Kirk Rice Blog

A Day in the Life of: Monika – Payroll ExecutiveWritten on September 2, 2025 by Kirk Rice LLP

Monika | Payroll Executive

National Payroll Week is a chance to recognise the skill and dedication of payroll professionals across the UK.

At Kirk Rice, we understand that payroll is about more than figures on a page – it’s about accuracy, trust, and making sure employees are looked after.

As part of this year’s celebrations, we’re highlighting the people behind our payroll service. Today, we’re pleased to share Monika’s perspective on her role and what makes working in payroll so rewarding.

Q: How did you first get into payroll?

My first experience with payroll was back in Hungary, my home country. I have Chartered Accountant and Payroll Technician qualifications and work experience from there, but I had to learn the different procedure steps, rules, and laws in the UK. This journey started at Kirk Rice LLP for me.

Q: What is your current role?

My current role is Payroll Executive at Kirk Rice LLP. I started in 2015 as a Trainee Accountant and completed my AAT/ACCA qualifications. My first experience with payroll was processing director’s payroll around 2016-17. At this time, it was a part-time role for me as I was also involved in processing year end accounts, VAT, Management reports, and Self Assessment tax returns. I moved into payroll in full time around 2020.

Q: What does a typical payroll cycle look like for you?

After receiving the payroll details/changes for the current period from our clients we start the payroll run by analysing the received information. If there are any questions to clarify, we contact the client to request further details, explanations, etc.

We the reports which are then reviewed by a senior team member. If no adjustments are required, payroll reports are sent to the designated payroll contacts for approval. As soon as the confirmation is received, the reports are submitted to HMRC. If we do pension administration, we also upload and submit the contributions for that period.

Q: What’s something about your role you wish more people understood?

Most of the people think payroll is only pressing the buttons and the reports are done. There is more depth and complexity behind the scenes and a lot of things to be considered – it takes learning, skill, qualifications, and attention to detail.

Q: What do you find most rewarding, and what are the biggest challenges?

It’s crucial to build up a good relationship between the client, their employees and us (the payroll team). I take it as a real reward when they trust our work: accurate, reliable payslips and reports. These documents can be used for further accountancy, HR work, and strategic decisions.

In this rapidly shifting world, one of the biggest challenges is to maintain compliance with ever changing global and local laws, plus regulations and data security. We must balance this with keeping our clients happy and maintaining our good relationship.

Q: What advice would you give to someone starting out in payroll?

Patience, accuracy and attention to the smallest details are vital. Capability and willingness to learn are also essential. With these skills, anyone wanting a career in payroll will find it interesting and engaging.

Q: Why is it important to recognise payroll professionals during National Payroll Week?

To recognise payroll professionals during (not only) the National Payroll week highlights their complex and highly skilled hard work behind the scenes. It can can help others to understand how essential a payroll professionals’ jobs is as part of a successful business.

A vital tool in keeping businesses running smoothly

Payroll may often happen behind the scenes, but as Monika’s experience shows, it plays a vital role in keeping businesses running smoothly and employees supported.

if you’d like to explore how our payroll team can support your business, get in touch with us via info@kirkrice.co.uk

Please note: This article is correct as at the publication date. The answers are given for general guidance only and specific advice should be taken before acting on any of the suggestions made. The information is based on current tax legislation which may change in future. Information is based on our current understanding of taxation legislation and regulations. Any levels and bases of relief from taxation are subject to change. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate tax planning.