Case Study - Payroll Operations Post-Migration

Scene Setting

A UK construction company had recently migrated to a new payroll service provider as part of a wider finance system upgrade. The Payroll Manager had not been involved in the selection of the provider and, once live, began to experience increasing concerns about payroll accuracy and control.

Manual corrections were becoming routine, raising fears that errors could be slipping through unnoticed. Senior management recognised that confidence in payroll operations was being undermined and sought independent, expert support to assess compliance and operational resilience.

The Action

We were engaged to conduct a comprehensive end‑to‑end review of payroll processes, controls, and outputs. Working closely with the Payroll Manager, we assessed system configuration, internal procedures, and the effectiveness of controls in identifying and preventing errors.

A detailed findings report was produced, identifying two compliance‑related issues and twelve opportunities to improve internal payroll processes. A separate, tailored report was prepared for the payroll service provider, and we supported structured discussions between the client and the provider to resolve the root causes of the errors.

The Results

The CEO reviewed the findings and approved additional resources to strengthen the payroll function. With clearer processes, improved controls, and resolved system issues, payroll operations stabilised and confidence was restored.

The Payroll Manager reported feeling reassured, supported, and confident that payroll delivery was now compliant, resilient, and meeting all statutory and contractual obligations.

Client testimonial
The Payroll Manager shared the following feedback:

"I was initially apprehensive about engaging the CIPP Consultancy team, knowing that my own payroll processes would be subject to scrutiny. However, the experience proved to be both constructive and reassuring. The Consultant was highly professional and respectful throughout, providing a balanced review that not only identified areas for improvement but also acknowledged the robust procedures already in place.

The resulting report was instrumental in securing the resources needed to strengthen the payroll function. As a direct outcome of this project, I now feel confident that our payroll operations are both compliant and resilient, and that I am fully meeting my employer’s statutory and contractual obligations."