What is your job title?

Payroll Clerk

Give an overview of the duties, functions and responsibilities of your job.

I deal with payroll processing, so issuing reports/payslips for employers to pay their staff, and reporting the figures to HMRC before their deadlines. I also spend time dealing with HMRC on behalf of our clients, as well as answering queries clients may have, and helping them set up payroll and pension schemes.

What is a typical working day like for you?

When I get to the office I start with emails and payrolls that have come in overnight. We’ll have a quick team talk to check what we have on today, and what’s coming up that we need to get done. Then I’ll spend the day on queries/set ups as well as any ad-hoc work that crops up throughout the day.

What particular challenges do you regularly encounter?

More and more complex issues are arising, for example, where a client’s previous accountant has vanished and we’re picking up the pieces as best we can for them. Recently an employer had a member of staff on SMP and I had to work backwards, manually calculating everything to make sure it was all correct going forward.

What are some of the biggest challenges faced by your clients?

Understanding their duties as employers for pay and payroll, but more so pensions recently. No matter the size of an employer there is some kind of documentation that needs to be completed in relation to Auto-Enrolment duties. Not completing this can lead to fines and penalties from The Pensions Regulator, these can be up to £10,000 per day!

How are you able to use your skills to solve problems for them?

The entire team has an incredible working knowledge of the requirements of different employer’s, and can make sure that employers meet the duties required of them.

What is your favourite part of the job?

There’s nothing more satisfying than everything balancing on the first check!

What do you like most about working for The Accountancy Partnership

The great crowd of people make it the best place to work. Percy the office dog is a bonus too, until he tries to get my lunch that is.

What skills do you find most useful to do your job?

Problem solving/Methodical thinking – Payroll is great and runs fairly smoothly when you know what you’re doing, but it can be incredibly difficult when something goes wrong. The ability to problem solve is invaluable when this happens.

Where’s your favourite place to visit on days off?

Moel Famau (a mountain in North Wales). There’s nothing like turning your phone off and going for a walk with good friends and unwinding. I’m hoping to try Snowdon in the New Year!

Tell us about your proudest achievement.

I had my first full time job at 17 as I was itching to start working. I started my first job in finance and travelled 1.5 hours to work each way, every day, for apprenticeship wage. I worked hard and got into accounts and payroll a year later, choosing to focus on payroll. I bought my first house at 21, which I would never have been able to do if I hadn’t pushed myself from the second I left school.

How would your colleagues describe you?

Kind, patient & cheeky.

What are you reading/binge watching at the moment?

Glee – surprisingly excellent. And reading Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series – incredible.

Who do you admire, and why?

Our clients to be honest – the people who have taken the plunge to turn their hobbies into successful businesses.

What question would you really like to answer, and what’s the answer?!

Is Die Hard a Christmas film? (100% yes).

About The Author

Elizabeth Hughes

An SEO Copywriter and Content Creator. After more than ten years of enjoying myself by turning difficult subjects into elegant, simple language, I still can't believe I get paid for this.