1. What is the most significant change you have seen in your role within the last year? 

A: Hybrid working - change to role / digital solutions / revisit payroll strategy and impact on payroll professionals - merger of HR professionals to support HR with AI skills and also support strategic decision making. More opportunities for a blended HR & payroll career - open to change. 

2. What do you see being the biggest challenge for the rest of 2023 as payroll professional?

A: Skills shortage and a number of professionals leaving the sector if employers are not embracing flexible working / supporting stressful position by supporting them with right technology and tools and investment in training.

Need to encourage new joiners to the profession – employers to make the job opportunities and careers more exciting – apprenticeships etc   New World of Work – need to adapt.

3. What advice would you give those entering the payroll profession?

A: See if you can ask local firms if you can observe what it is like to work in a payroll department? Speak to payroll professionals? Social media go on CIPP and start chatting and finding out. Study payroll qualifications as well as learn about Payroll tech solutions.