The payroll co-ordinator at Community Mutual has 18 years of experience but said the diploma still taught her to alter some ways in approaching her work.

"It has been really beneficial and gives you a different perspective when looking at things regarding research and how to gain more information," Mrs Gray said.

Having a nationally recognised qualification has made Mrs Gray feel accomplished.

"I was amazed to be the first person in the field with this qualification and feel it would really be beneficial for others to do the course," she said.

Australian Payroll Association managing director Tracy Angwin yesterday presented Mrs Gray with the diploma.

People underestimate the importance of the payroll position and nobody notices it until it goes wrong, according to Mrs Angwin.

"When things go wrong in payroll, they can go spectacularly wrong," she said.

The diploma has a focus on taking payroll from a business cost to an operational asset.

"Traditionally the payroll has just been a transitional based function but if operated properly it could add value to an organisation," Mrs Angwin said.

"There are four areas in payroll being finance, HR, a legal aspect and a customer service aspect, which all have to be delicately managed."

Mrs Angwin said it was great Mrs Gray and others are now able to gain this qualification and would like to see more people choosing to do payroll, rather than just falling into the position.

"This will help Australian businesses have the competency required for the function."