FEATURE TOPIC
“The payroll department is a pivotal part of any company because most people go to work to get paid”
second role as a payroll manager that I decided to commit to payroll as a career, so I took the plunge and joined the CIPP as an associate member. It was a way for me to signify to my employer, and to myself, that I was serious about payroll as a career and that it was a proper profession, with a body of knowledge and skilled practitioners. What really stood out to me was the payroll community. It can be a lonely job working in in-house payroll, as very few other people in the organisation understand what you do, but connecting with the wider payroll community gave me a real sense of belonging. As my career’s advanced, I’ve upgraded my membership, and reaching individual Chartered member status was a highlight for me. It’s something I highlight on applications, and it shows potential employers how committed to the profession I am.
and the HMRC website provides great tools and articles, there’s always something I just don’t know or can’t find online as it’s buried deep in small print. The Advisory Service always manages to find the answers to help me. 3. News Online . This provides the latest hot topic news updates in real time, and I like to read mine in small bursts on the train in and out of work. This sets me up for the day, so I’m prepared for any questions the business may have about what they’ve heard on the news. EH: My role is now consultancy-based, so I no longer process payroll directly, but instead support clients in many ways. From system implementations and payroll transformations to process reviews, compliance checks and strategic project delivery. Because of this, the most valuable benefit of my CIPP membership is the ability to stay fully up to date with legislative changes and emerging trends, so I can provide accurate, timely and trusted advice to my clients. The combination of webinars, free member events and, of course, my annual Payroll Reference Book , is critical in ensuring I remain informed – not just about what’s changed, but also about what’s on the horizon. This knowledge allows me to guide clients confidently and help them prepare for changes before they happen. On top of that, events provide the opportunity to connect with fellow payroll professionals, network with other CIPP members and speak to those who are considering ‘taking the plunge’ into membership. Those conversations are invaluable. They not only expand my professional network but also keep me connected to the real, day-to- day challenges and successes within the payroll community. LW: My number one top-rated CIPP member benefit must be the Advisory Service. I’ve used this service so many times over the years and more so the further I go through my career. This is because the team provides clarity on ambiguous legislation and gives reassurance on so many scenarios
which have a direct effect on being able to process pay accurately. By using the Advisory Service, I feel I have accessed the best knowledge available to ensure I can provide compliant payroll services for my clients. If I cannot find the information I need from a reputable source such as GOV.UK, I’ll always go to the Advisory Service and would encourage others to do the same rather than using unregulated online groups. JW: Early in my career, it was the Advisory Service. When I had a complex question, or a situation which only occurred once in a blue moon, being able to talk it through with someone who encountered these things regularly was invaluable. Now, it’s the magazine. I’m always excited to learn what other professionals are up to, how they’re overcoming the challenges they face, putting new technology to use and celebrating their successes. Professional is such a wonderful showcase for the profession, and even though I’m more pensions focussed in my current role, there’s a lot of useful information for me to keep on top of what’s happening in our professional world and every issue, I find a useful tip I can use. What do you think the CIPP could be doing more of for its members and the wider payroll profession? DB: I think it’s a balance. The CIPP must provide value for its members without increasing the cost. As part of our Charter, the Institute also has to work for the benefit of the wider profession and has proven that it can do both. The CIPP needs to carry on extending its reach to non- members by holding events such as Payroll Live and the Payroll Services Summit. It also needs to continue the schools project so that pay becomes part of the curriculum, and we educate children from a young age about the value of money. Payroll would then, by default, become a recognised career path, encouraging more people to #ChoosePayroll. OD: Make payroll visible. Let’s create more opportunities for payroll professionals and
What’s your number one top-rated CIPP member benefit and why?
DB: It has to be the brand new, recently launched digital badges. We’ve listened, and recognition is key for the profession. By introducing these verified credentials for all grades of membership, we can now shout even more loudly about the professionalism of this often-undervalued industry. Social media has been flooded with our members letting their network of peers, stakeholders, colleagues, employers and customers know about how they’re committed to the CIPP’s values of communication, professionalism, striving for excellence, teamwork, trust and honesty. OD: I don’t think I have a number one benefit. But I can give you my top three. 1. The Annual Conference and Exhibition (ACE). I love ACE, because it’s a one-stop shop for everything payroll, and I get to learn about the latest hot topics, legislative updates and tips on how to manage a team. I get to network with other payrollers from around the world, sharing stories and making new friends. I get to meet some of the businesses who support payroll, such as technology companies, consultants, recruiters and bureaus. Best of all, I get to socialise with them in the evenings. 2. The Advisory Service. Although my IPPE qualifications gave me some great knowledge about how to administer payroll
| Professional in Payroll, Pensions and Reward | October 2025 | Issue 114 26
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker