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Niamh Ennis, Associate, with our Dublin team, specialises in working Accounts Payable (AP), Accounts Receivable (AR) and Payroll careers. In part 4 of our ‘Barden Payroll Series’ Niamh highlights some of the main reasons why you should consider a career in payroll.
It’s Not What You Think It Is, There’s a Lot More To It
Another month draws to a close, you dread to check your bank balance and you’ve probably got a giddy look in your eye as you gaze lovingly across at the payroll department. Ask anyone what their favourite day of the month is and 9 times out of 10, it will be payday. But who could blame us?
With such a pivotal standing in any business, a career in payroll can be one of continuous development, quick progression and notable rewards. So what else do we need to know when considering a career in payroll?
There Are No Entry Requirements
Generally speaking, there are no entry requirements to kick start a career in payroll. Of course, it helps to be technically strong, and have a flair for numbers, but entry level roles on the market don’t have specific requirements. Yes, if you have IPASS that certainly improves the likelihood of you winning a role in the payroll space but many payroll professionals have started in this field without the qualification.
Payroll Is the Link Between Finance and HR
Payroll sits in a special place in any business, as it acts like the glue that joins Finance and HR together.
Like any role in finance, a career in payroll will consist of timeframes, deadlines, calculations, reports, reconciliations, systems and processes. It also plays a pivotal part in compensation, benefits, starters and leavers, annual leave, and sick leave. Key aspects linked to the HR function of any business.
These specific “HR” aspects of payroll have a more interactive element, and to ensure you can navigate them properly will require you to build a close working relationship with HR.
This close link between payroll and HR means you can see the impact of your work on the people in the business almost instantly.
International Opportunities Are On The Up
It’s a well-known fact that in recent years some of the biggest players in the global market have chosen Ireland as their European hub of activity. With this shift, payroll in larger corporations now has a multinational element as you manage the process for employees across the world. This adds an extra dimension of technicality and cross functionality with the opportunity to learn about different European markets, legislations, taxes and become an expert in your field.
Progression is Key
A career in payroll can take off quite quickly and lead to opportunities for promotion in a short space of time. When you get your feet on the ground, and learn your trade to become the master in your area of expertise, the opportunity to become a team leader or manager can happen within a number of years which means quicker earning potential. With the right experience and knowledge, you can be the leader in your field.
Payroll is the important link that brings the working relationship together; businesses can’t work without their people, but their people can’t work without the payroll function. Like a jigsaw puzzle, payroll is the piece that completes the picture.
Need help achieving your Payroll ambitions?
We’re laser focused on your future. Here to help you achieve your ambitions, our team of experts are ready with lots of CV, LinkedIn, interview and career advice along with cutting edge market insights. So if you’re considering a career in payroll, or planning your professional future, get in touch with Barden’s Payroll Team today on dublin@barden.ie or cork@barden.ie.
Barden’s Payroll Series
Recently launched the Barden Payroll Series aims to deliver payroll focused content and interviews with payroll profession, and shine a spotlight on payroll as a career in the Irish market. Feel free to get in touch with Tara Higgins or Niamh Ennis if you’d like to have a chat about the payroll market, career opportunities, building your payroll team or have an idea for a blog.
To view the other blogs in our series, click the links below…
Getting Your Payroll CV Just Right