Human resources (HR) experts, payroll managers keep meticulous records of employee wages, benefits, and taxes. Managers work in a variety of environments, but the majority work for large corporations, retail stores, hospitals, and schools. The qualifications for becoming a payroll manager vary depending on the setting and employer, but most employers prefer to hire people with college degrees and several years of HR experience. Furthermore, pursuing voluntary certification from a reputable national agency can increase one’s chances of becoming a payroll manager.
A person interested in becoming a payroll manager can start preparing for the job as early as high school. Math, economics, communications, and computer science courses can provide fundamental skills that could be extremely useful in a future payroll job. To gain practical experience in a business setting, a student may be able to obtain an entry-level position as an HR or timekeeping clerk at a company. He or she can begin looking into community colleges and universities with strong business programs as soon as they graduate.
Although an associate’s degree is sufficient for some payroll management jobs, working toward a four-year bachelor’s degree can significantly improve a person’s skills and credentials. A student interested in becoming a payroll manager should major in human resources, accounting, business administration, or a related field. Advanced business math and management courses give students a thorough understanding of common terminology, payroll procedures, and tax laws. Following graduation, a graduate can search for job openings on job search websites and through career placement services at his or her school.
Although it is possible to become a payroll manager right after graduation, most employees begin their careers as assistants. A new professional learns firsthand how to use electronic filing systems, adjust benefit packages, and prepare taxes as a clerk or assistant. Gaining experience allows a worker to hone their skills and form strong bonds with coworkers and superiors. Successful assistants are frequently promoted to management positions after several years of service.
Many professional organizations provide certification to new or aspiring managers to help them land better-paying jobs. Workers with at least three years of experience and who pass written exams can earn certified payroll professional credentials from the American Payroll Association in the United States. Similar organizations exist in many other countries to help managers advance their careers. A payroll manager with the right credentials and years of experience may be able to advance to become a lead HR supervisor or even an executive within his or her company.