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Julian Bohm
Permanent team
London
Reward
Reward plays a significant role in the challenge to attract, retain and motivate a talented workforce in a competitive commercial environment. Professionals with specific skills in this area are in high demand.
The complexities of Reward within large organisations means that specialist departments are often needed and there is a variety of jobs that are available, with a clear career ladder.
For those individuals looking to start their career in Human Resources, it may be wise to look at your skills to ascertain whether Reward could be the right move for you. Typically our clients look for graduates who can demonstrate strong numerical and analytical skills combined with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly.
Relevent study subjects include HR, Social Science, Finance, Maths and Statistics. The ability to analyse large amounts of data is very important for junior positions, so demonstrable experience of this is very useful. Typically Microsoft Excel is used for this kind of work, therefore advanced level skills are usually needed, which should include the use of pivot tables and v-lookups.
You can expect your starting salary to range from £18,000 - £24,000, depending on the skills you already have, location and the type of organisation.
The roles that you can expect to see for graduates in these disciplines can vary, but some examples are:
Reward/Data Analyst
The focus of these roles is database work. You will be required to collate and analyse Reward data (i.e. benchmarking salaries to help maximise retention within the organization). This role can lie both within an organisation’s broader HR team or within a consultancy. From these roles you can look to progress to more senior analytical roles, such as Consultant.
Reward Administrator/Data Administrator
Similar to the above roles, in that they entail a high level of database work and report-writing. However, Reward and Data Administrators are more likely to sit in-house within the wider HR function. You will still be required to have a high level of numerical and IT skills, and since you will be dealing directly with the rest of the business and third party providers (such as the accountant or legal advisors), excellent communication skills are essential. You will also need to be a strong administrator, as you will be providing support for the team.
These roles will enable you to develop a good basic knowledge of what is involved in Reward. From here you can look to progress into a Reward Officer role, where the responsibilities become more advisory and strategic, and require a very clear understanding of your organisation’s Reward policy. You will be a key player in developing and implementing benefits schemes and administering the company pension and private healthcare schemes, as well as being involved with the annual salary reviews and the performance appraisal process.
Payroll Administrator
This role can often straddle both the HR and Finance functions, and focuses on data collection and entry. You will be required to liaise with other departments with regard to all information changes concerning leavers, contractors, maternity and all different types of leave. You will need to be able to demonstrate strong administration, communication and IT skills, especially Excel.
The career path for this role conventionally leads to a Payroll Officer position, which requires in-depth knowledge of Tax and NI issues.
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