REWARD
A passion for payroll
Payroll professionals are often asked how they started out and what drives them to stay in the industry. Here, Eilidh McFarlane MCIPPdip, payroll manager at Angus Council, explains the countless opportunities payroll can present and how having something new to learn and adapt to ensures she remains enthused by her choice of career
A s payroll professionals, we are constantly faced with deadlines. While some people may find this daunting, I thrive in a fast-paced and focussed working environment. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of reaching payday each month, knowing that everyone’s hard work has paid off! Every day brings new learning opportunities and the fast-paced nature of working in payroll is invigorating, particularly because of the rapid changes. Whether it’s updates in legislation, advancements in software or new queries from employees, there’s always something new to learn and adapt to. This keeps the work interesting, ensuring that no two days are the same. I have a passion for working with numbers and performing calculations, but I also love interacting with people, providing support and problem- solving. Payroll provides the perfect balance for me, allowing me to get my numerical and methodical skills within the context of helping others.
topics such as automatic enrolment, salary sacrifice and benefit in kind implications. Moreover, staying abreast of changes in legislation is essential yet daunting for many organisations. Payroll professionals must also be adaptable in their approach to working hours, as varying deadlines may require heightened focus at different times of the week or month. Being task- oriented, deadline-driven and dedicated to completing tasks are characteristic traits that aren’t always easy to come by but are exactly what I love about payroll. “Being task- oriented, deadline- driven and dedicated to completing tasks are characteristic traits that aren’t always easy to come by but are exactly what I love about payroll” A path of independence As a young girl, I loved learning. I was driven to become successful and independent, to stand on my own two feet and earn my own wages. I was always considered mature for my age and when I was 13, I began my working life at a local hairdressing
salon at the weekends and during the school holidays. This experience boosted my confidence and helped me develop essential skills in customer service, dealing with clientele from all walks of life. I became a mature, young adult with strong interpersonal skills. At the age of 16, I decided to travel and do volunteer work, fundraising a trip to Ghana. During my time there, I lived with local families and worked alongside other volunteers from different parts of the world. I carried out maintenance works to school buildings, supported the local community, and taught the children at their schools. This experience was humbling and made me realise the importance of helping others most in need to make a difference. On my return, I completed my hairdressing apprenticeship and pursued my goal of starting a business. When I handed in my notice to leave school at 16, my teachers were surprised and disappointed that I wanted to start work at such a young age. I was considered an academic pupil who would thrive in a university environment. Although I made a success of this journey, I realised I did miss out on academia. That’s when I decided to return to education part-time to study business and accountancy. During my studies, I worked as a compliance auditor for large businesses, which was a fascinating and educational experience. Upon completion of this course, I applied for a school leaver accountancy traineeship at a local firm and fell into a payroll position. By my own admission, this career path wasn’t by choice, however now I would say it was fate! I loved every second of this junior role.
Opportunity for change I believe the payroll profession is
undervalued, but with the support of CIPP I see this as an opportunity for change. It’s a chance to educate individuals in every workplace about not only the importance of payroll, but also its complexity. Every organisation needs a payroll professional. In addition to the fundamental skills required such as attention to detail, accuracy and time-management, employers are now seeking candidates with extensive specialist knowledge. Job postings often specify the need for a deep understanding of
| Professional in Payroll, Pensions and Reward | June 2024 | Issue 101 46
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