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We all strive for a position that provides future security, & it seems that getting certified in payroll is all that you need. But how to become a payroll professional & what are the various job roles you can excel are the ruling questions here. Well, the iLead-Fundamental Payroll Certification training institute in Hyderabad has provided you with the answers to these questions in this article.

Keep reading to know the scope of payroll and various job roles in the payroll profession. Here is an introductory guide to a great payroll career path.

Payroll Professionals

Payroll personnel are an important part of any business. This team ensures that employees are compensated in the correct amount and on the due date. Payroll team should also have some understanding of general accounting practices. Read on to learn about some of the common responsibilities of payroll professionals.

Payroll is a quintessential aspect of any business and getting it done right for both employees and the company is crucial. That is where the payroll staff comes in.

A payroll professional typically manages as well as oversees all payroll aspects of a company. Payroll professionals handle discrete tasks right from collecting bank & direct deposit information to handling employee paper checks, from keeping up on taxation to maintaining accurate reports and much more. Payroll professionals are often referred to do it all, making this role a crucial part of all departments for all businesses.

Are you interested in any position in payroll? Payroll staff assistant to manager, auditing payroll reports, and payroll specialists to lead payroll administrators. There are multiple positions within the payroll profession, and these positions provide the payroll accounting & administrative duties to support the payroll department. You can consider the following payroll positions.   

Payroll personnel report to the payroll manager or supervisor and assist in coding, publishing and reviewing payroll reports. There are various positions among the employees in the payroll department such as Payroll Technician/Assistant, Payroll Specialist, Payroll Administrator and Payroll Lead Administrator. These positions provide all accounting and payroll functions to support the payroll department. Here are some salary positions you might want to consider.

Payroll Technician or Assistant   

Payroll Technician/Assistant is an entry-level position that is responsible for office duties such as typing and filing. For example, a college payroll assistant position will be responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of human resources, records, and payroll information. This person will assist the Student Employment Coordinator with federal on-the-job training and apprenticeship programs.

For this particular college position, an HR degree with at least one year of experience in HR or payroll is preferred. Basic knowledge of Excel, Word and Access is required. iLead offers placement assured FPC, quick books, and US taxation courses in Hyderabad which are led by industry tax experts

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Payroll Specialists

Payroll professionals range from entry level to management positions. They are a very important part of the payroll staff and report to the supervisor or payroll manager. In the daily work of a payroll specialist, you must review and analyze payroll forms and reports to check their accuracy and make any necessary corrections. Let’s say you work as a payroll specialist for a large payroll company that other companies use to outsource payroll.

You will be the main contact person for the client. You must research and offer solutions to clients, build relationships to establish trust and increase awareness of the company’s services. Companies prefer that you have strong math and problem-solving skills, and some prefer an accounting or HR degree.

The American Payroll Association Basic Pay Certification Exam is for those who wish to demonstrate a certain level of knowledge in payroll matters. Payroll experience is not required to take the exam. However, some employers require the appointment of an FPC for certain payroll positions.

Payroll Practitioner

An entry-level payroll specialist develops and maintains employee payroll records. Check your time records, post new employees and tax changes to the system, and make various changes. His duties are generally consistent with minor deviations from normal protocol. The mid-level payroll specialist handles both record keeping and payroll processing functions.

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Calculation of payroll and deductions, as well as processing advances and layoffs on wages. The Senior Payroll Specialist performs basic and mid-level duties in addition to other duties. Calculate and create general ledger entries, reconcile payroll and deduction amounts, calculate and resolve imbalanced accounts, and complete and archive payroll tax returns. It also prepares management reports and performs complex calculations such as payroll collections and withdrawals.

The FPC designation is suitable for beginner and intermediate levels; however, for the senior level, the designation FPC or Certified Payroll Specialist may be preferred.

Payroll Accounting                          

A payroll accountant/analyst documents and manages a company’s payroll accounts. He ensures that these accounts are reconciled with the company’s financial statements. Assists with internal and external audits and assists the payroll department with complex payroll issues.

Preparation of accounting reports, exhibitions and summaries. Decides whether the accounting system needs new accounts and changes. The designation FPC or CPP is generally preferred.

Payroll Administrator

The Records/Benefits Administrator maintains payroll records and manages employee benefits. This includes vacation, sick leave, personal and bereavement policies, and leave and vacation policies.   

Calculate payroll deductions for voluntary benefits such as health and accident insurance, flexible spending accounts, retirement plans, and employee stock purchase plans. Work with third-party insurers and benefit administrators to help implement programs. Typically, FPC or CPPs are preferred.

Payroll Data Analyst

Systems analysts prepare program specifications for computerized payroll systems. Evaluates and validates specifications developed by programmers, and installs and implements internal company systems or systems purchased from external vendors.

The key to this role is remuneration experience as well as a deep understanding of industry regulatory issues. You will also need to demonstrate strong math and problem solving skills, as well as the ability to model data using more advanced Microsoft Excel features. Experience with cloud-based payroll technology may be an advantage and familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems may also be beneficial for this position.

Payroll system or data analysts review potential systems and prepare relevant reports for recommendations and changes. Assists in documenting system operations and providing appropriate training to payroll personnel. The designation FPC or CPP is generally preferred.

Payroll Clerk

Managed by an elderly professional, the payroll clerk handles day-to-day duties such as issuing payrolls and answering questions from employees. In smaller organizations, this role may overlap with basic accounting and/or human resources (HR) tasks.

Starting salaries for new hires with little or no payroll experience can be expected to be around $33,500, according to the latest salary guide. Professionals with strong skills and a few years of relevant experience start at around $62,250. And of course, salaries may vary by location.   

Payroll certifications, such as the American Payroll Association’s (APA) Basic Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC), can help your application stand out.   

Payroll Manager or Supervisor

After about 5 years down the payroll career path in accounting, an individual would be ready to take the lead. Responsibilities at the payroll manager level involve maintaining, budgeting, compliance, partnering with other divisions, and guiding departmental policy, and advising senior executives.

The next step in a payroll career is the role of coordinator or administrator who is responsible for more complex payroll tasks. A typical day for this professional may include compiling payroll reports, preparing returns, reconciling ledgers, checking compliance, and making sure taxes are paid properly. There may also be responsibilities related to onboarding and employee rewards.

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You may be working for a fee. For example, payroll consultants make appointments with potential and existing clients and introduce them to payroll products and services. Account representatives provide technical and non-technical payroll support to payroll office clients.

The FPC designation can help strengthen your application, but it does not automatically entitle you to work. In addition to the FPC designation, the employer may require several years of work experience and a degree in a related field.

To conclude, becoming a certified payroll specialist gives you knowledge, expertise and confidence to move up in your career ladder. Moreover, the FPC certification helps you command a higher salary package as per the national payroll recruiting firms.

Wishing you all the best for your certification!

Learn & improve your skills with our online FPC training courses now!