Have You Met James Forgie?

What is your name?

James Forgie

What is your job title?

Project Manager

What do you do?

I currently carry out two functions in my day to day work, I am the Project Manager for some of our global customers and I support the EMEA implementation team in delivering successful implementations of EMEA payrolls.

What key skills do you bring to activpayroll?

I have experience in a number of key areas that are beneficial to my job at activpayroll, these include, global payroll, finance system interfaces and payment solutions. This allows me to work efficiently with both customers and colleagues on every project we take on.

I was a customer of activpayroll in a previous role, therefore I understand all of the tasks new customers have to complete and can offer my experience as support.

What gives you the most satisfaction about your job?

Despite which hat I have on, Project Manager or Implementation Team, I find nothing more satisfying than delivering a new payroll on time and accurately in the first month. All the hard work from the customer, my colleagues, our partners and myself all coming together for a successful outcome provides great job satisfaction.

How did you get into the Payroll/Tax industry and why?

Like many people in the payroll industry, I fell into the payroll world from accountancy. I studied accountancy at university and then joined a finance team held within a payroll office for a large multinational. Over the years I became more familiar with the payroll as well as the financial role. I was given the chance to work as a project member as part of a key project which gave me the opportunity and led me to become a Payroll Manager.

What has been the most challenging project you’ve worked on at activpayroll? And why?

During my first two years at activpayroll I have worked on a number of challenging projects, but each equally as enjoyable for differing reasons. I have taken away differing learning experiences from each project or implementation that I have been involved in and believe these help me develop to become more effective at my role going forward. My most challenging project however, was with a customer who had a number of large payrolls all going live within the same month and I had to deliver this ensuring all payments were made on time. It was a lot of effort from all involved in the project, but definitely worth it!

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement outside of activpayroll?

This is easy – the relationship I have formed with my step-daughter, she came into my life at the age of 3 and is now 7. The bond I have formed with her is no different to any parent/child.

What company value means the most to you and why?

The company value I am most passionate about is being committed to service excellence. If we achieve this then the project has been a success, meaning all involved have worked together to accomplish this. I rely heavily on the remaining 4 other values throughout a project lifecycle to ensure we can deliver an excellent service.

Do you have any hobbies/what do you like to do in your free time?

I am a keen (albeit poor) golfer, so when I have some free time I can often be found on the golf course. Other than golf, spending time with my family and taking our dog for a walk, especially when it’s not raining!

Who is your professional role model and why?

I have had a number of people who have been role models and influenced how my career has developed to date. These include managers, colleagues and my parents.

If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be and why?

Sir Alex Ferguson – whilst not only my sporting idol, he was an amazing leader, role model and motivator. He has held talks at some of the world’s top universities on leadership so to be able to tap into his mind on this would be fascinating. I’d also be asking what it felt like to win the treble and his achievements in activpayroll’s home town of Aberdeen!