPA, and understand the importance of having someone who understands payroll developing the software that processes it. Payroll professionals who want to give something back often move into the education and training route. Training courses at the CIPP are delivered by payroll professionals, and our qualifications are supported by tutors who are also working as payroll professionals within the industry. This allows them to draw on their knowledge and experience to make the learning more relevant and impactful for those studying. For payroll professionals who don’t want to move away from the day-to-day, operational and strategic aspects of payroll delivery, positions such as payroll and reward directors, or partners within an accountancy firm are attractive career pathways. This enables them to remain close to the profession while also developing as a more strategic business leader and influencing decisions at board level. SO’S: I think the best way to explore this is to talk through my own career path. I started my career in payroll as a trainee payroll specialist, moving to a payroll administrator. While in that role, I was seconded into a project team implementing a new system and was given the role of payroll subject matter expert. After completing the implementation, I moved back to my previous role, before changing paths completely and becoming a payroll implementation consultant. The software side of our industry wasn’t for me, so I grasped a new opportunity and became a payroll manager for a large payroll bureau. Following a period of maternity leave, I looked for a job with more flexibility, and became a payroll advisor, predominantly advising accountancy practices on employment tax queries. Then I became policy lead for the CIPP.
through education, membership and recognition’. Education and training are what saw my career through such a wealth of differing roles and highlighted that the strategic side of the profession is where my passion lies. However, the qualifications aren’t the be-all and end-all, and I know several senior leaders within our industry whose experience alone has got them to where they are today. Personally, the qualifications gave me the confidence to move along my own career ladder and delivered a huge sense of pride. PS: I am biased, as I’m a CIPP tutor but the Diploma is a must-have for me, for all levels. It’s not just the information provided by fellow payroll professionals, but also the chance to build relationships with other payroll professionals. How can skills and ideas be shared in payroll? VG: It is so important for payroll professionals to share skills and ideas through their available networks. Unless you work for a service provider or within a large organisation, quite often payroll professionals are working within departments on their own, or with HR and / or finance professionals who don’t fully understand payroll. By using the CIPP Advisory Service, or specialist interest groups (SIGs), payroll professionals are instantly connected with others who’ve learned from the same experiences they may be going through. This means they can learn from the mistakes and successes of other professionals. Similarly, if you do work for a payroll service provider, you may have a few colleagues to share ideas with, but they’ll be working within the same organisation as you, so you don’t get the opportunity to share ideas with others who have implemented similar ideas within their organisation, and seen success or learning opportunities as a result. Payroll professionals can learn so much from each other – and that’s why it’s important to share skills and ideas within the profession, through the many forums and networking opportunities available. SO’S: Our members will vouch for me when I say being a member of the CIPP is one of the best ways to share ideas outside of your own payroll teams. The SIGs on the ‘My CIPP’ area of the website are one of the best ways to virtually idea-share with other members. Our annual conference and exhibition is also an amazing opportunity to network face-to- face with like-minded individuals from across the profession. n
If I’d asked the 17-year-old trainee payroll specialist me if working alongside government departments, key stakeholders and policy makers was a job on the horizon within payroll, the answer would have been no. I had no idea about the number of different roles available within our industry. However, I must say, the 17-year-old me was certain payroll was a career for life. PS: I think they’re numerous and what I’ve seen over the last few years is people in human resources (HR) and finance now choosing to move to payroll, which can only be a good thing. Also, with the apprenticeship scheme now underway, it’s a great way to get young people involved early in their careers What avenues are available to payroll professionals looking to progress their careers? ND: Many avenues are available, depending on what career pathway you want to pursue. The obvious educational opportunities exist with recognised providers such as the CIPP, for those that wish to progress process- orientated, strategic-related pathways or recognised qualifications. With the shelf-life of skills shortening, it’s vital that payroll professionals stay up to date with the latest trends and developments in the payroll industry. Listening to the Payroll Podcast or reading publications such as Professional are great starting points! VG: For those new to the profession, a good starting point might be the apprenticeship route, which the IPP can support as an end point assessment organisation. We also offer qualifications – from the Level 3 Payroll Technician Certificate Advanced, which covers the day-to-day operations of payroll and calculating gross to net, through to the Level 7 MSc in Strategic Leadership. Training courses on particular subject areas can also support payroll professionals in keeping up to date. Other than training and qualifications, one of the most beneficial ways payroll professionals can progress their careers is through developing an extensive network and building their own brand. By doing this, you’ll become aware of opportunities you may not have been aware of had you not developed a network. Finally, consider registering with a dedicated payroll recruitment agency and keep an eye on jobs boards and adverts. Even if you aren’t looking to change roles, knowing what’s out there can help support you in developing your role internally. SO’S: The mission statement of the CIPP is: ‘Leading payroll and pension professionals
| Professional in Payroll, Pensions and Reward | March 2023 | Issue 88 30
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