Creating, managing, and executing a payroll effectively necessitates meticulous attention to detail, accuracy, and a thorough understanding of all applicable tax, withholding, and other laws and statutes. Payroll jobs come in a variety of shapes and sizes due to the difficulty of creating and processing payrolls. Each position necessitates a unique set of skills, experience, and educational credentials. Here are some payroll jobs to consider if you are interested in training for payroll jobs or already have the basic qualifications and requirements to work in this field.
The payroll clerk is an entry-level position in most payroll departments. In most cases, the clerk is in charge of gathering the basic data needed to start preparing the payroll. This includes verifying hourly employees’ hours worked, hourly and salaried rates as they apply to each employee, and any vacation or sick days claimed for a given period. A payroll clerk is typically expected to have at least rudimentary accounting skills. Advanced training may be required, depending on the scope of responsibilities assigned to the clerk.
Payroll supervisors are in charge of supervising a team of clerks who work on various aspects of the payroll process. This type of payroll job usually necessitates both managerial and accounting skills. The supervisor must be knowledgeable about all aspects of payroll preparation, including tax calculations and other types of withholding that must be made. The supervisor usually collaborates with other members of the accounting team to ensure that funds sufficient to cover current payroll are deposited into the proper bank account.
The responsibilities of assistant payroll managers are often similar to those of a supervisor or manager. This type of payroll job frequently serves as a communication link between clerks and supervisors. The assistant manager typically holds an accounting degree from a recognized institution and will collaborate with the supervisor to ensure that all aspects of the payroll process run smoothly. He or she is also likely to assist the supervisor in the preparation of reports and other documents for submission to Human Resources and other financial officers within the company structure for review.
The payroll auditor is one of the more obscure payroll jobs available today. This type of work typically necessitates excellent accounting skills as well as a thorough understanding of payroll processes. The auditor evaluates current payroll procedures, ensures that all policies and procedures are followed correctly, and can also make recommendations on how to improve the overall process’ efficiency. A payroll auditor might work for an accounting firm or as a freelance consultant.
Work at companies that specialize in the preparation and execution of payroll services for their business clients is a growing career option, in addition to freelance work or employment in a company’s payroll department. Many of these services follow the model of forming payroll support teams that are assigned to each client. The team becomes familiar with the client’s needs and interacts with them to deal with any unusual circumstances that may arise, as well as keep them informed about any new payroll service options that may be beneficial to them.
Payroll clerks are typically hourly employees who do not receive a salary. Supervisors and managers are usually paid, whereas freelance auditors charge a consulting fee based on the services provided. Pay scales for payroll jobs vary greatly industry type and location, and are often determined the extent of an employee’s educational credentials and practical experience.