Susan
McKechnie

UK Payroll Assistant Manager

LinkedIn

Who I help

Small corporates. Large corporates. Family businesses. Owner-managed businesses. Not for Profits.

How I help

End-to-end payroll service.  Payroll support & advice. Payroll legislation updates.

Sectors/Specialisms

Food & drink. Leisure & hospitality. Family business. Industrial. Not for profit.

“I make it a priority to keep in regular contact with my clients.”

Susan McKechnie serves as a Payroll Assistant Manager at our Stirling office, where her expertise in payroll management has earned her a stellar reputation among clients across various industries. Her role involves delivering a comprehensive payroll service, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time, and providing essential payroll reports and journals. Susan’s attention to detail and dedication to service excellence enable her to build strong client relationships while maintaining the highest standards of payroll accuracy.

In addition to managing her clients’ payrolls, Susan leads a team of five payroll professionals, supporting them daily in their tasks. She collaborates closely with the Global Employment Taxes and Corporate Benefits teams to ensure her clients receive holistic support. Her leadership and technical knowledge have positioned her as a key figure in the business, always striving to exceed expectations.

Going Above & Beyond

“I believe an ideal relationship is built on trust and communication. It’s important to me to invest time in understanding what my clients do, how they operate, and what matters most to their business. This approach allows me to identify areas where we can offer additional support or advice, tailoring our service to meet their unique needs.

Payroll is not just about processing numbers; it’s about trust. My clients rely on me and my team to ensure that their payroll is accurate and timely, and that’s a responsibility I take seriously. We make it a point to stay updated with changes in payroll legislation, informing our clients well in advance and guiding them through any necessary adjustments.”

Always Someone Willing to Help

“Our team is full of talented payroll professionals, and I’m lucky to work alongside people who are always willing to lend a hand. If a client needs help with something outside of payroll, I have access to a wealth of expertise across the wider firm, including audit, tax, corporate finance, and business advisory services. This collaboration means we can always offer our clients the best possible support, no matter the issue they’re facing. It’s that collective knowledge and willingness to assist that makes us strong as a team.”

Thinking on Our Feet

“Technology is a great enabler in payroll, and we use it to make our processes as efficient and accurate as possible. That being said, the personal touch remains the cornerstone of what we do. Payroll is more than just systems and processes; it’s about expertise and problem-solving. We’re always thinking on our feet, ready to address challenges and provide personalised solutions to meet our clients’ needs. It’s that combination of technology and human insight that allows us to deliver outstanding service.”

I Love Problem-Solving

“The nature of payroll means there’s always something new to tackle. Whether it’s complex legislation, tight deadlines, or unique client needs, there’s never a dull moment. I enjoy the challenge of finding solutions to problems, and I thrive in high-pressure situations where quick thinking and calm decision-making are essential.

I’m constantly looking for smarter ways to work. Whether it’s streamlining a process or finding a workaround for a tricky situation, I’m always trying to push the boundaries of what we can achieve. Staying calm and focused under pressure allows me to consistently deliver a high-quality service, even when the stakes are high.”

A Strong Emphasis on Continued Learning

“One of the things I love most about being part of the AAB payroll team is the opportunity for continuous learning. I’m surrounded by incredibly knowledgeable colleagues who are always willing to share their expertise. This creates an environment where we can collaborate, innovate, and learn from each other every day.

AAB has a strong focus on professional development, which is something I’m passionate about. I’m always eager to expand my knowledge and to share what I’ve learned with my team, ensuring we’re all staying ahead of the curve in a fast-evolving industry like payroll.”

Clients Are Our Passion

“At AAB, clients are at the heart of everything we do. The relationships we build with them are based on trust and a shared commitment to excellence. I make it a priority to keep in regular contact with my clients, being proactive and always thinking about what more I can do to support them. It’s this passion for client service that drives me every day and makes my role so fulfilling.”

Precision & Consistency

“Many people think that payroll is as simple as pressing a button at the end of the month, but there’s so much more to it. Processing payroll involves a deep understanding of a wide range of legislation, and it requires precision and consistency in every step. We have to be meticulous and methodical, especially when working under tight deadlines. Ensuring every payroll is processed accurately and on time is a challenge, but it’s one that I’m proud to take on every day.”