Armstrong Watson Accountants, Business and Financial Advisers are very proud to announce that their payroll team has been shortlisted in 3 different categories at the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP) Annual Excellence Awards.

The CIPP awards recognise the best in their field and Armstrong Watson’s nominations – and nominees – were shortlisted in the following categories:

· Amy Johnson (Payroll Implementation & Technical Support Manager) for Manager of the Year

· Project of the Year

· Karen Thomson (Payroll Services Partner) for My Biggest Influencer

The payroll ‘Project of the Year’ nomination was for the team’s newly implemented training initiative, which utilised the CIPP’s Payroll Assurance Scheme Competency Framework, and introduced a new gap analysis tool (The Payroll Centre; ACT) that allowed the team to self-assess and more accurately meet training needs.

Armstrong Watson are hoping to retain their title of Project of the Year winners after winning the same category at last year’s awards for their ‘Bostik’ online payroll project.

Commenting on her shortlisting for the Manager of the Year category – which recognises individuals who have shown exceptional contribution to their organisation through managing a team, project or process – Payroll Implementation & Technical Support Manager Amy Johnson said,

“I am absolutely thrilled to be shortlisted for Payroll Manager of The Year. It is an honour and completely unexpected. I’ve worked closely with the team to try and ensure that all their training needs are met, and I feel that this is confirmation that the processes that have been put in place are a success, which is great for both myself and the bureau as a whole. Thank you to whoever nominated me.”

Payroll Partner, Karen Thomson added,

“I am delighted that Amy has been shortlisted for this prestigious award. She has worked really hard with the team to ensure the service line’s new training programme is effective

and meets the needs of current legislation and continuing professional development. Whilst I hope Amy wins this award, being shortlisted is an accolade in itself; very well deserved.”

Payroll Partner Karen was unaware that she had been nominated for the ‘My Biggest Influencer’ award, where individuals can put forward a personal nomination for someone who has helped, supported and positively impacted on their own payroll career. Karen will find out who has nominated her on the evening of the event – when all winners will be announced – on Thursday 3rd October at the Celtic Manor Resort in Wales.

Commenting on the team’s awards shortlist, Karen Thomson, Armstrong Watson Partner of Group Payroll Services said,

“It is an honour for Armstrong Watson Payroll Services to be shortlisted in 3 different categories. I am extremely proud of my team and delighted to see that the hard work of the nominated individuals, and the team as a whole, has been recognised at these prestigious awards. As for my own, personal nomination for ‘My Biggest Influencer’, I am delighted and humbled to have been shortlisted for this award. My aim, over many years, has always been to impart knowledge, whether as a tutor or a manager and to be nominated by my peers is such an honour. I believe very strongly in succession planning and you simply cannot do this without offering everything you have to those who want to grow in their career. My thanks to the person(s) who nominated me.”