Payroll leaders sometimes hit a ceiling on growth, despite proving their value to a company over years. Let’s consider why payroll leaders can make great Chief People Officers, if given the right career development.
Payroll leaders, especially at mid-sized companies, often reach a point where they have proven their value but hit a ceiling when it comes to promotion. A payroll leader might be so valuable to the company that the top leadership doesn’t want to promote them out of daily operations.
Companies should not neglect career progression for payroll leaders, as many would like to earn a place in the boardroom and help guide strategy. Yet in all but the largest organisations, Chief Payroll Officers remain quite rare, and payroll leaders seeking a promotion are often required to switch companies to secure the role.
The emergence of the Chief People Officer role offers a compelling path forward—especially for payroll leaders with a deep understanding of operational complexity and workforce dynamics. The title itself acknowledges that workforce management has become more complex. Every Chief People Officer joining the C-suite in the years to come needs a strong understanding of payroll, its challenges and strategic opportunities.