REWARD
Constant payroll change means more diverse career opportunities
Stephen Abbotts, director of payroll services, Azets UK, reflects on the exciting and diverse opportunities and job roles that the constantly changing nature of payroll opens up to those with an interest in the industry
O ver the years, payroll has transformed and there’s been a significant change in how we manage and deliver our payroll services, subsequently influencing the career opportunities available. At one time, payroll was seen as having a very narrow career path and, though some may still believe that to be the case, I think we should be shouting from the rooftops about the diverse roles which now exist. We have also seen payroll move from being an experience-based profession to a career which can be supported with varied and rewarding academic qualifications.
they belong in an organisation’s structure, whether this is in human resources (HR) or finance or even somewhere else. This quandary enhances the power payroll can possess – with it serving the needs of several areas within a business. Ultimately, payrollers are the people who truly understand and interpret payroll input and pay-related terms and conditions. Very few things in the business world touch every working person. However, payroll is one that does. As such, the data in payroll systems is becoming more powerful than ever in supporting business decision making. This in turn creates a broader scope of opportunities for experienced payrollers who deviate from the stereotypical structure of payroll
administrator, payroll senior, payroll team leader and payroll manager. There are specialisms within the payroll services area which, particularly in larger organisations, now require roles with specific payroll experience, such as but not limited to: l data / management information payroll reporting l payroll compliance l payroll controls l payroll system management l Bacs processing l client services management l dedicated payroll training staff. While specific payroll qualifications are available and are certainly hugely valuable, on-the-job experience plays a crucial part in the development of staff. Payroll makes up a substantial portion of a business’s financial outlay, meaning the work carried out by payrollers and the data they collate helps to inform budgets and influence critical decisions. Most finance, accounts and HR teams within an increasing number of businesses will use payroll data as an aid to make key decisions, including budget setting and general ledger costs, which interface from the payroll system to the accounts system.
Payroll data Payroll people often talk about where
“Payroll people often talk about where they belong in an organisation’s structure, whether this is in human resources or finance or even somewhere else. This quandary enhances the power payroll can possess – with it serving the needs of several areas within a business”
| Professional in Payroll, Pensions and Reward | June 2024 | Issue 101 50
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