Finance experts Karen Thomson and Suzanne Gallagher are women of influence.

The pair, who both work in the payroll division of Cumbrian accountancy, business and financial advice firm, Armstrong Watson, have won places in a roll of honour recognising the profession's leading lights.

Karen and Suzanne have been selected for inclusion on the exclusive The Reward 300 index of the payroll profession’s most influential leaders.

This is the second time Suzanne, head of payroll operations at Armstrong Watson, has been on the list and the 10th for Karen, the firm's director of group payroll services.

This accolade follows an announcement in January that Karen had been awarded Individual Chartered Status of the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP) and is one of the first 10 people in the UK to receive this.

Both Suzanne and Karen also sit on the board of directors for the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals.

Karen said: "I am delighted to once again be awarded with this accolade. I continue to strive to make the payroll profession a recognised career option and will continue to support our profession in any way I can.”

Suzanne added: “Having been elected on to the CIPP board and to now be included for a second year in these awards, is very special and I appreciate the support the profession has given me.”