How to become a payroll manager?

LOOKING for job security? Then count on a Payroll position.

As a job needed by every organisation with paid staff, it gives you an unrivalled choice of places to work.

Plus as it’s such as responsible role, it’s highly unlikely to be replaced by AI.

Salaries for Payroll Managers average between £40,000 to £50,000 but see how much you can pocket in these top jobs – including working for Netflix!

• Oracle Cloud HCM Payroll Functional Consultant, Version 1, London
• UK Payroll Specialist, Netflix, London
• Operational Payroll Manager, Experian, Nottingham

Ready to be in the money as a payroll specialist? Here’s all you need to know from Sun Jobs.

What does someone working in payroll do? 

Traditionally, payroll duties were simply to calculate and pay staff wages, in the days when people were still paid cash each week.

However, in modern times, payroll remit has expanded far further.

As a payroll expert, your role can include recording work hours, and staff expenses, calculating taxes and delivering pay slips.

You might also be asked to manage enquiries from your firm’s employees or outside companies such as mortgage providers check on your employees’ salary and work status.

What skills do I need? 

There are four core skills that any successful payroll specialist needs.

Firstly, traditional payroll skills are vital so you must be good with figures and able to work quickly and accurately.

Secondly, you will also need much more modern skills including computer literacy and the ability to operate payroll automation systems.

As you are the point of contact for staff queries about their wages, it helps to have clear communication skills too.

Finally, you must be trustworthy as you’ll deal with personal information and money following GDPR.

How do I get into a payroll position? 

For entry-level jobs such as payroll clerk or administrator, it is possible to go into a job straight from school as a direct hire or an apprentice.

You will be expected to have good A-levels including maths, business studies or economics.

See nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/payroll-administrator.

Payroll Managers usually have either a related degree, considerable professional experience or a Payroll Assistant Manager Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship.

These apprenticeships are offered by commercial companies and public sector organisations and they take around two years to complete.

How do I advance my career? 

For those looking to climb the career ladder, consider a Foundation Degree in Payroll Management (FdA).

You could also look at taking wider financial qualifications such as accounting and move into a finance role, or study additional HR qualifications. You can find out more at cipp.org.uk.

Discover thousands of open vacancies for jobs all across the UK now on The Sun Job Board.