If you are good with numbers and enjoy office work, you may want to become a payroll administrator. A high school diploma and on-the-job training will qualify you to work within this career field; however, some employers will prefer for you to have an associate’s degree. In addition, certification as a payroll administrator will also help employers to notice you. In the United States (US), in order to become a payroll administrator that is in compliance with legislative changes, you will often have to continue your education on a regular basis. After obtaining an entry-level job position and gaining experience, your career goal of becoming this type of administrator will quickly be achieved.
Even though it is not a requirement, completing a finance-related associate’s degree program is very beneficial when wanting to become a payroll administrator. You learn how to read and interpret tax information, handle employee’s files, prepare income tax statements, and more. While completing a degree program, make sure to take computer classes, as computer literacy is almost always a must for people wanting to become a payroll administrator.
If you decide to complete a degree program at an accredited college, try to obtain an entry-level job position while finishing your schooling. The on-the-job training you will receive in addition to what you learn during your course curriculum will quickly help you become a competent payroll administrator. Many employers will also be more prone to hire you if you already have experience.
Most likely you will work within a human resource department, so you should be able to work well with others when wanting to become a payroll administrator. Your ability to work efficiently and professionally should be top-notch, as well as your ability to multi-task. One of the most important skills to have when working as this type of administrator is being able to handle all of the records that you will deal with in a confidential manner.
Since legislative and tax laws are continually changing, you should always continue your education. In the US, the American Payroll Association (APA) provides programs that you can attend to stay up-to-date on new and changing tax and deduction laws. Many times, you will have to change procedures in order to stay in compliance with laws, so attending the programs is very advantageous.
In the US, you also have the option to obtain certification as a payroll administrator. This certification is obtained through the APA and is viewed highly by employers. Any time that you want to advance your role as this type of administrator, such as into a payroll manager, certification is extremely beneficial.