The following jobs outline payroll positions for the Payroll Administration Learning Path. Their job descriptions will aid in determining which Learning Path best fits your needs.
Job Descriptions
Payroll Practitioner I (Entry-level)
Performs tasks to establish and maintain employee/payroll records. Duties may include checking and auditing timekeeping records for compliance with established standards, maintaining time and attendance records, entering new hires into the payroll system, posting changes in pay and tax status, and miscellaneous changes. Tasks are generally routine and require little or no deviation from established procedures. Works under close supervision. Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent and a good math/accounting aptitude. This entry-level position requires office experience plus knowledge of calculator and word processing and spreadsheet programs. This position is generally found only in payroll departments of 3 or more people. FPC designation preferred.
Payroll Practitioner II (Intermediate)
Performs a wide variety of record keeping and payroll processing activities, including computing wage and overtime payments, calculating and recording payroll deductions, processing requests for paycheck advances, and processing terminations. Operates all departmental equipment. Although duties normally follow established procedures, responsibilities may include routine, minor corrections to make documents acceptable for processing. Works under general supervision. Requires 1 to 2 years of related experience and normally requires specific bookkeeping/accounting/payroll training. FPC designation preferred.
Payroll Administrator (1-Person Payroll Department)
Performs all activities necessary to process 1 or more payrolls, including maintaining related records, filing tax reports and voluntary deduction reports, processing involuntary deductions such as levies and garnishments, preparing accounting transactions and documents, documenting and updating procedures, and preparing special reports for management. As the highest-ranking employee whose primary responsibility is payroll, incumbent is solely responsible for all payroll and related activities. Responsibilities generally encompass a single payroll for a smaller organization. Typically requires 3 to 5 years of payroll experience and may require an associate's degree or equivalent training and education beyond high school. CPP designation preferred. Title of this position is irrelevant so long as the position is the only payroll position in a organization.
Increase your knowledge with core competency education:
Understand payroll trends
Stay abreast of the latest compliance and industry trends by taking advantage of compliance education.
Complete your learning path through certification
Attaining the Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) verifies fundamental payroll knowledge, skills, and abilities and is a career credential widely recognized by the payroll industry.
Continue your professional development
Attending conferences is a great way to earn continuing education credit toward recertification, meet other payroll professionals, and stay up-to-date with the latest in payroll industry trends, compliance, and hot topics.