The following jobs outline payroll positions for the Payroll Analyst Learning Path. Their job descriptions will aid in determining which Learning Path best fits your needs.
Job Descriptions
Payroll Accountant/Payroll Analyst
Maintains payroll-related accounts and is responsible for the reconciliation and accuracy of one or more accounts within a complex accounting system. Prepares various accounting papers, schedules, exhibits, and summaries. Determines the need for new accounts and revisions in the account structure. Researches and advises payroll staff concerning the accounting treatment of complex transactions. May perform periodic internal audits of various payroll areas and prepare materials for external or internal auditors. Generally requires a bachelor's degree in accounting and 2 to 4 years of related experience. FPC or CPP designation preferred. This is the most senior position in which the incumbent's primary responsibility is payroll accounting.
Payroll Records/Benefits Administrator
Maintains payroll and related records recording the accumulation and use of vacations, holidays, sick days, and miscellaneous leaves of absence. May calculate deductions for group health, life, and disability insurance premiums and communicate to employees and payroll staff. May prepare premium reports and communicate with insurance carriers and other program vendors. May administer a variety of voluntary deductions such as United Way contributions, U.S. government bond purchases, and stock purchase plans. May administer pension benefits, retirement programs, 401(k) plan contributions and disbursements, and contributions to various thrift plans. This is the most senior position in which the primary responsibility is payroll-related leave and benefit records administration. Generally requires 2 to 4 years of related experience. May require a related degree or equivalent technical training. FPC or CPP designation preferred.
Payroll Tax Administrator
Responsible for all payroll tax activities, including compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and filing local, state, and federal payroll tax returns. May supervise 1 or more subordinates in the calculation and reporting of tax liabilities, in responding to questions and special requests from employees and regulatory agencies, in researching laws and regulations regarding taxes and payroll withholding procedures, and in preparing budgets, projections, and special reports for senior management. This is the most senior position in which the incumbent's primary responsibility is payroll taxes. Generally requires 2 to 4 years of related experience. May require supervisory experience. May require a bachelor's degree in accounting or equivalent technical training. CPP designation preferred.
Payroll Systems Coordinator
Acts as liaison between payroll department and data processing, systems, or Information Systems department to ensure payroll staff understanding and implementation of payroll system requirements and revisions. Works closely with payroll staff in identifying need for system revisions, formulating system requests and recommendations, and analyzing post-implementation results of system changes. Keeps payroll staff informed of easier, quicker methods available for their use. Requires 3 to 5 years of experience with automated payroll systems and extensive knowledge of specific payroll systems. Generally requires excellent written and oral communications skills. FPC or CPP designation preferred.
Payroll Systems Analyst
Prepares detailed design and program specifications for automated payroll systems. Verifies and evaluates payroll program specifications created by programmers. May provide work direction to programmers. Implements and maintains payroll systems developed in-house. May implement and maintain payroll systems purchased from outside vendors. Prepares feasibility studies of potential systems modifications and changes. May act as liaison between payroll and systems to ensure documentation of system functions and capabilities and to facilitate the training of payroll staff in the use of the automated system. Generally requires 3 to 4 years of related experience as a systems analyst and may require specific training in payroll and accounting systems. FPC or CPP designation preferred.
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 Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) verifies mastery of payroll knowledge, skills, and abilities and is recognized by the payroll industry as the gold standard in payroll certification.
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.