Payroll career question

Is payroll a good option for a career?

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I am approaching the last exam of AAT level 4 and I'm in two minds about how to go forward.

I have been working in payroll (in a bureau) for 2ish years and find that I really enjoy doing it. 
Would it be worth getting the CIPP qualification after finishing AAT?

Is specialising in payroll a poor choice or would it be a good career path? 
 

The other option would be to try to get a job more involved in accounting to find out if I enjoy it as much as I do payroll.

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By SteveHa
15th Jan 2021 10:12

I did a couple of years at RSM Tenon/Baker Tilly in payroll, and considered doing CIPP. Never got around to it in the end (was made redundant once Baker Tilly took over RSM Tenon).

Having said that, honestly, a lifetime of payroll would have driven me insane.

Personally, I'd be tempted to see if I found other work more enjoyable, though if you enjoy payroll that much, then why would you?

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By Hugo Fair
15th Jan 2021 12:01

Fairly obviously, it's more important that you try to work out what you want (in terms of achievement, security, lifestyle or whatever) and how that fits with your personality - before considering whether a particular 'profession' is appropriate to those wants.

Also, be aware that "specialising in payroll" can mean very different things to different people. I know many such payroll specialists, but few could do each other's jobs because they've focussed on different knowledge and/or types of expertise. For instance ... processing payroll or managing payrolls, UK only or international, design of processes and/or software, legislative advice/compliance, and so on. And many have 'drifted' in to (or out of) Payroll as part of a wider portfolio (typically either within Finance or HR).

So, good luck with the future ... but try to work out what you want first - it should help you decide how to get there.

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