MY CIPP
Spotlight on...
Fiona Smith MCIPPdip Payroll training manager
Tell us a little about your career and background so far. My background is in operational payroll. Back in 2010, I was working in the finance department of Derwent Housing Association and was asked out of the blue to take on the payroll function for the company. I knew it was an excellent opportunity so, even though I had no previous experience, I jumped at the chance. I ended up processing the payroll as a sole practitioner for around 300 employees, and during that time became the payroll and accounts manager, taking on the role of managing and developing my team. I also completed the three- year CIPP Foundation Degree. This was invaluable in helping me understand how to run a compliant payroll, and in opening my eyes to how rewarding a career in payroll can be. Following the birth of my son, I moved to Breedon Group Services in 2017 as assistant group payroll manager, where I oversaw a team paying 3,000 employees over 13 different payrolls, ranging from weekly to monthly payrolls based in the Republic of Ireland. My time at Breedon was fast-paced and never dull. I moved on from Breedon in 2019, when I was approached about an opportunity to become a trainer at the CIPP. Being a huge fan of the Institute, ever since completing my degree, I knew I had to apply for it. For me, it has been an absolute dream job. I’m so passionate about payroll and it’s thrilling to work with such a dedicated, diverse team of people who also care about the future of the industry. What are your main priorities as a project manager? Having worked running payrolls myself, I know how difficult it can be to spare time
one of our many informative courses? As someone who frequently presents CIPP’s training courses, I can confidently say they’re worth booking for anyone who wants to enhance their knowledge and skills in payroll, pensions and reward. Our courses are designed to cover the latest legislation, best practices and industry trends, and are delivered by experienced and qualified trainers who are experts in their fields. We offer you the opportunity to access this wealth of knowledge and as our courses are designed to encourage interactive learning, you can ask any questions you like. Whether you’re a newcomer to the profession or looking to advance in your career, we have a course to suit your needs and goals and if not, we could design you one. You’ll also benefit from networking with other professionals, gaining continuing professional development points and receiving valuable resources and support. What do you think your role can bring to the future strategy of the CIPP? Providing excellent education for the payroll profession is a cornerstone of the CIPP’s strategy, and our training offering is a major part of that. My role will be to ensure we continue to provide training that’s relevant to the industry, and that both members and non-members can access the knowledge they need as and when they need it. I’m also proud to be working as part of the management team at the Institute. We’re working hard to make sure the CIPP has the internal infrastructure and capabilities to continue to deliver the excellent service we’re known for, well into the future. n
to keep your knowledge and skills up to date, and how vitally important this is. As the CIPP’s payroll training manager, I’m really focussed on ensuring that everyone processing payrolls has access to excellent quality training when they need it. I must ensure our training courses cover the subjects that payroll professionals really need to know, in a way that’s easy to understand and gives them confidence they’re running a compliant service. A lot of my time and effort goes into planning new training products or updating existing ones, so everyone has access to a training solution which helps them, as well as ensuring the courses we deliver are of the highest quality. What does your role mean to you? My role is something I wake up grateful to be doing. Being the CIPP’s payroll training manager means a lot to me because it allows me to contribute to the development and growth of the payroll community and to help others to achieve their career goals. I get to use my skills and knowledge in a way that I love, working alongside some fantastic people who make every day a pleasure. I enjoy designing and delivering engaging and interactive training sessions and am eager to learn from the feedback and questions of the participants, who bring valuable insights and experiences to the table. I also love the fact I get to travel and meet wonderful people – it’s not every job where you get to say you’ve enjoyed a drinks reception in the Sky Garden in London! What makes the CIPP’s training courses special, and why should someone book onto
| Professional in Payroll, Pensions and Reward | May 2023 | Issue 90 14
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker