FEATURE TOPIC
How can individuals leverage a combination of education and experience to enhance their competitiveness in the job market for payroll roles? EC: Personally, I have found enhanced competitiveness through the additional things I do in the industry – networking and outside work events. This provided opportunities which helped me when searching for my current role and I would recommend putting yourself out there and getting involved. Studying for the payroll apprenticeship is a good way to gain a combination of education (the technical side of payroll and legislation) and experience through working day-to-day, payroll processing and working within a team. This is the route I took, and I definitely feel it was the right one for me. PH: While hands-on experience in payroll roles is undeniably valuable for climbing the career ladder, education and formal qualifications should be given equal importance. Alongside industry- specific qualifications from bodies like the CIPP, individuals should also consider certifications relevant to their desired career trajectory within payroll. It’s crucial for individuals to map out a career path within the payroll industry
no payroll background or experience. Therefore, applications have been based on school grades, previous work experience and answers to interview questions. It’s positive to see so many school leavers wanting to take an apprenticeship route into payroll, as this is something which was unheard of only a few years ago. Are there any emerging trends within the payroll industry which are influencing a preference for either education or experience for those entering the profession? EC: Ben suggested that artificial intelligence (AI) and a lack of payroll professionals in the industry are influencing preferences when recruiting. AI has resulted in less manual work for basic tasks, which means fewer junior employees are needed. There’s also still a lack of payroll professionals available to hire, which can remove the demand for qualifications and employers may accept a candidate who only has experience, or they may need to be less strict with their requirements. PH: The payroll industry is undergoing a significant transformation, emerging as a distinct and critical function within the organisation, rather than sitting under HR or finance. For professionals entering the field, this change is influencing the dynamics of education versus experience. As payroll becomes a standalone function, there’s a growing emphasis on formal qualifications and professional
it’s advantageous for individuals to pursue relevant qualifications early in their careers. Those looking to enter the profession should be well-informed about the qualifications available and consider them as part of their career planning. Employers are increasingly expecting to see these credentials during the hiring process, as they signal a candidate’s commitment to the profession and readiness to contribute to the payroll function’s evolving role in business strategy. HL: Although employers prioritise experience and skills over education in today’s market, if you’re in a managerial role, a CIPP qualification to cement your payroll experience is well thought of and will give you the upper hand when competing against other applicants. EW: An increasing number of payroll job roles now require payroll qualifications to support the application. These qualifications can be the deciding factor in gaining the job, making you stand out from the crowd, compared to having experience alone. Trends tend to be a payroll-related qualification with a required amount of experience. There are now many career paths within payroll and having a payroll qualification will help those entering the profession to get the jobs they apply for.
memberships, particularly for those aiming for senior roles. The trend is towards recognising payroll not just as a process-oriented task but as a strategic function capable of driving business insights through data analysis. This shift is elevating the importance of being qualified and affiliated with Chartered professional bodies. The conversation within large organisations now includes the potential for roles such as a chief payroll officer occupying a seat at the C-suite table. For such high-level positions, qualifications from professional bodies
will no doubt become a prerequisite. Given these industry trends,
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| Professional in Payroll, Pensions and Reward |
Issue 101 | June 2024
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