Do you love crunching numbers? Work independently but as a part of the team? Career advancement? If your answer is yes, a career as a payroll administrator could be a great fit for you.
Before we move on to the key traits of becoming a successful payroll administrator, let’s understand what they exactly do.
As a payroll administrator, you are responsible for processing payroll information of an organization’s employees and benefits entitlements. Apart from that, you will be creating a robust system vital to business needs, such as tax obligations and compliance.
Some of the general job duties include:
Anyone considering a career in payroll administration should develop specific skills and traits to enter the modern business environment confidently.
1. Strong Maths and Numeracy Skills
The role requires you to deal with complex calculations frequently, an aptitude for maths and accountancy is a must. Payroll admin needs to be aware of accurate net-pay to employees, deductions and tax reporting to the government authorities.
2. Compliance Knowledge
The most vital part of a payroll administrator job is to ensure payroll is as per compliance requirements. It should abide by the tax and legal regulation of the local authority.
3. Problem Solving Skills
Payroll role faces miscalculations, tax irregularities and compliance issues, even in a robust system. Thus, it is essential to possess the skills to deal with these problems efficiently. Creative thinking and anticipating potential challenges is important.
4. Dependability & Discretion
Payroll administrators play a significant role in any enterprise. Businesses and employees depend on you to deliver accurately and on-time. Additionally, you will handle sensitive personal data. It is must you understand the security and privacy protocols of an organization and need for discretion.
5. Proficiency with Industry Software
Businesses are moving towards digital and variety of software are in place for payroll management. Know-how of Microsoft office and excel along with dedicated payroll platforms, Sage and QuickBooks, is a must. Gain an in-depth understanding of these softwares and keep yourself updated with the latest versions.
6. Communication & Customer Service Skills
You will be interacting with individuals at every level of organization. You should have apt communication skills to explain the process and answer employee queries with clarity. Unlike ordinary myth payroll administrators are not stuck behind the desk. It is essential to deliver an excellent standard of customer service while dealing with customers- employees and management.
7. Attention to Detail
Small details, such as record-keeping and data-handling, is important for high payroll performance. Payroll administrators need to ensure that even the minutest of details are taken into consideration. In modern small business settings, the payroll team might need to manage administrative duties too. Knowledge of general office duties and computer literacy may come in handy.
As a prospective payroll administrator, you should aim to nurture a mix of both technical & soft skills to distinguish yourself. For better employability and career advancement earn Industry Standard Certifications such as Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) designation through the Canadian Payroll Association (CPA).
BizTech College offers Professional Accounting, Bookkeeping and Payroll Administration Diploma (36 weeks). You will gain theoretical as well as practical knowledge to handle payroll administrator role. Additionally, this program prepares you for the Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) certification. For detailed info of the program, click here.
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