How IRIS ensures payroll outsourcing excellence

Getting payroll right is a non-negotiable.

However, payroll involves far more than just numbers on a spreadsheet! Achieving a compliant and accurate payroll requires extensive specialist knowledge of payroll processes, data security and legislation. 

This is why so many businesses turn to payroll outsourcing providers.

But with this in mind, it poses the question: how do providers themselves, such as IRIS Payroll Services, ensure high standards and error-free payroll?

Simple! We rely on well-trained staff who are prepared for anything.

To shed some light on the rigorous training and development that powers our payroll outsourcing offering, I sat down with our Senior Learning & Development Advisor, Vanessa Myatt.

Vanessa explained the training approach IRIS Payroll Services takes to equip staff so they can exceed client expectations.

Here’s what Vanessa had to say.

Q: Firstly, what is the IRIS Payroll Academy?

Vanessa explained: “The IRIS Payroll Academy is our in-house development programme.

“Starting with six months of intensive training, we take staff through payroll legislation basics, industry-specific nuances, customer service and how to ensure high-impact communication.

“Throughout this training period, enrolled staff undergo extensive e-learning and assessments.

“However, the real learning takes place in our workshops.

“These workshops offer an opportunity for staff to put the theory they’ve learnt to the test.

“We stretch and challenge staff, encouraging them to think outside the box – there’s no Googling the answers or asking ChatGPT!”

Q: How do we keep staff at the top of the industry?

Vanessa says: “We always aim to take knowledge up a step.

“Once staff have learnt the basics and understand the software, we move them on to the more complex side of payroll.

“Over the next 12 months, they learn about more complicated payroll topics like statutory pay, legislative updates, industry-specific nuances and benefits in kind (BIK), for example.

“Once staff have completed all this additional training, they move into our payroll excellence framework, which then focuses on future-ready skills, such as artificial intelligence (AI), creative thinking and critical decision-making.

“All in all, the time frame for all staff training is around two years, depending on past knowledge and experience.”

Q: How do we help staff to develop further?

Vanessa told us: “We have our Leadership and Elevate courses, which train staff in skills beyond payroll.

“These courses help staff become better leaders and enable them to motivate their teams, ensuring the best service for customers.

“Additionally, we offer courses that help staff deal with cultural differences.

“This is incredibly beneficial when working with colleagues or supporting customers from around the world.”

Q: How do we keep staff up to date with the changing payroll landscape?

Vanessa explained: “Being an IT company, IRIS is very much at the forefront of future development.

“Because we use our own software, we have to stay on top of all the latest technologies, so we have a very clear understanding of how the industry will change and what skills are needed.

“As such, we massively invest in training our staff, ensuring they remain current with industry changes.

“Our payroll training focuses on capabilities and transformation, keeping up with the payroll world.

“For customers, this ultimately means they will have a service that’s incomparable to anyone else.

What do staff have to say?

Irene Themm, Client Payroll Executive, told us: “I’ve been very happy with the internal training and the Level Five Payroll Manager apprenticeship that IRIS has provided. It’s been amazing to work for a company like IRIS that invests in its employees’ development through such well-structured and relevant training. The apprenticeship has given me a strong foundation in both payroll technicalities and management skills.”

Desika B, Customer Services Trainee, said: “I wasn’t sure what to expect from the sessions, but they turned out to be incredibly insightful. A special shoutout to our Senior L&D Advisor, Vanessa Myatt! Your sessions were never boring! We laughed, did hands-on activities and genuinely had fun while learning. What I thought would be a dry topic ended up being one of the most engaging parts of our journey so far.”

Challenging the misconceptions of offshoring

A huge thank you to Vanessa for speaking with us and sharing some insights into the elements that make our payroll outsourcing service, IRIS Payroll Services, so special.

Now, let me ask: do you have any concerns about payroll offshoring?

At IRIS Payroll Services, we use a mix of onshoring and offshoring.

It’s important to remember that all teams work together, adhering to the same accredited policies and processes to deliver a secure, high-quality payroll service.  

However, we’ve noticed some misconceptions being spread in the industry.

To tackle confusion and help you better understand the implications of offshoring, we’ve created a handy guide.

Our new guide aims to demystify concerns surrounding offshoring and outline the benefits it delivers, covering: 

• What is offshoring?
• Payroll security 
• Service expertise  
• Provider communication  
• And more!