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What does a Payroll Manager do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A payroll manager is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of an organization's payroll. This includes ensuring that all employees are paid correctly and on time, as well as managing payroll taxes and other deductions. The payroll manager may also be responsible for preparing reports on payroll data, such as employee hours worked and wages paid.

Payroll Manager job duties include:

  • Reviewing and approving time sheets
  • Calculating employee wages
  • Withholding taxes and other deductions from employee paychecks
  • Issuing paychecks or direct deposit payments
  • Maintaining payroll records
  • Answering employees’ questions about their pay, benefits, or taxes
  • Completing and filing government reports related to payroll, such as quarterly tax forms
  • Calculating vacation and sick time accrual
  • Administering 401(k) plans or other employee benefits
  • Processing new hire information and employee changes

Payroll Manager Job Requirements

A Payroll Manager typically needs a bachelor's degree in business, accounting, finance, or a related field. Many employers also prefer candidates who have certification from a professional organization, such as the American Payroll Association. Payroll Managers must have several years of experience working in payroll or a related field before being promoted to manager. They must be able to use various software programs to process payroll and have a strong understanding of state and federal taxes.

Payroll Manager Skills

  • Payroll
  • Benefits
  • Compensation
  • Tax
  • Accounting
  • Finance
  • Human Resources
  • Management
  • Communication
  • Organizational
  • Time Management
  • Problem Solving

Related: Top Payroll Manager Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Payroll Manager

The payroll manager is responsible for the administration of employee compensation in an organization. They ensure that employees are paid accurately and on time, and that all required deductions are withheld from their paychecks. Payroll managers also maintain records of employee earnings and hours worked.

To become a payroll manager, you will need to have excellent math skills and experience working with numbers. You should also be detail-oriented and able to multitask, as you will be responsible for managing many different payroll-related tasks simultaneously. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are also important, as you will be dealing with employees on a regular basis.

If you have the necessary skills and qualifications, the first step to becoming a payroll manager is to find an organization that is hiring for this position. Once you have found a suitable employer, you will need to submit a resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role. If your application is successful, you will then be invited to attend an interview, where you will be assessed on your suitability for the job.

Related: Payroll Manager Resume Example

Related: Payroll Manager Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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