PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
# Be Payroll Linda Wright MCIPPdip, Operations Manager, PayEscape, discusses the benefits of membership with the CIPP and shares her experience of taking IPPE qualifications
Membership
How do you think the CIPP can support members more? Equally, how do you think the CIPP is supporting its members well now? The CIPP does an excellent job of keeping members informed through its Advisory Service, newsletters and publications. The training courses and qualifications IPPE offers are also fantastic for professional development. Do you have any tips / guidance for people just entering the profession? Stick with it! It can feel overwhelming at first. There’s a lot to learn. But payroll is an ever-evolving profession, and there’s never a dull moment. There will always be new challenges, changing regulations and opportunities to expand your knowledge. Honestly, I don’t think I’ll ever reach a point where I can say, “I know everything about payroll”, and that’s what makes it so rewarding. One of the things I love most about working in payroll is the people. I work with a fantastic team of dedicated professionals who are always ready to support our clients, and I’m incredibly proud of the work they do every day. Payroll is more than just numbers; it’s about problem-solving, helping employees and ensuring people are paid accurately and on time. Knowing my work directly impacts people’s lives is extremely rewarding. While payroll may not always get the recognition it deserves, those in the industry know just how vital it is. It’s a profession which challenges you, keeps you learning and offers real career progression. For anyone considering a career in payroll, jump in! You might discover a lifelong passion, just like I did. How long have you been a member of the CIPP? I’ve been a CIPP member for over five years, and the knowledge, resources and support
I’ve gained from my membership have been invaluable. Qualifications How did you manage studying with your other commitments, e.g. working / family life? Three years of hard work, dedication, exams, assignments and yes, a few struggles and tears(!), but I did it. Juggling full-time work, raising three kids and studying was no easy feat, especially with a global pandemic thrown into the mix. But I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m incredibly grateful to PayEscape for supporting my learning and career growth, my tutor, Pete for his guidance and of course, my family, for putting up with my stress- induced moments! What tips do you have for people considering taking an IPPE qualification? Go for it! Not only will you gain invaluable knowledge, but you’ll also connect with industry peers, and maybe even make some lifelong friends. The experience is challenging but so worthwhile. What prompted you to study with IPPE? I wanted to deepen my knowledge of payroll and ensure I had the best qualifications to support my career growth. IPPE is widely respected in the industry, so it was the natural choice for me. Which qualification did you take? Early in my career, I completed the Level 3 Payroll Technician Certificate. And in November 2023, I proudly graduated with a Foundation Degree in Payroll Management.
Which CIPP member benefits would you encourage other payrollers to use and why? Without a doubt, the CIPP’s Advisory Service! There has never been a question they haven’t been able to answer. The team is incredibly knowledgeable, always friendly and impressively quick to respond – often pulling me out of a tight spot just in time! It’s a game changer for anyone in payroll, whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience under your belt. Additionally, the CIPP mailshots, news articles and monthly magazines are fantastic tools for staying up to date with the many payroll changes. How did you begin your career in payroll? Like so many in the profession, I fell into payroll. After having my second child, I was looking for a career change when I spotted an advert for a local payroll bureau. With a background in customer service and a love for numbers, I thought, why not give it a try? Thankfully, PayEscape saw something in me and offered me a role as a Payroll Administrator. From there, I worked my way up to Team Leader, then Operations Manager and now Senior Operations Manager. Over ten years later, I can’t imagine doing anything else. I’ve developed a genuine passion for payroll, especially considering I didn’t even know what a tax code was when I started! Why did membership appeal to you? CIPP membership appealed to me because of the vast range of resources and support available. Payroll is a complex and ever-changing profession, and having access to expert advice, networking opportunities and industry updates through the CIPP has been invaluable in my career development.
Do you intend to take any more qualifications with the IPPE?
For now, with three young children, I’m hitting pause on my studies while I focus on their learning journeys. But who knows what the future holds? Never say never! n
| Professional in Payroll, Pensions and Reward | April 2025 | Issue 109 14
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker