Karen Thomson Chfcipp
Partner, Head of Payroll @Armstrong Watson
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WORK HISTORY
Partner, Head of Payroll @Armstrong Watson
As the Head of Payroll, and having more than 30 years in my profession, I aim to bring extensive knowledge and expertise in payroll management, and pensions. I am also very passionate in the employment taxes, and employment law space. My role involves overseeing the payroll strategy and operations to ensure accuracy, compliance, and efficiency. My goal is to always ensure I have a happy, trained and knowledgeable team that delivers on compliance and excellent customer care.Key Areas of Expertise: Payroll Management: Comprehensive understanding of payroll processes and systems. Extensive legislative knowledge with a thirst for more! Pensions: In-depth knowledge of pension schemes and regulations, including Local Government Pension Schemes. Employment Taxes: A comprehensive understanding of benefits in kind, termination payments and other areas of employment taxes. Employment Law: Proficient in employment law and its implications on payroll.Learning and Development: Passionate about learning and development, I love to focus on creating career pathways for payroll professionals and apprentices and encourage all those entering payroll or have many years’ experience to reach for the stars in wherever they wish their career to go.I love to design and implement training programs to enhance skills and knowledge within the payroll team and am always looking for that next bit of technology that will help the profession.I am committed to continuous improvement and professional development, ensuring that our payroll operations are not only compliant but also aligned with best practices. My goal is to foster a culture of excellence and growth within the payroll team, while striving to deliver the best customer service in the UK.
EDUCATION
University of Derby
MSc, Payroll and Business Management
University of Derby
Master’s Degree, Post Graduate Certificate in Professional Development Studies (Work Based Learning)
University of Worcester
IPPM Diploma in Payroll Management
SKILLS
ABOUT KAREN THOMSON CHFCIPP
I am a passionate and expressive person. I love payroll, HR and employment taxes, along with anything else that will provide me with a challenge. People make the world go round and when I meet people who want to make a difference, even in a small and unsung way, I get a real buzz! I am proud to be one of the first Chartered members of the CIPP, not just because it is for me, the highest accolade I can achieve in my chosen profession, but that it shows my dedication and commitment to the profession. I have developed my technical skills over 25 plus years, but the most important ones to me are being able to share those skills and the knowledge with others. I currently sit on HMRC forums, such as the Admin Burdens Advisory Board and the Employment Payroll Group. I am a regular contributor to the Payroll Question Time webinars working alongside my fellow payroll and pension professionals. I offer my time to help others, whether as a mentor or advisor. Payroll technical skills including the calculation and reporting of:PAYENational InsuranceBenefits in KindFlexible benefit packagesTUPEPSAsComplianceEmployment law relating to payroll and peopleOther skills:Management of peopleMotivation of peopleProject managementStrategy design and implementationDeveloperTeam playerSelf motivatedNegotiation skillsNetworking and strategic partnership skillsJob Retention Scheme (once upon a time)EU Exit and employment of people in the UKGlobal strategy in respect of payroll servicesMy goal in any employment is to promote the payroll and HR professions, encourage high educational standards and continue to promote the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals. I will also continue building partnerships with colleagues, clients, other professional bodies, government departments and employers. I will also strive to provide the highest customer service to internal and external stakeholders.My personal goal is to do my best in everything I do whether work or play.Specialties: Calculation and compliance in all aspects of payroll and benefits in kind legislation;Management and development of people;Designing and implementing strategies;Designing and implementing conferences and events;Public speaking - whether at venues or webinars;Written publicationsCollaboration with stakeholders at all levels
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