PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
# Be Payroll
Josh Pearce MCIPPdip, Head of Pay and Reward, The National Autistic Society, shares his experiences of CIPP membership and study with us
Q: Which CIPP member benefits would you encourage other pay professionals to use and why? The Advisory Service is an incredibly valuable benefit for pay professionals. There’s a common misconception that pay professionals know everything, but we know that’s impossible. For the less common scenarios which pop up from time to time, the Advisory Service team is a great source of knowledge and can point you in the right direction. I’d also encourage professionals to make full use of the Payroll Reference Book , as part of the tax pack. It contains all the key information for the year and sits comfortably on your desk.
Q: What prompted you to study with the CIPP? As part of my graduate training scheme, I was given the opportunity to undertake a qualification. Given that the CIPP is the leading professional body in the payroll industry, it made sense to train directly with them. CIPP qualifications are widely recognised, and desired, by employers. In addition, the courses can be completed alongside day jobs, and being able to attend workshops and tutorials on weekends was a bonus. Q: Which qualification did you take? I completed the Foundation Degree in Payroll Management. This was a Level 5 qualification, spread over three years. It attracted me because it covered both technical and advanced payroll processing areas and then moved on to cover payroll management practices. Q: How has your qualification helped you in your career? Firstly, the training equipped me with the solid foundation of technical payroll knowledge needed to excel as a payroll professional. It also gave me the opportunity to develop management skills and understand the broader role that payroll plays in an organisation. The qualification is incredibly valued in the job market and employers often state CIPP qualifications in their role requirements. I have progressed quickly in my career, and I credit the Foundation Degree in Payroll Management for supporting my initial step into a more senior position. It can be difficult to manage formal qualifications alongside full-time work and a personal life, but the courses are designed to fit into your schedule. The commitment to becoming a qualified professional will pay dividends as your career develops. n
the pay industry, interact with fellow pay professionals and access support when needed. The events are always engaging (both the virtual and in-person options), and it’s great to play a part in furthering the profession. Payroll has grown significantly in recent years and is a career in its own right. It’s good to see there’s an organisation furthering the interests of those in the industry and recognising the vital and skilled work we do. Q: Do you have any tips / guidance for people just entering the profession? Take every opportunity available to you as you navigate the world of pay. There’s a lot to it, but the more exposure you get, the more you’re able to tackle new challenges when they come up. I’d also say recognise the value of good colleagues and draw on their experience. The technical detail can seem overwhelming at first but as you become more confident and learn to use the tools available, you’ll quickly get to grips with the profession. Finally, payroll is a brilliant platform for a long and diverse career. You can progress into leadership positions or different areas of the profession, such as projects or systems. As time goes on, we’re seeing more roles in pay available, from entry levels roles right up to Director-level positions and everywhere in between. It’s good to see that payrollers are valued for their skills and expertise, and that the critical nature of their roles is being recognised. Q: How long have you been a member of the CIPP? I’ve been a member of the CIPP for over seven years. I’ve held student membership, associate membership and, for the last few years, Full membership.
Q: How did you begin your career in pay?
Perhaps unusually, I started as a Payroll Graduate Trainee in a local authority. It was a competitive recruitment process, and I was incredibly fortunate to secure the role. The position was a three-year rotational training scheme across several teams, including: l pay and conditions of employment l payroll and pensions processing l systems l projects l pay and reward policy teams. With around 35,000 payees, it provided great exposure to all aspects of payroll and offered a great opportunity to get to grips with the profession. After the three years, I was offered a position as Payroll Processing Manager, leading a small team. Fast forward several years and I’m now Head of Pay and Reward at a national charity, leading a diverse team with a broad remit. Q: Why did CIPP membership appeal to you? The membership allows you to be part of
| Professional in Payroll, Pensions and Reward | December 2025 - January 2026 | Issue 116 14
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