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Best payroll manager certifications
Payroll manager certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an payroll manager to employers. However, not all payroll manager certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a payroll manager are Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and Payroll Certification.
Below is a list of the best payroll manager certifications. Obtaining an payroll manager certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
13 best certifications for payroll managers
13 best payroll manager certifications
1. Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
2. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
The CMA (Certified Management Accountant) is the advanced professional certification specifically designed to measure the accounting and financial management skills that drive business performance.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
3. Payroll Certification
NBA's Payroll Certification assures employers you have payroll knowledge and skill. You obtain the Certification by passing the Uniform Payroll Certification Examination.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
4. International Accredited Business Accountant (IABA)
ACAT seeks to ensure that all accredited individuals possess both the theoretical knowledge and the practical knowledge necessary to be successful practitioners. For that reason, candidates for accreditation must satisfy an experience requirement before becoming fully credentialed: three years of related work experience, up to two of which may be satisfied through college credit. Related work experience includes verifiable experience in accounting, financial services, or other field requiring a practical and theoretical knowledge of the subject matter covered on the ACAT Comprehensive Examination for the International Accredited Business Accountant. Those who pass the exam but who have not met the experience requirement may market themselves as having passed the ACAT Comprehensive Examination for International Accredited Business Accountant, but are not entitled to use the IABA designation.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
5. Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC)
The Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) is open to all those who wish to demonstrate a baseline of payroll competency. The FPC is designed for: Entry-level Payroll Professionals, Sales Professionals/Consultants serving the payroll industry, Systems Analysts/Engineers writing payroll programs, and Payroll Service Bureau Client Representatives. APA membership is not required.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
6. Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
HR professionals who implement policies and strategies, serve as point of contact for staff and stakeholders, deliver HR services, and perform operational HR functions, should take the SHRM-CP exam.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
7. Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
By earning the Senior Professional in Human Resources® (SPHR) certification you demonstrate that you have mastered the strategic and policy-making aspects of HR management as practiced in the United States. The credential is designed for the HR professional who plans, rather than implements, HR policy, focuses on the "big picture," has ultimate accountability in the HR department, has breadth and depth of knowledge in all HR disciplines and understands the business beyond the HR function and influences the overall organization.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
8. Certified Manager Certification (CM)
The Certified Manager Animal Resources (CMAR) certification program is designed to raise competency and professionalism in the field of Animal Resources Management. The CMAR designation involves a series of four examinations: three exams arranged via an organization called the Institute for Certified Professional Managers (ICPM), and the Animal Resources Exam offered by AALAS. Obtaining the CMAR designation is a sign of professionalism in the field of animal resources management.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
9. Certified Security Supervision & Management (CSS)
The program candidate must have six months previous security supervisory/management experience or equivalent. Remit the certification fee to IFPO to receive the CSSM application. Candidates accepted into this portion of the program are required to address 10 simulated workplace scenarios demanding supervisory/management action.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
10. Certified in Financial Management
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
11. Program Management Professional (PgMP)
Project Management Institute's newest credential is specifically developed to acknowledge the qualifications of the professional who leads the coordinated management of multiple projects and ensures the ultimate success of a program. You will benefit from the many advantages of this new designation. Candidates earning this credential will be internationally recognized as professionals with the knowledge and experience to make and implement the important decisions and accomplish the strategic objectives that enhance business results.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
12. Master Project Manager (MPM)
If you have 3+ years of Project Management Experience, you may apply for MPM™ Master Project Manager Board Certification.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
13. Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)
Experienced medical office professionals with exceptional administrative skills are eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) exam. To attain CMOM certification, all candidates must demonstrate a high level of knowledge in financial management, managed care contracting, personnel, and time management. Risk management, medical record keeping and facility management issues should also be mastered.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
What is the best certification for a payroll manager?
The best payroll manager certification is Certified Payroll Professional (CPP). The Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) is awarded by the American Payroll Association. This certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this payroll manager certification:
- To become a certified Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), you need to pass the exam.
- This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 5 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for payroll managers?
The most in-demand payroll manager certification is Certified Payroll Professional based on all active job postings. Having this payroll manager certification will give you access to more payroll manager jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a payroll manager career and salary?
The Certified Management Accountant certification will help you to secure a controller position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A controller's average salary is $96,217 whereas payroll managers make an average salary of $86,147.
The most common combination of payroll manager certifications include: Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and Payroll Certification.
Online courses for payroll managers to earn certifications
1. Payroll Accounting: Laws, Calculations, and Journal Entries
Master the complex world of payroll with practical examples, legislation insights, and comprehensive problems...
2. Ultimate Payroll Management with Income Tax & Year-End 23-24
Basic to Advanced: Certification in Payroll, Compensation Benefits, Income Tax,Year Ending for Payroll & Human Resources...
3. Payroll Management
Use free UK payroll software to perform essential payroll management...
4. Payroll Accounting With Visually Effective Excel Dashboards
Payroll Data Analysis with Excel Pivot Tables,hr payroll, payroll management, payroll certification, Payroll, Excel...
5. QuickBooks Payroll - QuickBooks Online
Processing Quick Books Online payroll for a small business, generating paychecks, processing payroll tax forms...
6. Complete Payroll Management in Excel &TALLY ERP9 &TallyPrime
Payroll, Bookkeeping,Microsoft Excel,Excel,TALLY ERP9, Payroll Process, Tally Prime,Payroll Account, Salary , wages ,HR...
7. Effective Bookkeeping and Payroll
Effective Bookkeeping and Payroll...
8. Understanding Payroll for Beginners
Payroll calculation, processing payroll, taxes, and reporting...
9. Financial Accounting-Adjusting Entries & Financial Statement
Master Adjusting Entries & Financial Statements: A Comprehensive Guide for Accurate Accounting and Reporting...
10. Intro to Business • HR: Payroll Fundamentals
Understand the Basics of Processing Employee Payroll...
11. Xero Australia Payroll Complete Training Course
Become an expert at the payroll function of Xero bookkeeping & accounting software using Xero's Australian demo company...
12. Financial Accounting & Excel-Comprehensive Accounting Course
Comprehensive accounting course to learn the accounting cycle in a practical way and pick up critical Excel fundamentals...
13. Complete Tally ERP 9-GST Course with Live Project of Clients
Learn Tally ERP 9 with live Accounts of a Business Covering its Accounting, Payroll, GST, Banking, Inventory System...
14. Financial Accounting - Subsidiary Ledgers & Special Journals
Mastering Special Journals and Subsidiary Ledgers: A Comprehensive Guide to Streamlined Accounting Practices...
15. Financial Accounting: A Comprehensive Guide with E-book
Unlock Financial Accounting Mastery: Comprehensive Course for Students, Professionals, and Business Owners...
16. Financial Accounting-Debits & Credits-Accounting Transaction
Masterclass: Learn Accounting Principles, Financial Statements, Transactions & More in this Comprehensive Course...
17. Ultimate HR Generalist and Human Resource Management Course
Hands-on HR Certification: All HRM topics. Master Employee Life Cycle, Payroll, Recruitment, Engagement, EXDesign and AI...
18. Accounting 2 Simplified for You
Manage payroll, cash, receivables, inventories & liabilities in easy to follow steps. Great companion of Accounting 1...
19. Excel Accounting Problem
Learn How to Create an Accounting Worksheet Using Microsoft Excel from a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)...
20. Accounting & Bookkeeping Masterclass - Beginner to Advanced
Accounting, Bookkeeping Introduction, Accounting, Bookkeeping Entries, Accounting, Bookkeeping Adjustments & Reports...