Have You Met Brogan Carroll?

What is your job title?

EMEA Payroll Team Lead

What do you do?

I manage and support the EMEA Payroll Team, based in Aberdeen, UK.

What key skills do you bring to activpayroll?

I have built up a wide knowledge of global payroll since joining the company two and a half years ago. With over 10 years of customer service experience, I strive to solve any client issues in a calm, professional and timely manner. Motivation is a key skill of mine in order to support and develop the team. My positive and friendly approach encourages our team to succeed within their roles on a daily basis, especially when mentoring and training new hires.

What gives you the most satisfaction about your job?

Firstly, seeing my hard work and determination pay off (no pun intended), especially when it comes to meeting client deadlines. Starting as a Payroll Coordinator and rising through the ranks has allowed me to gain invaluable experience which I enjoy sharing with others. I enjoy the fast-paced nature of the role and how no two days are the same. Due to the nature of the role, you are always learning something new. I get the most satisfaction from ensuring that my clients and colleagues feel valued at all times.

How did you get into the payroll/tax industry and why?

I previously worked in retail management and had some knowledge of payroll. With the retail industry becoming volatile, I was looking for a new challenge in my career, as well as more opportunities for professional development. Reading about how the company started and how quickly it had grown inspired me to apply for a position with activpayroll.

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

It is not necessarily a project, however the most challenging time for me so far has to be the Covid-19 lockdown. This was a new situation for everyone and we had to quickly learn to adapt to working from home. It has been a new experience having to support and train the team remotely whilst trying to keep them motivated, especially during internet and power outages.

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

My greatest achievement outside of activpayroll is when I was selected to perform in a musical in London’s West End. It was such a worthwhile and incredible experience working alongside the professional writers and composers, Elliot Davis and James Bourne (from Busted).

What company value means the most to you and why?

I believe that all five values are cohesive to activpayroll’s success, however if I had to pick one, it would be ‘Accountable’. We should all take responsibility for our actions. I enjoy the problem-solving aspect of my job and I am committed to finding the best possible solutions for our clients. It is also important to listen to the client’s views, then reflect and adapt when necessary.

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

I have years of experience in the performing arts industry and thoroughly enjoy attending the theatre in my spare time. When on holiday, I love to participate in adrenaline sports, e.g. skydiving, bungee jumping and abseiling.

Who is your professional role model and why?

I would have to say Alison Sellar as it is amazing to see what she has achieved in her career and how much activpayroll has grown in the past 20 years. Despite being a busy and successful business woman, she is also committed to numerous local charities. I have always found her very approachable and she is an inspiration to me, being a fellow Aberdonian. Alison epitomises my belief that with hard work and commitment, anything is possible. Her success was recognised when she was honoured with an OBE.

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

I would like to have dinner with Ant and Dec. They would keep me laughing and entertained with their sharp wit, and I could ask them all about their decades of award-winning success in the entertainment business.