After six years of hard work and dedication, we’re delighted to share that Seavor’s Francesca Mitchell has reached the top of her profession by qualifying as a Chartered Payroll Professional.
Francesca first joined us in 2019 as an apprentice, working towards an entry-level Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) qualification.
During her training, she developed an interest in payroll and moved into our dedicated payroll department.
From there, she began her studies with the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals.
Francesca said, “Throughout Covid, I had the opportunity to have an insight into the payroll department. This is where my passion began. From then, my interest has grown every step of the way.”
In August 2025, Francesca achieved Chartered status after passing her final exam, making her one of the region’s few fully qualified Chartered Payroll Professionals.
“Balancing work, studying and home life definitely had its challenges,” continued Francesca.
“I often travelled long hours on a Friday night for a full day of training on Saturday, on top of working full time and studying for eight hours a week.
“Nevertheless I wouldn’t have changed my journey and I have learnt so much from it.
“Being part of the Seavor team is lovely, everyone in the office is always thoughtful and generally nice to be around.
“The support from Graeme and Sarah has been nothing but the best.
“I’ve worked at Seavor for just over six years now. From starting at the firm when I was 16, Graeme and Sarah have always made the effort to individually support and show genuine care for me as a person, as well as a member of the team.
“The team at the office have also always been supportive throughout the course and I feel very appreciated.”
With Francesca’s qualification, SeavorChartered becomes one of the only independent firms in the area to offer Chartered payroll expertise in-house. It’s a significant advantage for our clients navigating increasingly complex payroll and employment law requirements.
Francesca’s success is a reflection of our commitment to training and supporting the next generation of professionals.
Graeme Seavor, Managing Director, explains, “It’s always been important to us to offer opportunities for individuals to develop and grow with Seavor.
“Having a team member get Chartered status is always special. Very much so in payroll, as there aren’t many firms in the area with Chartered Payroll Professionals in their team.
“It’s great having Francesca and the team, as payroll is a very important function for businesses. If it’s wrong or not working efficiently, it can create endless problems. Having the reassurance that it’s accurate and operated efficiently is one less thing for business owners to worry about.”
Francesca’s commitment extends beyond her professional life too. This October she is taking on the 13.1-mile Cumbrian Run in memory of her dad, raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. She has already beaten her first fundraising target and is now aiming even higher.
Ms Mitchell added, “2023 was a tough year for me personally, I lost my dad and my auntie was diagnosed with breast cancer. However she did beat it!
“To help get me out the house and push me to have something new to aim for I began the Couch to 5k that year. Fast forward to spring 2025 and I said to myself ‘give yourself a challenge and you will be able to do it’, and signed up for the Cumbrian Run.”
“I initially wanted to reach £200 and was thinking I was expecting too much. I ended up passing this in less than 24 hours which left me slightly overwhelmed but extremely grateful. Fingers crossed I can reach my new goal of £1,000, which I am just short of at the moment!”
