A recruitment agency put me in touch with an accounting firm who are looking for someone for an entry level payroll position, though I haven’t been given much detail beyond that.
Despite my lack of office work (I’ve got a spotty resume and my only long term job was as a retail assistant), they said they like my CV and want me to come in to chat next week.
I’m really nervous, and, in particular, I’m worried my maths isn’t strong enough. I guess I’m looking for advice on;
a) What kinds of interview questions can I expect? Is there anything I should be researching specifically before hand?
b) What can I expect day-to-day to be like if I *do* get the job?
c) My partner and I (32f) are trying to get pregnant. I know *legally* they cannot discriminate but is it something I should be upfront about?
11 comments
Re point c, do not mention it at all, do not give them an excuse. Discrimination is really hard to prove so don’t mention anything about potential pregnancy.
Remember to add an extra ‘0’ to the end of everyone’s pay.
Payroll is being good with numbers, attention to detail and checking/re-checking your work. You’ll need to be aware of employment regulations such as minimum wage, auto enrolment of pensions, tax codes, statutory suck pay, maternity leave etc.
Also ask them what payroll software they use e.g. sage, Xero, quickbooks etc.
You’ll need to be an efficient worker but not rush and make mistakes. Team player and good at communicating e.g. to find out about new starters, leavers, pay rises, bonuses.
Good luck!
Show some leg and some cleave
You’ll probably be asked about working under pressure with a tight deadline as there will be a payroll deadline every week/month to pay the company’s employees. I’d say make sure you have some examples of this.
You’ll probably have to deal with some disgruntled employees at times too when they aren’t paid the way they think they should be, so have examples of dealing with people in these situations, and being calm and explaining the facts.
The payroll teams where I’ve worked have generally kept themselves to themselves but I think the job is quite routine.
It’s a good career to get into as every company needs a payroll team, and you can either work in-house or for an accounting firm.
It’s none of their business about your plans to get pregnant so I wouldn’t bring it up. Good luck!
Do not mention the last point under any circumstances.
Day to day will be kind of repetitive, but probably not very stressful as it’s an entry level position.
If you don’t have experience of payroll, try and emphasis your skills of using Excel, being good at learning new systems as you’ll have to learn their payroll system, working with confidential and sensitive information.
Don’t mention that you’re not good at maths, even though calculations will be done by the system so you don’t need to be, it’s not something they will want to hear!
Good luck with your interview!
A) Research the company, research the industry, research the interviewer. Since you’ve not worked in payroll, try to research systems they may use. They will ask if you have questions: definitely think of some you want answered. If your CV is spotty as you say, they’ll probably ask about that. You’ll also need an answer as to why you want to work there other than money.
B) Can’t help I’m afraid. General office life I imagine. Sit at a desk, look at spreadsheets, send some emails.
C) Definitely not. Provisions for the birth of children are legal requirements so you aren’t doing anyone a disservice by taking the time off. You’re not even pregnant yet, so you’re looking at nine months before then anyway. Don’t let them have a reason to not employ you.
Another piece of advice is to get good at Excel. It really doesn’t take a ton of effort to get to a stage where you will be the best person at it in an office. It can help your maths if you’re not that good at it, and getting some qualifications (LinkedIn has decent links) will help your CV also. No system is so complete that you’ll never need it, especially in a figures based role like payroll.
Read up on tax codes. Know the impact of a “Month 1” code.
Know your P45 from P60.
Ask if the job includes P11D annual submission.
And ask the interviewer if they like their job and the company etc. People love talking about themselves and will like you more.
Most first interviews include a mix of:
* why do you want this job – find a sincere answer that isn’t just that you like money. It does not need to include a passion for payroll! But great if you can look at the co on Glassdoor and say you saw it’s a good employer with a good rep etc.
* Competencies – “Can you give me an example of a time you solved a problem / showed attention to detail / went the extra mile” — doesn’t need to be a career example, could be from studies or hobbies. Just have 3-4 good examples up your sleeve and repurpose them as needed, and be sure to say what you did not the team you were in etc.
* Small talk – they’ll want to chat a little to get to know you and out you at ease. Don’t overthink this, just go with the flow. Don’t say anything inappropriate ofc!
* Career history – eg “Can you talk me through your career to date”. 3 minutes is plenty, just include what you did and what you enjoyed etc. Again don’t over think it.
For a position like this, they’re not looking to trick you or catch you out. Just prepare a little, be honest and friendly.
Do not tell them about any intentions to have a child. First off, it’s none of their business and secondly, it’s none of their business.
There is a YouTube channel called Miss Finance who works in accounting. She’s really knowledgeable, and supportive of newcomers to finance. I’m sure she’ll have some vids on payroll.