What are careers in payroll?

Careers in payroll include practitioners, payroll managers, and payroll systems coordinators.

1. Payroll Practitioner

   There are three levels of payroll practitioners.

   A level one practitioner is responsible for establishing and maintaining employee payroll records. They may handle tasks like auditing time records, establishing standards, and handling changes in payroll. You will need to be familiar with basic skills with a calculator and spreadsheet programs.

   A level two payroll practitioner builds on level one skills, computes wages and payments, handles deductions, and oversees advances and terminations. They can operate all department equipment as well. One to two years of related experience is necessary.

   A level three payroll practitioner builds on the previous two levels but also handles balancing and controlling earnings and deductions. They also calculate and prepare ledger entries, handle reports, and deal with errors and tax handling.

   Special reports and special pay situations, such as military pay, jury duty pay, or garnishments, are also handled at this level.

2. Payroll Manager

   A payroll manager is responsible for several units within a larger payroll department. They oversee the people responsible for payroll preparation and processing, tax reporting, and benefits administration. Sometimes they are responsible for system maintenance.

   This person will have payroll supervisors who report directly to them. This position typically requires a bachelor's degree and several years of experience.

3. Payroll Systems Coordinator

   Payroll systems coordinators are responsible for communication between the payroll department and the data or information systems department. This ensures everyone involved in payroll understands and implements the payroll requirements.

   They work with staff to identify and handle necessary changes or updates to the system. This position typically requires three to five years of extensive experience.

4. Payroll Systems Analyst

   A payroll systems analyst is responsible for preparing detailed programs for payroll automation. They verify the program specifications and work directly with the programmers. They also implement and maintain the payroll system.

   They continually monitor the system for needed changes and communicate this between the payroll and programmers to meet the company's needs. Typically this position requires three to four years of related experience.