Armstrong Watson has announced Karen Thomson’s return as partner and head of payroll to their Carlisle head office.

Ms Thomson has previously spent seven years at Armstrong Watson, where she made the firm’s payroll service nationally recognised and award-winning.

After spending two years leading AAB’s payroll service, she’s back with Armstrong Watson, equipped with a host of influential payroll titles including chair of the CIPP’s Special Interest Group, vice chair of Local Government Pensions Scheme (Cumberland), and member of several forums including HMRC policies, Admin Burdens Advisory Board, and the Employment Payment Group.

Ms Thomson said: "I am looking forward to returning to Armstrong Watson to once again head up the payroll service and the highly-skilled team.

"I see this as a real opportunity to further expand the Armstrong Watson payroll offering, working closely with my colleagues in employment tax, financial planning and IT, amongst others, to enhance our client services and to support businesses through the utilisation of new technology, AI and RPA.

"Payroll is much more than paying people.

"I see our proposition as a vital tool within a business that can provide the information, support and services to help any size and stage of business grow.

"Returning to Armstrong Watson, where I know that the culture, vision and client service ethos aligns with my own, feels like the perfect fit."

Armstrong Watson’s CEO, Paul Dickson, said: "There is no doubt that Karen’s first-hand knowledge and experience will once again, be a huge asset to Armstrong Watson’s client proposition.

"Karen has an enviable vision for the Armstrong Watson payroll service, and we look forward to embracing her vast experience and expansive knowledge to advance cross service line collaboration, utilise new technology and extend our client services.

"Karen will play a key role in developing new opportunities and continuing our goal to deliver the best client experience of any accountancy firm in the UK."