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.
Replies (2)
Please login or register to join the discussion.
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?
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.