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Payroll Manager Job Description

Written by: Ethan Cumming
Published on: 31 Aug 2021

Payroll Manager

 

If you have spent some time working as a Payroll Administrator or Payroll Assistant, you may have begun contemplating your next career move. For many, Payroll Manager jobs are the next logical step. In this Payroll Manager Job Description, we explore the role and answer key questions such as “What are the duties of a Payroll Manager?” and “How much does a Payroll Manager earn?”

  • What is a Payroll Manager?

    As their job title suggests, Payroll Managers are responsible for managing the payroll department of a business or organisation. Alongside ensuring that wages are paid correctly and on time, Payroll Managers lead, coach, and motivate the Payroll Assistants and Administrators working within their team.

    As well as working within organisations, Payroll Managers sometimes work in Payroll Bureaus which provide outsourced payroll services – much like how an accountancy practice or law firm provides business services to their clients.

  • What Does a Payroll Manager Do?

    Depending on the type and size of employer, the remit of the role can vary, however key Payroll Manager duties and responsibilities often include:

    • Designing and implementing payroll policies and procedures.
    • Managing payroll systems and software.
    • Staying up to date with the latest payroll best practice and new technologies.
    • Advising employers or clients on tax and pay laws and regulations.
    • Reviewing financial data and providing reports and analysis to management.
    • Ensuring correct benefits and bonuses are awarded.
    • Processing payroll updates such as terminations, new hires, and wage changes.
    • Working with Auditors to ensure all payroll activity is compliant with regulations and the law.
    • Overseeing the work of the payroll team to ensure employees are paid the correct amounts at the right time.
    • Training, supervising, and managing Assistants, Administrators, and other junior members of the payroll team, providing constructive feedback on their work.
    • Interviewing and hiring new staff for the department.

  • How to Become a Payroll Manager

    Becoming a Payroll Manager often requires at least 5 years of experience within progressively senior payroll positions. Alongside expert knowledge of payroll legislation and an understanding of best practice, you will need to be able to demonstrate the ability to lead a team and supervise junior staff.

    Payroll Manager Qualifications

    Although formal certificates are not always a requirement, your CV will be boosted by the inclusion of one of the Payroll Manager qualifications offered by the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP) or the International Association of Bookkeepers (IAB). These include:

    • CIPP National Payroll Certificate
    • CIPP Practitioner Certificate in Payroll, Advanced Practitioner Certificate in Payroll and Diploma in Payroll
    • IAB Certificate and Diploma in Payroll or Computerised Payroll

    Payroll Manager Skills & Knowledge

    So, what does a Payroll Manager need to know? Take a look at any Payroll Manager job description and you are likely to find some or all of the below skills and abilities listed as requirements for the role:

    • Organisational skills and attention to detail.
    • Strong communication and relationship building skills.
    • The ability to manage one or more direct reports.
    • Time management skills and the ability to work to deadlines.
    • IT literacy and good knowledge of payroll software/systems.
    • Supervisory and leadership skills.
    • Analytical and problem-solving skills.

  • How Much Does a Payroll Manager Earn?

    According to data from our recently published 2022 Audience Insight Report, average pay for a Payroll Manager is £39,285 per year. However, this figure can vary depending on factors such as your experience, location, and the type of employer you work for.

    A range of benefits such as private healthcare, company shares, and personal training budgets often accompany a Payroll Manager salary.

  • Payroll Manager Jobs on GAAPweb

    So, now you know more about Payroll Manager responsibilities, requirements, and rewards. We hope that now you have reached the end of our Payroll Manager job description article you have gained a better understanding of the role and know whether you are ready to take the next step in your career.

    If you are ready to start applying, why not check out the latest Payroll Manager jobs on GAAPweb today? We also recommend setting up a job alert so you can be the first to hear about brand new vacancies.