Payroll consultant Martyn Cheney is to stand for election to the board of the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals.
Martyn, who runs Yorkshire-based Cheney Payroll Services, has worked in the industry for the last 30 years.
Over the last 12 months or so, through the Covid-19 pandemic, payroll has become ever more important and complex due to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, commonly known as furlough.
With people’s finances under strain like never before, it’s vital that employees’ pay is calculated correctly, and wages are paid accurately and on time.
Martyn said he wanted to use his experience and knowledge to help shape a new future for the payroll industry in the post-pandemic world and inspire a new generation of professionals.
“As a payroll consultant I am passionate about what I do and I have a strong desire to put back what I’ve learned to help shape what the future of payroll will look like,” he said.
“Payroll has often been a bit of a Cinderella industry, a back office function that’s often taken for granted.
“But what we have seen with the pandemic is just how important payroll is. At any time, but particularly at a time like this, there is nothing more important for a business than to ensure their people are paid accurately and on time.”
Martyn, who has been a member of the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals for over 20 years, said he had seen many changes during his career.
He had also delivered some large-scale projects including implementing payroll and HR for some of the biggest UK companies including fashion giant H&M.
Martyn also worked on the restructuring of grades for railway company employees post-privatisation of the industry.
He has worked in-house and as a self-employed consultant and he has worked for companies and organisations large and small.
“The changes I have seen and the work I have been involved in has made me adaptable, agile and responsive and I want to play my part in promoting the payroll industry,” said Martyn.
“I want to use my skills and experience to contribute to the development of strategies and policies that not only benefit the profession and the industry but also the wider public.”
Martyn said the profile and importance of the payroll professional had never been higher and he wanted to inspire the next generation.
“Becoming a payroll professional is now a career choice like never before and the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals must take the lead in setting the benchmark for quality and help aspiring payroll professionals become the best they can be.
“The future of the CIPP is with the people of the profession and we must strive for excellence in all that we do.
“Membership of the CIPP should be seen as the pinnacle for payroll professionals.
“I’d love to be elected, of course, but I know there are some fantastic candidates who would all be fabulous advocates for the organisation.
“Whether I am a member of the board or not the CIPP will always have my full and passionate support and I will do whatever it takes to help the CIPP thrive and succeed in the post-pandemic world.”
Voting will open on February 22nd and appointments will be made at the AGM in March.
