interpretation, for example, or other issues that get in the way of that goal. GPA: You have helped the payroll industry become more influential. What’s needed for the payroll industry to keep growing that influence? competence and knowledge that’s needed for payroll. How can those in payroll contribute to companies’ overall welfare? Sweden has come further than most, with payroll now developed as its own business area. It wasn’t that like 10 years ago. Payroll professionals need to be savvy. Know the areas where payroll should and shouldn’t be the driver, but, at the same time, don’t be shy to take on a legislative question that is involving payroll. Learn data analysis. Most importantly, you will need the right kind of attitude. Zennie Sjölund: We need to better understand the Who knows? You could be a co- driver on issues related to payroll, but that primarily lie in other areas like HR and systems. GDPR is an example.
how much more competent payroll professionals need to be to running payroll. Payroll data is becoming the basis for a lot of strategic decisions, both for companies but also for governments. GPA: What lessons from your journey would you share with those who are just starting out in payroll? Zennie Sjölund: I would first say: Congratulations! You’ve chosen a very nice profession. In this profession, know that nobody knows payroll completely. So, put your expectations on a good level. Never stop learning because payroll is an area where things happen all the time. That’s why you can’t say that you know everything about it because it’s so complex. And it’s very important to keep a positive attitude all through this. You will be challenged. You should aim for being 100% correct in payroll but maybe you don’t have all the information, the facts needed to make that happen. Log what you do. Document what you do, so that you can trace what’s been done. In that way, you can better adjust to address problems of
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ISSUE 22 GLOBAL PAYROLL MAGAZINE
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