My Story

I started my payroll journey in 2012 as a Junior Payroll Administrator, at a local accounting firm, working within their bureau department. Our clients ranged from small, single-employee payrolls to academy trusts with over 500 employees, with a strong focus on the education sector. From the very beginning, I was fascinated by the complexities of payroll, and my passion for the field has only grown stronger over the years (sad, I know!).

In 2019, I decided to deepen my knowledge by enrolling in the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP) Foundation Degree in Payroll Management. By 2020, I had advanced to the role of Senior Payroll Administrator, gaining invaluable experience along the way. I proudly graduated in 2022, equipped with a deeper understanding of payroll and a commitment to delivering excellence.

In early 2023, I joined a global accounting firm to broaden my expertise on a larger scale. However, I quickly realised that many clients were often treated as just another number, and the personal touch that I value so much was missing. Determined to make a difference, I left that role and transitioned to being an Senior Implementation Consultant later that year.

As an Implementation Consultant, I specialise in setting up payroll systems for education clients, helping them streamline processes and improve accuracy. This role has reinforced my understanding of the unique challenges faced by schools, colleges, and academic establishments, including the need for reliability, accuracy, and a service that feels genuinely personal.

Throughout my career, I’ve consistently noticed a recurring issue: many education clients feel let down by their payroll providers. I’ve always believed payroll should be about more than just numbers; it should be about the client.

That belief led me to create Aura Payroll. My mission is to provide bespoke payroll consulting and auditing services that truly make a difference to businesses. At Aura Payroll, we prioritise personalised service, ensuring every client feels supported, understood, and valued.

I don’t pretend to have all the answers. But I do have experience to share and lessons to teach. And I’m still in the game, sharing what’s working (or not working) in the ever-evolving field of payroll. So if looking for someone who understands the complexities of payroll in the education sector and is committed to getting it right, I’d love to work with you.

I hope you will join me on this journey to improving payroll for the good. Explore my consultancy or auditing services or stay informed by subscribing to the Payroll Insights Newsletter.

— Samuel

Fun facts

I am a proud father to an amazing daughter and the owner of two loyal and loving French bulldogs.