Only 3% of young workers see payroll as a strategic career choice – Cezanne HR

Just 3% of young workers see payroll as a strategic business function, according to research from Cezanne HR. 

The study, which looked at workers aged 18 to 24, showed that payroll is being overlooked as a career option, even though it remains essential for organisations to pay their employees.

Most young workers viewed payroll as mainly about accuracy and compliance, with 59% saying this was their main association. 

Only 13% said they would choose payroll as a career when given graduate roles with equal pay and benefits, making it the least popular choice behind technology, social media and marketing.

Lisa Hopper, payroll and services director at Cezanne HR, said: “Payroll is one of those functions that is only truly noticed when something goes wrong, but when it works well it underpins trust, engagement and financial wellbeing across the entire workforce. 

“The fact that so few young workers see it as a strategic business function shows we have a real perception problem to address.

“If we want the next generation to consider payroll as a viable and rewarding career, we need to do a better job of showing the real impact the role has on people’s lives.”

The research found that the problem is more about awareness than rejection, with 41% of respondents interested in learning more about payroll as a career and 24% feeling neutral. 

Young workers are looking for impact, creativity and stability in their jobs, at 61%, 55% and 49% respectively. 

Hopper added: “If fewer young people are willing to pursue a career in payroll, the question becomes who will ensure the future workforce gets paid. 

“Payroll is one of the most business-critical functions in any organisation, and we must do more to highlight the breadth, impact and long-term opportunities the profession offers.”