What does a data processing manager do?
Data processing manager responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real data processing manager resumes:
- Manage the computer operation of a UNIX base business system.
- Manage customer database in ERP systems, such as WCS & VIP systems.
- Manage the operation of an ERP MAPICS/DB system for a design and manufacturing company.
- Manage the installation of various ADP systems including NTCSS, NAVMACS-II, and IT1-21 shipboard LAN.
- Promote to coordinate between accounting and technical teams while managing time and billing and A/R interfaces.
- Lead the development of DoD computer-base systems interfacing the military services and NSA s war theater operations systems.
- Provide customized reports in SQL as well as performed semi-annual software upgrades ensuring data integrity and functionality.
- Maintain a high level of operational reliability and availability for COBOL base payroll systems.
- Modify extensively all accounting phases of the MCBA/Metro COBOL written financial software.
- Correct production job abends, JCL errors, and communicate with programmers.
- Convert a MAPICS business system running on an IBM 36 to an MRP system.
- Implement lines of UNIX to streamline data processing, optimizing production and minimize time constraints.
- Implement a Novell network to support the word processing, sampling and statistical analysis departments.
- Implement network communications for Internet via TCP/IP utilizing DHCP, fax and various online services.
- Monitor and trouble-shot communications issues including satellite, internet, cable, telephone and VOIP.
Data processing manager skills and personality traits
We calculated that 11% of Data Processing Managers are proficient in Payroll, Computer System, and SQL. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Business skills, and Communication skills.
We break down the percentage of Data Processing Managers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Payroll, 11%
Manage Payroll and Data processing for multiple business entities for a manufacturer, machining and transportation operations.
- Computer System, 10%
Analyzed current software and computer system to recommend/implement changes and enhancements to improve quality and productivity.
- SQL, 9%
Mentored other program managers on using SQL and VBA for Excel to manipulate large amounts of data.
- Financial Statements, 8%
Prepared Financial Statements for Controller and Stockholders.
- Mainframe, 4%
Planned and implemented operating system upgrade for mainframe to allow integration with network processes and infrastructure.
- General Ledger, 4%
Audited and reconciled computer generated reports to the general ledger; also reconciled customer accounts and inventory flow reports.
"payroll," "computer system," and "sql" are among the most common skills that data processing managers use at work. You can find even more data processing manager responsibilities below, including:
Analytical skills. The most essential soft skill for a data processing manager to carry out their responsibilities is analytical skills. This skill is important for the role because "it managers must analyze problems and consider and select the best ways to solve them." Additionally, a data processing manager resume shows how their duties depend on analytical skills: "implemented and maintained corporate electronic data interchange (edi) solution. "
Business skills. Many data processing manager duties rely on business skills. "it managers must develop and implement strategic plans to reach the goals of their organizations.," so a data processing manager will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways data processing manager responsibilities rely on business skills: "utilize sap/business objects postalsoft suite, visual foxpro, to create custom software in house. "
Communication skills. This is an important skill for data processing managers to perform their duties. For an example of how data processing manager responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "it managers must explain their work to top executives and give clear instructions to their subordinates." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a data processing manager: "maintained distribution erp system, in-house pcs, and telecommunications. ".
Leadership skills. For certain data processing manager responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "leadership skills." The day-to-day duties of a data processing manager rely on this skill, as "it managers must lead and motivate it teams or departments so that workers are efficient and effective." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what data processing managers do: "provided technical leadership and application development expertise to design and support enterprise level financial solutions for the department of juvenile justice. "
Organizational skills. Another crucial skill for a data processing manager to carry out their responsibilities is "organizational skills." A big part of what data processing managers relies on this skill, since "some it managers must coordinate the work of several different it departments to make the organization run efficiently." How this skill relates to data processing manager duties can be seen in an example from a data processing manager resume snippet: "installed, configured, and maintained the organizational local area network (lan) server and workstations. "
The three companies that hire the most data processing managers are:
- ICF50 data processing managers jobs
- Environmental Defense Fund7 data processing managers jobs
- Capital One2 data processing managers jobs
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Data processing manager vs. Information technology director
An information technology (IT) Director is an individual responsible for the management, strategy, and execution of an organization's IT infrastructure. He/She supervises a team of workers while working with the organization's management and external vendors and advisors. Aside from managing workers, an IT director should possess problem-solving skills and an aptitude for organizational thinking. An IT director must also identify new market opportunities and should lead an effort to improve the organization's IT process.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a data processing manager are more likely to require skills like "payroll," "computer system," "sql," and "financial statements." On the other hand, a job as an information technology director requires skills like "customer service," "project management," "cloud," and "network infrastructure." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Information technology directors tend to make the most money working in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $145,076. In contrast, data processing managers make the biggest average salary, $88,743, in the technology industry.The education levels that information technology directors earn slightly differ from data processing managers. In particular, information technology directors are 6.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a data processing manager. Additionally, they're 0.7% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Data processing manager vs. Vice president of information technology
A Vice President Of Information Technology supervises an organization's technology initiatives, IT changes, and updates to all projects. They also identify and propose new information technologies and systems to improve business processes and decision-making.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, data processing manager responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "payroll," "computer system," "sql," and "financial statements." Meanwhile, a vice president of information technology has duties that require skills in areas such as "project management," "architecture," "cloud," and "customer service." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
On average, vice president of information technologies earn a higher salary than data processing managers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, vice president of information technologies earn the most pay in the automotive industry with an average salary of $162,421. Whereas data processing managers have higher pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $88,743.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Vice president of information technologies tend to reach higher levels of education than data processing managers. In fact, they're 9.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.7% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Data processing manager vs. Vice president, technology
A vice president of technology is in charge of overseeing all technological operations in a company while managing the workforce involved, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Typically, it is their responsibility to establish goals and objectives, devising strategies to enforce them. They also spearhead the development of new systems and tools that boost workforce productivity, coordinate with analysts and specialists, and resolve any issues and concerns. Furthermore, as a vice president, it is essential to implement the company's policies and regulations, creating new ones as needed.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a data processing manager is likely to be skilled in "payroll," "computer system," "sql," and "financial statements," while a typical vice president, technology is skilled in "analytics," "architecture," "java," and "project management."
Vice presidents, technology earn the best pay in the technology industry, where they command an average salary of $156,843. Data processing managers earn the highest pay from the technology industry, with an average salary of $88,743.Most vice presidents, technology achieve a higher degree level compared to data processing managers. For example, they're 9.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 2.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Data processing manager vs. Senior information technology manager
A senior information technology manager is responsible for monitoring the efficiency and performance of the company's technology and network systems. Senior information technology managers oversee technology infrastructures and operations, ensuring the processes adhere to the company policies and regulations. They analyze the schematics and specifications of computer systems, maintaining the safety and security across all networks to prevent unauthorized access. A senior information technology manager must have extensive knowledge of the technology industry, as well as a strong command of programming languages.
Types of data processing manager
Updated January 8, 2025











