Lyndsay’s journey into payroll

I’m Lyndsay, a Senior Payroll Administrator at Wbg. For National Payroll Week, I want to cast light on my unique journey into payroll.

Past

Where did your journey begin?

I started as a Modern Apprentice in our business advisory services team in 2014 as a Modern Apprentice, working towards my AAT qualification.

My first in-depth encounter with payroll was a month or so after joining the firm as the payroll department needed some cover. That’s when I learned basic payrolls.

I developed a strong foundation in payroll by gaining hands-on experience with key processes such as payroll calculations, tax withholdings, and benefits administration.

While I did enjoy it, I still wanted to learn accounts.

How did you get into payroll?

I stayed in the BAS department for several years and gained my AAT qualification. My only involvement with payroll was to cover holidays and during busy periods.

Over time, I became proficient in various payroll software systems, which helped me streamline processes and reduce errors. I also familiarised myself with compliance regulations, ensuring that all payroll activities were conducted in accordance with the latest laws and standards.

Towards the end of 2019, a role came up in the payroll team, and I came back to help out. I quickly discovered my love for payroll and decided to apply for the role. I permanently moved into payroll at the start of 2020.

This year, I was promoted to Senior Payroll Administrator.

Present

What is your current role?

As Senior Payroll Administrator, I manage the payroll for many companies across various industries, from charities to hospitality. I’ve also taken on additional responsibilities such as overseeing payroll audits, implementing new payroll systems, and training team members. This has allowed me to optimise our payroll processes, leading to improved efficiency and accuracy. I take pride in my ability to resolve complex payroll issues, communicate effectively with employees and management, and ensure that all payroll activities comply with the latest regulations.

What does your day-to-day job look like?

Day-to-day I oversee around 90 clients who I run a combination of weekly, monthly, fortnightly and 4-weekly payrolls for. We have the best team who all genuinely get along and coming to work is so much more enjoyable when you have a good team around you to make the harder days go in quick. Since Margaret joined the firm, the team has had a new lease of life. I feel supported towards my goals and feel like there are lots of opportunities to progress within the firm.

Future

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

I am eager to continue advancing my career in payroll by deepening my knowledge in areas such as payroll analytics and global payroll management. I am particularly interested in exploring how emerging technologies like AI and automation can further enhance payroll processes. My goal is to take on a leadership role where I can mentor others, drive strategic initiatives, and contribute to the overall financial well-being of the organisation. I am committed to continuous learning and staying ahead of industry trends to ensure that I remain on my A-game in the ever-evolving field of payroll.

I’d like to eventually become a manager within the payroll team. I’d also like to complete my CIPP training and hopefully work with the great team that we have now.

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