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He continues with some insight gained from his years working with payroll professionals . “ Staff in these roles tend to be compliance driven , very conscientious in making sure things are right and with an overall desire to support the business . When businesses invest in these staff with enhanced training and qualifications , it really pays dividends . There ’ s a real two-way relationship - when you value your teams and invest in their learning , the benefits are returned to you .”
The learning is also delivered via a calendar of events , where the CIPP provides updates on upcoming legislation or changes , and these provide opportunities , either online or face to face , for members to come together and create a network . “ We also have a full residential two-day conference , which includes an award ceremony . There are different categories , and individuals and teams from across the nation put themselves forward for consideration . It ’ s a way of us coming together and celebrating achievements and recognizing the efforts of everyone in payroll .”
One hot topic on today ’ s agenda for payroll professionals is data analysis and of course the CIPP has addressed this need . “ Every business is measuring costs , and payroll represents a huge contribution to business expenditure . This course has translated across to the UK from America because everyone now needs to understand that data analysis approach , to find out how much payroll is costing , and whether it is efficient ,” Jason comments .
Having noted the American origins of this course , Jason goes on to note that the CIPP has strong ties with associations in America , Canada , South Africa , and Australia , with shared networking and collaborations around common issues . “ The intricacies are different in each country but there is an overarching , consistent perspective of collecting taxes in a standard manner . So , while we may be at a different kind of maturity , we spend a lot of time talking to counterparts in other countries about what ’ s hot and what ’ s not and putting them in touch with a contact if they need specific help .
Knowing we ’ re a neutral , trusted advisor , gives clients confidence in the information they are getting
“ We also have what we call a memorandum of understanding with HMRC , where we are seen as a ‘ critical friend ’. They will ask us to give feedback on possible effects or impacts before changes are launched into the marketplace .”
The CEO of HMRC , Jim Harra , recently acknowledged to Jason the critical role that payroll plays at a macro level , in ensuring the correct taxes are collected for national economic plans to be delivered . “ This is at the same time as the micro level , meaning individuals can pay their bills and plan their own future ,” added Jason .
“ I was speaking to the CEO of a payroll services company recently at the opening of their new payroll service center , and I was able to acknowledge the essential work done by that team and say well done and thank you . They are not celebrated enough !”
Looking back at Jason ’ s career reveals a period spent running his own payroll consultancy and this experience makes him ideally placed to deliver the newly relaunched consultancy arm of the CIPP . Further extending its educational reach , the CIPP consultants go into a business , discuss the current set up , their future plans and help them deliver the necessary roadmap .
This includes advice on technology ,
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