Celebrating the People Behind the Payslip: Wendy & Millie

This week is Payroll Appreciation Week, and we’re shining a spotlight on the colleagues who keep everything running behind the scenes. Payroll is often thought of as “just making sure people get paid”, but as anyone in the profession knows, it’s far more complex.

To bring this to life, we sat down with Wendy Dove, Payroll Manager and Millie Seabrook, Payroll & HR Administrator, to hear their perspective on what it’s really like to work in payroll.

• What’s the most rewarding part of working in payroll?
  “For us, it’s knowing that every colleague is paid accurately and on time, while also making sure budgets are adhered to. There’s real satisfaction in getting it right, every single month.”

• What are some of the biggest challenges that people might not realise?
  “We work with managers and employees across many teams and locations, which means communication can sometimes be complex. Combine that with non-negotiable deadlines, and it takes persistence and organisation to keep everything compliant and on track.”

• What do you wish people better understood about payroll?
  “Payroll is so much more than processing pay. Behind the scenes, we handle right-to-work compliance, new starter checks, training platform management, and ensure HR compliance, while staying up to date with relevant laws and regulations. It’s a far bigger responsibility than most people imagine.”

• How does your work impact colleagues and the wider organisation?
  “Being paid accurately and on time is the number one reason most people come to work. It has a huge impact on morale and trust. Beyond that, we support managers and employees with their questions and concerns, which helps everything run smoothly.”

• What do you think your payroll team does especially well?
  “We communicate really effectively as a team. That means tasks are completed efficiently, nothing slips through the cracks, and we’re able to deliver consistently.”

• What qualities make someone great at payroll?
  “Accuracy and attention to detail are essential, as well as the ability to multitask and stay calm under pressure. Adaptability and problem-solving are key, too, and yes, you absolutely have to love a spreadsheet!”

Wendy and Millie remind us that payroll is about more than numbers; it’s about trust, precision, and the people who rely on it every day. On behalf of our 900+ colleagues across the business, we would like to extend a huge thank you to our payroll team for their dedication, expertise, and the vital role they play in keeping everything running smoothly.