PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
# Be Payroll Meg Kirk ACIPP, payroll manager at Albany Beck Worldwide Ltd shares the virtues of studying with the CIPP, and provides an insight into her payroll career
Can you describe your payroll career so far? I initially planned a career in teaching sports and achieved a Masters in Management of Sport and Leisure in 2000. However, after exploring various options, I realised my true passion lay in accounting. Through my employer at the time, Profile Productions Ltd, I enrolled in an accountants course in London School of Accountancy and Finance. A few years later, in 2012, I found myself working alongside Andrew Twynam, starting up a new TaxAssist Accountants practice in Chesham. Initially, it was only the two of us, so I was engaging in various roles. As the practice expanded and roles became more defined, I gravitated towards payroll. Payroll was something I liked and understood instantly. When you know, you know, as they say! Most of what I know about payroll I learned during my 11 years at TaxAssist, managing a multitude of employer files of different complexities, demands and expectations. TaxAssist have been like family to me, and I’m still working with them on a consultancy basis. In 2021, I took on the role of payroll manager at Interquest Group, a specialist recruitment company. Earlier this year, I transitioned to Albany Beck Worldwide, which is part of the same group, and situated in the heart of London’s financial district. It’s a fantastic workplace and an exceptional employer. In 2019, alongside my day job, I set up my own practice called MK Tax Accountant, which provides personal tax return and payroll services. How do you feel about working in payroll? What does working in payroll mean to you? I cannot imagine myself doing anything else. It’s the most rewarding and captivating career. You never stop learning as the world of taxation, compliance and employment legislation is constantly changing. I have a genuine passion for expanding my knowledge and sharing it with my colleagues, which is why I’ve started composing regular newsletters to share with them. As a payroll manager, I firmly believe my role extends beyond the payroll itself. I view it as being my responsibility to engage, educate and disseminate information. I write about a wide range of topics, such as: l tax-saving strategies l deciphering tax codes l understanding payslips l cultivating a more tax-savvy approach. In a recruitment company like Albany Beck, where our employees are our most valuable assets, I want to be a proactive and supportive payroll manager. This is where I can connect and share my expertise in personal taxation and payroll.
What course have you studied / are you currently studying? I’m proud to say that my company has sponsored my training and I’m currently in the final part of completing my Foundation Degree in Payroll Management with the CIPP. How would you describe your experience of studying with the CIPP? Challenging. Although I have a good working knowledge of most of the topics covered, there’s so much I didn’t know. The third year covers mostly business management which I touched on at university, but now I can link it with the payroll. I appreciate the flexibility, online content and help provided by our tutors. Ray Ronnpage has been incredibly supportive, and I will honestly miss his guidance. Interacting with other students who are navigating the same journey is also invaluable. Thanks to this course, I made new friendships.
Why was it important to you to gain this qualification?
In terms of my career, this made me a more noticeable and desirable candidate for interviews. Working within a recruitment company, I’ve gained a profound understanding of the significance of qualifications and skills. I also feel a lot more confident, not just within payroll but also other areas of the business. This course has equipped me with valuable strategic and analytical skills which are useful in carrying out various work projects. It’s gratifying to see that my colleagues, employer and my private clients appreciate the value of these capabilities, so I intend to keep working hard. What advice do you have for someone thinking of studying a qualification with us? Only one: if you’re considering this course, don’t hesitate any longer. The only regret I have is that I didn’t start this course earlier. The CIPP’s Foundation Degree will take you to a different level and you’ll never regret it. What are your hopes for your future career? My goal is to move into global payroll. I currently oversee payroll operations in Ireland, Netherlands and the US, with a modest understanding of Polish payroll. I would like to expand this and learn about other countries. I have recently enrolled in the Certificate in Global Payroll Leadership course offered by the Global Payroll Association. This aligns seamlessly with Albany Beck’s global development strategy so this will prove beneficial for my employer too. n
16 | Professional in Payroll, Pensions and Reward | November 2023 | Issue 95
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