REWARD
Investing in payroll excellence
The OneSource Virtual (OSV) UK payroll services team discusses the importance of prioritising the professional development of payroll staff, to attract and retain the best talent
I n the ever-changing world of payroll services, where getting things right is crucial, OSV shines as a beacon of expertise and commitment. The company began its journey as a Workday service partner in the US in 2008 and by 2015, had expanded to become a global partner, with employees in England and Northern Ireland. Within the UK, OSV boasts two dedicated payroll teams, with 18 full-time employees serving over 60 Workday clients. Through their unwavering diligence, these teams have achieved an impressive 99% accuracy rate. But reaching such levels of excellence doesn’t come automatically. OSV’s success is underpinned by its commitment to professional development. This commitment extends to OSV’s UK payroll teams, who embrace professional development through the CIPP. Investing in professional growth “One of our key value propositions is providing our clients with expert guidance on payroll legislation,” says Phil O’Reilly, payroll director at OSV. This proposition has been particularly challenging in recent years, with Covid-19 introducing new challenges while in new ways, highlighting the strategic importance of the payroll profession. “Historically, payroll has been overlooked by the wider human resource transformation programme of the last decade. It’s been seen as a back-office function where payslips are just generated at the click of a button,” O’Reilly says. But faced with a more competitive job market, the recent shifts in furlough legislation, and the introduction of the 2022 health and social care levy (which has since been withdrawn), companies are finally seeing the payroll profession as more of a strategic partner.
“To stay ahead in this ever-changing field, and because we have always viewed payroll as a prestigious career, we emphasise knowledge and professional growth for our teams,” O’Reilly says. OSV’s UK payroll teams are structured to encourage employees to specialise according to their skills and interests. However, progression requires meeting specific criteria. “Advancement opportunities are based on experience and CIPP qualification, with a baseline requirement of the CIPP’s Level 3 Payroll Technician Certificate for all team members,” O’Reilly adds. This ensures every team member possesses a solid foundation of knowledge and is fully prepared to deliver compliant, efficient and accurate payroll services. A mark of excellence Prioritising professional development keeps OSV’s employees abreast of changing legislation and signals the company’s commitment to excellence to clients and partners. “Clients and partners find comfort in having certified professionals who deeply understand the intricacies of payroll,” O’Reilly notes. Because of the recent changes in UK payroll, having access to a team of CIPP- qualified payroll professionals provides a significant advantage for companies. “Prospective clients are more likely to choose a payroll provider that can demonstrate a commitment to excellence through its team’s qualifications, industry association memberships and robust controls,” O’Reilly says. The payroll qualifications available from the CIPP provide OSV’s UK payroll specialists with a structured learning pathway which ensures they’re equipped to handle complex payroll scenarios, with a comprehensive curriculum covering
essential topics such as tax compliance, pension schemes and employee benefits.
Attracting and retaining top talent Like any other company, OSV recognises the importance of attracting and retaining
top talent. Prioritising professional development is one way to do that.
“We firmly believe that a sound investment in professional payroll development provides a robust foundation for creating a high-performing team,” O’Reilly says. Within the fiercely competitive landscape of payroll, companies which invest in professional development not only attract the best talent but also inspire their employees to become brand advocates. This, in turn, makes it more likely for those employees to recommend their employer to their friends, former colleagues and family members. “For us, that means we have a wider pool of talent to choose from when we need to expand our team. It also means our employees are invested in OSV’s growth,” O’Reilly says. This dynamic edge in talent acquisition comes as prospective hires are drawn to a culture of learning and advancement. As specialists recommend the company, the talent pool expands. The cumulative effect is enhanced productivity, satisfaction and staff retention.
The bottom line: excellence delivers results
OSV’s commitment to professional growth empowers its employees, ensuring top- notch service, development and retention. Internally and externally, this fuels success – for employees, clients and the business. But success is a continuous journey, not a one-time destination, which is powered by knowledge, dedication and an unwavering commitment to excellence. n
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| Professional in Payroll, Pensions and Reward |
Issue 96 | December 2023 - January 2023
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