For the final edition of our ‘Meet the Team’ series in 2023, we sat down with Courtney Knight, a Payroll Assistant at our Swansea office, to chat about how Courtney got started at Bevan Buckland LLP and her experience of learning on the job.
Hi Courtney, can you tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Courtney, and I am currently working at Bevan Buckland’s Swansea office. In the future, my chosen career path would be to be involved with HR and payroll. As an individual, I am very enthusiastic and always willing to learn.
How long have you been at Bevan Buckland, and what is your current role?
I have been working in Bevan Buckland for over a year as a payroll assistant.
How did you first hear about Bevan Buckland LLP, and what attracted you to the firm?
I first heard about Bevan Buckland through Better Jobs, Better Futures; I was one of their clients.
What was the application process for your role like?
I had previously dealt with Better Jobs, Better Futures in my previous employment. After the initial interview, I contacted Beth Fisher, one of the advisors who presented me with this opportunity, along with Vanessa Thomas–Parry, Chief Operating Officer at Bevan Buckland LLP. I found the recruitment process to be friendly and enjoyable.
What does a typical day look like in your role?
A typical day in the payroll department consists of client queries, processing client payrolls, and uploading and submitting pensions to the relevant pension provider. We calculate the tax, national insurance contributions and pension deductions to ensure that the employee and employer adhere to the correct legislation. My mentor, Natalie Owen, is always available for support.
What made you decide to start working as opposed to higher study?
I realised that office work would be the best route for me as I am an organised individual with an enthusiasm for learning on the job. While working here this past year, I have undertaken my Payroll Technician Advanced course, which I have successfully completed. Studying for this course has improved my knowledge of payroll and helped me to understand the importance of correct data entry and accuracy.
What do you find most interesting about your work / what’s your favourite aspect of working at Bevan Buckland LLP?
The most interesting aspect of working in payroll is dealing with a variety of clients on a daily basis who have different elements in their payrolls. The days are always varied, which provides me with job satisfaction. My favourite aspect of working at Bevan Buckland is the continued support I receive from my mentor and team and the business as a whole.
Having been in the role for a year, what are the key skills required for an individual working in payroll?
The critical skills for an individual looking to work in payroll would be for them to have the willingness to learn. You will need to thrive under pressure and be able to work as part of a team. Teamwork is of paramount importance; we all support each other.
What one piece of advice would you give someone who wants to go down the same route as you?
Patience is key as we must always remain professional, and problems can arise, which we must approach with a clear head. Being good at managing your time and prioritising your workload is essential. Also, always be willing to learn, as you will learn new things daily.