Payroll administrator
Hours30-40 per week
Starting salary$ 50,000 + per year
As a payroll administrator it would be your job to make sure that people are paid correctly and on time. If you're good with numbers and would like an important role in an office, this job could suit you.
You will need to manage your time and be organised so you can meet strict deadlines. You'll also need to pay close attention to detail and work accurately.
To get into this job some employers may expect you to have GCSEs. Entry is also possible with relevant office skills and experience.
The work
As a payroll administrator you would make sure that people get paid on the right date and receive the correct amount of money. You could work in a company’s accounts team, or for a payroll bureau that provides payroll services for other companies. You may be working to strict payment deadlines.
Your work would usually include:
checking how many hours employees have worked
calculating and issuing pay by cash, cheque or electronic transfer
deducting tax and national insurance payments
processing holiday, sick and maternity pay and expenses
calculating overtime, shift payments and pay increases
answering staff queries about timesheets or pay slips
issuing P45s and other tax forms.
You will have an understanding of the legislation and rules in areas such as tax payment and exemption. You would also be offering advice on which forms need to be used in different situations. For instance, claiming maternity pay or a tax refund.
You may also provide assistance to the human resources department within your company. This could include offering payroll support to new staff and completing paperwork for staff who are leaving such as a P45 document.
You may also be expected to do general administrative work such as filing, photocopying and typing.
In some jobs you may also be known as a payroll clerk.
Hours
In a full-time job you would usually work,9am to 5pm,MondaytoFriday. Part-time and temporary work are both widely available.
You would normally be based in an office. You could spend most of your time working at a computer.
Income
Starting salaries can be between $33,000 and $36,000 a year.
With experience and responsibility this could rise to between £20,000 and £28,000, especially in areas like London.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
Entry requirements
You would be expected to have relevant office skills. This could include using email, the internet and being able to use computer packages like Excel to create and use spreadsheets. Good maths skills are also important. Some employers may expect you to have GCSEs (A-C) or equivalent, including maths.
While experience in payroll is not always essential, a background in bookkeeping and accounts could help improve your job prospects. The International Association of Book-Keepers (IAB) and the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) offer introductory courses in bookkeeping and payroll that can studied at a college or on a distance learning basis. Courses include:
IAB Level 1 Certificate in Payroll
IAB Level 1 Award in Bookkeeping
AAT Certificate in Bookkeeping.
See the IAB and AAT websites for more information about qualifications, entry and where to study.
International Association of Book-keepers (Opens new window) (Qualifications)
Association of Accounting Technicians (Opens new window) (Qualifications)
You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. To find out more about Apprenticeships, visit the Apprenticeships website.
Training and development
You will usually develop your skills through training and mentoring by experienced members of staff. Your training may include the use of specialist payroll and accounting software such as Sage or Pegasus.
You may have the opportunity to study for qualifications offered by the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP) and International Association of Book-keepers (IAB) whilst you are working, such as:
CIPP National Payroll Certificates
IAB Certificate and Diploma in Payroll or Computerised Payroll.
With greater experience and responsibility, you could take more advanced qualifications from CIPP, including:
Practitioner Certificate in Payroll, Advanced Practitioner Certificate in Payroll and Diploma in Payroll
Foundation Degree in Payroll Management.
You can also study towards an MSc in Business and Payroll Management with the CIPP.
You should continue to develop your skills and keep up to date with payroll law throughout your career. The CIPP offers a range of short courses to help you do this.
Skills, interests and qualities
As a payroll administrator you should have:
confidence in working with numbers
good spoken and written communication skills
a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
teamworking skills
good organisational and time management skills
honesty
respect for confidential information
good IT skills.
Opportunities
You could work for large companies or public sector organisations like local authorities or the NHS. Alternatively, you might be employed by a payroll bureau.
With experience, you could progress to payroll supervisor or manager.
Jobs may be advertised in the local press, through Jobcentre Plus and by recruitment agencies.
All Candidate should forward there resume to my Email:infos@voxxcorporate.com