(Almost!) one year on, we sat down with Jason to find out more about his background, ambitions and life outside of activpayroll. Get to know our CEO, Jason Allen.
Jason, can you tell us how you began your career in payroll?
I discovered payroll while transitioning from a career in hotel management around 30 years ago. While running an apprenticeship scheme for chefs and hotel managers, I became responsible for coordinating payroll and pensions for the students. This was a new area for me, but one I immediately found fascinating. From there, after many other sector experiences, I transitioned back into payroll and I’ve never looked back.
Can you give a brief overview of how you got to the role you’re in today?
I got to this role today through great coaches, professional development, some risk, some mistakes and some fortunate decisions. My network helped shape some of my biggest career steps, supporting me to gain experience across a wide range of business functions, including sales, marketing, HR, procurement, commercial and operations. Working in different markets around the world has given me a much more rounded perspective of the skills and qualities needed to hire, develop and grow high performing teams.
What do you enjoy most about working for activpayroll?
I really enjoy our global presence, working with such a dedicated team, our partners/customers and the significant opportunities we have across the global payroll market – from payroll solutions to employee mobility and international HR. We have an incredible opportunity to deliver these solutions to companies in all parts of the world.
Do you think there are any misconceptions about working in payroll? What are they?
I’ve found that people can often struggle to see a career path in payroll. In reality, there are many opportunities to grow and excel your career; learning more about different functions, progressing into leadership, moving into new work streams and immersing yourself into new country experiences. These are all things which are possible and actively encouraged within activpayroll.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in this industry?
Ask all the questions you need and if you don’t understand the first answer, ask again. Make sure to follow your dreams and take full advantage of the opportunities within the industry. Fail fast and deliver with pace and tempo!
What motivates you to get up in the morning?
Watching and supporting the growth of our international team and expanding a high performing business that’s also a great place to work. People inspire me, whether it is colleagues, partners or our customers – the challenge is to be better every day! Every day counts!
What have been your career highlights to date?
I’ve really appreciated the opportunity to work in different markets around the world and learn about different cultures, laws and processes. I’ve been lucky enough to build a global network of colleagues and customers, which I consider to be one of my biggest career highlights. Achieving milestones across the sport, food and beverage, telecommunication and outsourcing sectors, with the support of some incredible people, has to be a major career highlight.
What do you enjoy doing out of work?
At heart, I enjoy farming and until recently had my own place in the Northamptonshire countryside. However, juggling the ongoing time constraints and commitments of a full time job while running a farm mean that I’ve had to prioritise my role with activpayroll (for now!).
I’m also a firm believer in the power of community and giving back, especially to those in less fortunate positions. I passionately support homelessness charities and feel it’s important to ‘do my bit’ as we never know where our circumstances will lead us.
I love sports – both spectating and getting involved. Anything to do with rugby, motorsports, cricket or tennis and you can guarantee I’ll get behind it.
I’m also a keen motorcycle enthusiast. I bought my first Harley Davidson 20 years ago which has become a huge part of my life – to keep fit and also to connect with fellow enthusiasts across the country. Nothing beats that first rush of adrenaline when you’ve been off the road for a while, and it’s a great way to clear your mind when other parts of your life get busy.
What three words describe you best?
Optimistic, passionate and real.