It’s National Payroll Week! To celebrate, we’re shining a spotlight on the vital role payroll plays and the fantastic people in the payroll team at BHP. Lisa recently joined BHP as a Payroll Apprentice. Previously, she worked in education for over 16 years, including 9 years as an Assistant Headteacher.
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Can you introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about yourself?
Hi, I’m Lisa! I recently joined BHP as a Payroll Apprentice at the Chesterfield office, and I’m loving the opportunity to learn something completely new. Outside of work, I enjoy heading off on campervan adventures with my husband and daughter and getting out into nature for walks. I’ve been attending yoga classes for a while now and really enjoy the calm and focus they bring. I also spend time supporting my husband with his new brewery venture – taste testing and moral support at beer festivals are my specialities!
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What did you do before joining BHP?
My route into payroll was by no means a direct one. Before joining BHP, I spent over 16 years working in education, with leadership roles in both London and Nottinghamshire – most recently, for the last 9 years, as an Assistant Head Teacher. It was a rewarding career where I developed a wide range of transferable skills, knowledge, and behaviours. Prior to teaching, I worked in forensic toxicology after graduating with a Master’s in bio pharmacy and a background in forensic science.
I’ve always loved learning and embracing new challenges.
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What made you decide to change your career to payroll?
My daughter starts school in September, and I found myself reflecting on what I wanted next for myself. I was ready for a fresh challenge – but something that would allow me to apply the skills I’d built over the years in a completely new way. Payroll really appealed to me because it’s detail-focused and data-driven, while still being very much about people and how we support them. Getting paid correctly and on time is so important, and I love knowing I can make a little difference to people’s day-to-day in that way.
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What made you choose BHP?
I was drawn to BHP for its strong values and inclusive culture. After speaking with a local careers service, I focused on finding organisations that aligned with what mattered to me. BHP stood out – especially for its recognition as one of the UK’s Best Workplaces™ for Women and its commitment to wellbeing. What impressed me most was how those values and accolades seemed to be genuinely reflected in day-to-day life, not just written in policy. Since joining, I’ve been pleased to see that those first impressions were spot on.
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What drew you to an apprenticeship role at this stage of your career?
I knew I wanted to learn something new, and the apprenticeship with BHP and MBKB offered a structured and supportive way to do just that. For me, learning has always been an important part of my working life – not always involving a significant career shift, but always driven by an interest to stay up to date or develop within a role. I don’t see the apprenticeship as starting again, but rather as the next step in my career – one that allows me to venture into payroll while applying the skills and experience I’ve built over the years.
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What skills from your previous job do you think transfer well into payroll?
More than I initially realised! Attention to detail, effective workload management, and a passion for data all translate well into payroll. I’m used to working to deadlines, adapting to shifting priorities, and handling sensitive information with care. Just as importantly, focusing on the people involved – whether that’s internal teams or external clients – building positive relationships to offer a personalised service and anticipate needs, which, to me, is just as valuable as technical accuracy.
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If you could give one piece of advice to someone considering a career change, what would it be?
Be inquisitive and open to new opportunities. Think about the kind of organisation you want to be part of and whether your skills could be a good fit. Do your research and reflect on what matters most to you. Work is such a big part of our lives, so it’s important to find a place where you can feel confident and take opportunities to grow and thrive.
