A payroll administrator is responsible for all aspects of an organization’s employee payroll, including hourly pay, overtime, bonuses, deductions, and taxes. Because of the wide range of topics handled, someone interested in working in payroll administration will benefit from a diverse set of skills, such as tax law knowledge, bookkeeping skills, and analytical skills. Many companies do not require specific degrees or certifications to work in the payroll administration field, but if you are serious about working in the field, you should consider getting a college degree in accounting or finance or enrolling in one of the many certification programs available.
Working in a related field at a company is perhaps one of the simplest ways to break into payroll administration. You may begin as a secretary, an assistant, or in another position, but if you demonstrate that you enjoy working for the company and are a hard worker, you may be promoted to the payroll department. From there, you can learn as much as you can, with the possibility of working directly in payroll administration in the future. This may appear to be a longer path than others, but it will allow you to become an integral part of the company, learn how it operates, demonstrate your best skills, and get to know other employees and coworkers, allowing you to become a well-rounded employee.
Certification courses may be a good option if you want to get training in payroll administration so you can go straight to interviews for jobs in this field. In a short period of time, such as 12 months, these courses are designed to provide a general overview of all aspects of a job in payroll administration. Specific information for each situation you might face may not be covered in the course, but you will gain a good understanding of most aspects of the job.
If you want to work in payroll administration, you can also get a college diploma. The most common programs pursued those who want to work in this field are college degree programs in accounting and finance. Bookkeeping, tax law, finance, and other skills that may be required in payroll administration are usually covered in both programs. Some colleges even offer students the opportunity to shadow or work part-time in college offices related to their major. This would provide you with both experience and education in this field, making you a much more appealing prospect to a potential employer.