Chris is a Payroll Administrator and joined Astria two years ago
I decided to undertake the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) courses with the aim to start a career in finance. Soon after completing the Level 2 course, I secured a job within a small Devon accountancy practice. They needed extra support dealing with pensions automatic enrolment and it was in the payroll department that I excelled. As well as setting up pension schemes, I enjoyed learning to use the payroll software and making sure that employees were paid the correct amount and on time. I got satisfaction in meeting deadlines, dealing with queries and developing my payroll knowledge.
After five years gaining experience, it was time for a new challenge and that lead me to secure a job at Astria Precision Payroll. Astria is a larger payroll bureau with a wider team of payroll administrators. This attracted me as I was hoping to broaden my experience in the sector. I sought to learn different software, work on new payrolls and upload to more pension providers and that is exactly what I do. In addition, I am part of a great team of supportive and competent colleagues.
Payroll is an important and broad area of finance. I love the calculations and attention to detail, as well as the organisational skills. We have a varied portfolio of clients including limited companies, sole traders and partnerships with varying numbers of employees. Whatever their size, I enjoy providing clients with great service and helping them to meet their payroll and pension obligations. I believe there will be opportunities to progress within the payroll sector. The most important thing to me is that I continue to challenge myself and to further my knowledge and experience.
Every year, Astria enrols us on an annual payroll update course provided by the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP). These courses keep me up to date with the latest developments in payroll legislation. The team members at Astria are knowledgeable and supportive so help is always at hand if needed. If I am unsure about anything, I know that someone in the team will be able to help.
Our office is located in a beautiful part of Exeter, only a five minute walk from the main shopping areas. The company agile working policy allows me to work from home for some of the time, and to vary start and finish times. I relish this flexibility and how it adds variety to my week. Social events are held throughout the year with our sister company Bush & Co. These are wonderful opportunities to have fun and get to know employees from different departments. My favourite so far has been the Laser Tag, and if I correctly recall our team won!
Emily joined Astria in 2020 and has recently been promoted to Head of Payroll
Having left college with A-Levels in English, Theatre Studies, and Business Studies, I began my first finance role working as an administrator and bookkeeper. I gained Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) qualifications obtaining levels 2 and 3, before moving on to payroll administrating. I have spent my entire payroll career working in bureaus, starting at a smaller practice before moving to Astria for a bigger challenge.
Payroll is a unique and dynamic area of finance. I love the fast-paced nature, having to use all my skills to process quickly, accurately and within deadline. With a huge variety of clients, we are a knowledgeable team who are exposed to many aspects of payroll that you may not see as an internal payroller.
With flexible hybrid working policies, Astria gives me the opportunity to further my career while still being there for my family. Since starting here in 2020, I have progressed to Supervisor level and am delighted to have recently been promoted to Head of Payroll.
Astria has provided a training pathway towards my goals, facilitating a CIPP Payroll Management qualification.
We are lucky to be based in a beautiful area of the country. Outside work you can often find me with my children, paddleboarding in the sea, or cheering them on from the sidelines of their various activities.
