Struggling with global payroll complexity? Get Deel’s expert-backed playbook to automate payments, stay compliant in 100+ countries, and simplify multicountry payroll.

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How do you go from an entry-level payroll role to becoming a Partner at one of the UK’s leading accountancy firms?

In this episode, payroll leader Karen Thomson shares her 30-year journey and the career moves, leadership skills, and mindset shifts that helped her break barriers in the industry.

Karen opens up about her path from administrator to partner, the importance of building influence beyond payroll, and why embracing technology is key for the future. She also speaks candidly about navigating personal challenges like menopause while leading, managing mergers and acquisitions, and keeping people at the heart of every decision.

If you’re ready to stand out, move up, and make an impact in payroll, this conversation is packed with insights you can put into action right away.

Karen Thomson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenthomson/

Nick Day’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/

Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/691ee4537e

Stay tuned for the next episode of The Payroll Podcast, brought to you by Nick Day, CEO at JGA Recruitment, landing soon!

(00:00) Why Payroll Professionals Keep the World Ticking

(01:38) Introducing Karen Thomson and Her Career Highlights

(03:20) What Payroll Means to Karen

(05:10) From Pensions to Payroll: Karen’s Early Career Steps

(07:04) Discovering a Passion for Payroll and Early Promotions

(10:07) Moving to Larger Payrolls and Implementing New Systems

(13:43) Transition to Policy Work at the IPPM (Now CIPP)

(17:05) Achieving Chartered Status for the Institute

(18:29) Joining Armstrong Watson as Director of Payroll

(20:48) The Journey to Becoming Payroll Partner

(26:45) Team Reactions and Raising Payroll’s Profile

(30:27) Navigating Menopause While Leading in Payroll

(39:24) Modern Payroll Leadership and Employee Experience

(42:49) Mentoring Apprentices and Client Communication Skills

(45:18) A Day in the Life of a Payroll Partner

(47:55) Lessons Learned from Early Career Mistakes

(51:20) Managing Payroll Through Mergers & Acquisitions

(57:29) Patience, Communication, and Leadership Themes

(58:27) Advice for Payroll Professionals Starting Out

(59:01) Karen’s Leadership Philosophy and Payroll Predictions