Chevonne Wild MCIPPdip
Payroll advisory officer
How did you start your payroll career?
I was working as a chief cashier and was selected to go for training on the new time and attendance system with the HR administrator. After which, I assisted in submitting wages, as and when necessary, and enjoyed completing these tasks. I was advised of a payroll administrator position in a bureau, processing Irish and UK payroll, which I knew would be a fantastic role and was the opportune time for me to develop my career.
Since my first job in payroll, I have worked in varied environments, in-house, systems and accountancy. In 2017 I moved to a new position and was allowed to study for the CIPP Foundation Degree which I completed in 2019. After 23 years I still love payroll, the manual calculations and complexities of legislation fascinate me and there is always more to learn.
How did you then move into policy and advisory?
In previous roles, I enjoyed helping both clients and employees with queries and researching legislation, ensuring processes were accurate and up to date. However, due to time constraints with payroll deadlines, I could not always invest the amount of time I would like into this. When I saw the role within the advisory team, I felt this would be perfect as it allows me to advise members and increase my knowledge through research and training.
Did you study a specific course to help you in your career?
I completed the Foundation Degree in Payroll Management after twenty years of being in the payroll industry. I felt the qualification would not only improve my understanding and knowledge of payroll practices but also show prospective employers that I am willing to learn and expand my skill set.
Was there a moment in your career/life that made you want to enter a career in payroll?
I had not planned a career in payroll however, I now love everything about payroll and cannot imagine working in another industry.
How do you feel when you know you have made a positive difference to someone through your advice?
I feel extremely happy and pleased knowing I have assisted a member when they have needed help. I feel a sense of achievement which gives me great job satisfaction and I am proud to work in the Advisory Service.
Tell us about a typical week as an advisory team member?
Every day is different, which makes the role interesting and challenging, as you never know what to expect. The questions can range from easy, which means providing the legislation is straightforward, or complex and further research is necessary. Research can take a considerable amount of time, but we also discuss queries within the team for further advice as we all have specialist subjects.
What type of skills does an advisory member need?
Good communication and time management skills are essential to understand the member’s query and provide the correct information in a timely manner. This also helps to manage workload and tasks during busy periods. For researching, perseverance and patience are important qualities to possess as this can be a lengthy process.
What's the most interesting fact you've heard about payroll?
As a person who loves payroll, there are quite a few pieces of legislation that are fascinating. However, one piece is prominent as it is over 150 years old and is still referenced today, which is the Apportionment Act of 1870.
The Apportionment Act 1870 is titled “An Act for the better apportionment of rents and other periodical payments”. Section 2 states all rents, annuities, dividends, and other periodical payments like income (whether reserved or made payable under an instrument in writing or otherwise) shall, like interest on money lent, be considered as accruing from day to day, and shall be apportionable in respect of time accordingly.
With payroll reference, the Act is concerned with the right to a salary and its deemed accrual on a day-to-day basis and has been utilised in tribunal cases in previous years.
Where do you receive your updates?
There are a variety of sources updates are received from, however, the most frequently used are CIPP policy team, News Online and HMRC agent updates and bulletins.
What techniques do you use to provide accurate answers?
Researching legislation and explaining it in terms that are easy for members to understand. Providing up to date links to HMRC guidance, manuals and legislation demonstrating where the information originated.
What processes do you use to keep you up to date with general legislation?
A considerable amount of reading, research and being aware of updates to legislation. We all share knowledge within the team and advise each other on information we feel relevant and helpful.