This month we’re introducing you to Helen Tyson our Payroll ­Manager.  Lots of you will already know Helen as she’s been with Dodd & Co for over 16 years now.  For those who don’t - we’ve done a little Q&A with Helen to find out what she does and delve a little into her personality!

Give us an idea of your typical day:

I oversee the Penrith payroll team, dealing with payroll processing and queries for a variety of clients, covering an array of sectors from healthcare, ­agriculture, hospitality and professional services.  We process payroll for ­approximately 850 clients, but we also assist many more clients who deal with their own payroll internally.

What’s the best bit of your job?

Working in a great team and client interaction.  Due to the frequent pay periods, we have much more interaction with clients on a regular basis, this allows us to build good relationships and we’re lucky to work with some great people.  

And the bit you maybe don’t enjoy so much?

Keeping up to date with the ever-changing payroll legislation.  There have been many changes to payroll over the last few years from automatic enrolment & workplace pensions, CJRS calculations, payslip legislation and the various NI contribution amendments.  It certainly keeps us on our toes.

Top PAYE tip for clients?

Check your eligibility for employment allowance.  If eligible, employers can reduce their annual employers’ ­national insurance by £5,000.  Some eligible employers still aren’t claiming the employment allowance and are missing out on large amounts of money.  You can also make a backdated claim for the previous 4 tax years if you discover you have missed claiming.  However, some employers may not be eligible to claim if more than half their work is within the public sector, such as NHS services.

What’s life like outside of work?

Making the most of where we live in the beautiful Lake District and very slowly ticking off the Wainwrights with my family.

Favourite Christmas tradition?

I love taking part in our Festive Park Run, 300 people in Christmas accessories and Santa hats running round the local park.  

Contact Helen for help and advice with your payroll requirements.

Click here to read our other Autumn Newsletter articles.