Kelly Mellor’s career at Kenect Recruitment is a powerful example of progression within the recruitment industry. After starting in payroll administration, Kelly worked her way up to become Group Services Director and Kenect Recruitment’s first female director.
An Unexpected Career Path
Kelly’s career in recruitment finance began almost by accident.
“I was working in retail at the time, as I’d taken some time out from office work to have my children, but I was desperate to get back into admin.”
She applied for a payroll administrator role and spent around five years managing payroll for recruitment businesses before Kenect approached her about heading up its accounts department.
At the time, Kenect had fewer than ten employees and just two offices. Today, the business has offices across the UK and a growing franchise network.
The Backbone of Recruitment
Kelly’s team manages client payments, credit control, invoicing, payroll and support across the Kenect network.
Most weeks, the department processes payroll for between 800 and 1,000 temporary workers.
“Without the back office, there wouldn’t be a business,” Kelly explains. “We often get referred to as the unsung heroes, and I think there’s some truth behind that.”
Payroll deadlines can create pressure, particularly when timesheets or information arrive late. However, the team’s priority remains making sure every worker receives the money they have earned.
“We would never want anybody to go into the weekend without any money, so it always gets sorted.”
Supporting Kenect Franchisees
Kenect’s central support structure is especially important for its franchise network.
“We do all of the back office for the franchises, the credit control, the payroll and the invoicing.”
By managing these essential functions, Kenect allows franchise owners to concentrate on developing relationships, winning clients and supporting candidates.
“We’re allowing them to go out and grow their business and do what they do best, and we can do what we do best.”
From the Back Office to Kenect’s First Female Director
Kelly’s progression reflects years of hard work, practical experience and professional development.
While working at Kenect, she gained qualifications in accounts and bookkeeping, developing the knowledge needed to progress from payroll administration into leadership.
Her advice to women beginning their careers is equally direct:
“Work hard, be reliable and study. Gain some qualifications. The only person that’s going to back you is you.”
Despite the pressure that comes with managing payroll and finance, Kelly also believes in keeping challenges in perspective.
“You’re saving spreadsheets, not lives.”
It is a simple reminder to remain calm, slow down and focus on finding the solution a mindset that has helped Kelly progress from an unexpected career in payroll to becoming Kenect Recruitment’s first female director.
🎧 Listen to the full podcast:
YouTube – Kenect Recruitment
Spotify – Kenecting Recruiters Pod
