Professional development insight
Rebecca Gotch ACIPP Payroll adviser, The Rowleys Partnership Diary of a student…
with the pressure as, like a qualification, payroll is very deadline driven? Time management is key and forward planning of workloads as well as module deadlines is a must. I was very fortunate to be completing my final year whilst working at The Rowleys Partnership as they have been flexible with regard to my family responsibilities as well as my studies. My husband was also a great help at home and with our daughter, ensuring that I had the time I needed to meet my study deadlines as well as being a second pair of eyes reading over my assignments. I also found that, as I passed each module, it gave me the drive to go on and complete the next one. Rowleys recognise success and my achievements were acknowledged each step of the way. How important would you rate qualifications to the payroll profession? Payroll is fast becoming an even more complex profession and employers are beginning to realise that it is a lot more complicated than just ‘pressing a button’. Automatic enrolment has really changed the landscape and an increasing number of payroll vacancies now require a qualification. With CIPP being a well-respected, recognised organisation within the sector, a large number of companies are now specifically asking for that qualification. With regard to my current role, I feel that my qualification and expertise enable me to provide Rowleys’ clients with the best service available. Our department has grown as we continue to take on more clients and our reputation for reliability, accuracy and specialist expertise increases. The success of the department is really rewarding and I’m proud of what my department has achieved. I find myself being able to mentor my colleagues and advise my clients in the more complex areas of payroll which I think is essential to the profession. n
Why did you decide to study the CIPP’s Foundation Degree in Payroll Management? Although I had previously processed payrolls within other job roles, I had never worked in a ‘payroll only’ position until 2009. During this time, I snapped up the opportunity to undertake a payroll qualification funded by the company. I was given a number of options but decided on the Foundation Degree in Payroll Management. I chose that particular qualification as the course was over three years, gaining a qualification at the end of each year. By the end of the second year, I had the Practitioner’s Certificate and the Advanced Practitioner’s Certificate in Payroll. I then took a break from my studies to get married and have my first child. When the time came to return to work, being a busy young mum, I hadn’t really thought about embarking on the final year. However, when I joined The Rowleys Partnership as payroll adviser, I found them to be extremely enthusiastic and supportive about training and development. Although I was unsure about fitting everything in, Rowleys agreed to fund my studies and I gratefully accepted their offer. What have you gained from studying the qualification? Not only has the qualification helped me to increase my knowledge of payroll legislation, it has also given me the skills to help improve the payroll processes and services I provide for Rowleys’ clients. I have a greater knowledge of flexible benefits, finance and budgets and it has provided me with a greater awareness of my personal effectiveness and development. I have the confidence, the knowledge and
specialist expertise to advise my clients and I get a real sense of satisfaction when I’m able to help them make good business decisions. How has it helped you in your career and how you manage payroll? I now have a recognised and respected payroll qualification which has increased my self-confidence, enabling me to perform my duties to a very high standard and achieve the excellent service levels that everyone at Rowleys strives for. It has completely changed the way I look at processing payrolls. When I first began working in the sector, I found I only really focused on the end result, but now I look at the bigger picture; from the ever-changing payroll legislation to the detailed procedures behind each process, I’m able to find efficiencies and make informed decisions to the benefit of my clients and Rowleys. For someone who is thinking about studying for a CIPP qualification what would your advice be to them? Take each year as it comes and if you do take a break, always consider going back to gain the full qualification. After having my daughter and returning to work, I wasn’t sure that I would be able to fit my studies in as well. But with the backing of a very supportive and encouraging employer, I feel that completing the course has been a huge personal achievement and I am delighted that I have finally got my degree. Studying towards a qualification alongside a full time job is no easy feat. How did you cope
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Issue 23 | September 2016
| Professional in Payroll, Pensions and Reward |
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