Celebrating National Payroll Week 2025
National Payroll Week was established in the UK by the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP) in 1998 to celebrate the payroll profession and to give them all the recognition they deserve.
To celebrate, we are highlighting some of the payroll professionals from the Thomson Cooper team.
Meet Kyle Stephenson, our talented antipodean Payroll Supervisor, and learn more about his career in payroll.
Job title and responsibilities
I am a Payroll Supervisor, and my primary responsibility is overseeing the accuracy and quality of the payrolls processed within our team. I focus on quality control, ensuring compliance with legislation and client procedures, and providing support to both colleagues and clients. This includes handling queries on payroll, benefits, and pensions, as well as acting as a point of escalation for more complex issues. A key part of my role is also to mentor and guide the team, ensuring they feel supported and confident in their work.
How long have you worked for Thomson Cooper?
I have been with Thomson Cooper for just over five years, during which time I have had the opportunity to develop both technically and professionally, as well as build strong client relationships. My knowledge and expertise have been built over years of hands-on experience in payroll and pensions. I am committed to continuous learning and regularly attend training and updates to ensure I stay current with legislation and best practices.
What are your areas of expertise and interest?
My main area of expertise lies in payroll administration and analysis, where I have gained extensive experience in managing a variety of payrolls with differing levels of complexity. I also have a solid background in pension administration, which complements my payroll knowledge and allows me to provide clients with well-rounded support. I particularly enjoy the analytical side of payroll, ensuring accuracy and spotting trends or anomalies. Over the years, I’ve developed a strong ability to interpret legislation and apply it in practice, which has proven essential in guiding clients through changes in payroll and benefit requirements.
What does a typical day look like?
A typical day for me involves a combination of reviewing and checking payrolls to ensure accuracy, supporting the team by answering payroll related questions, and responding to client queries. Much of my time is spent reviewing data, identifying discrepancies, and ensuring that everything is compliant with current legislation. I also provide guidance on complex payroll issues, which often requires interpreting data and applying analytical skills to find the best solution.
What are the main challenges you face?
One of the main challenges in payroll is the constant change in legislation, particularly around areas such as benefits and pensions. Interpreting and applying these changes correctly is crucial to ensuring our clients are compliant. It can be challenging to keep up with the volume and speed of change, but it is also an aspect of the role that keeps the work varied and interesting.
What is the most rewarding aspect of working in payroll?
Payroll is something that affects everyone, and ensuring that staff are paid correctly and on time is a responsibility I take pride in. I also find it rewarding to support clients and colleagues through complex queries, offering reassurance and practical solutions.
What advice do you have for others contemplating a career in payroll?
I would say that payroll is an excellent career choice for anyone who enjoys working with both people and data. It requires attention to detail, analytical thinking, and a willingness to stay up to date with legislation. My advice would be to embrace continuous learning, as payroll is always evolving, and to build a strong foundation in both the technical and customer service aspects of the role. Payroll can be demanding at times, but it is also a highly rewarding career with plenty of opportunities for progression.