Payroll Manager

What the job involves

As a Payroll Manager you would be responsible for a businesses’ payroll department. You can expect to oversee tasks such as checking employee hours, supervising the payroll team, creating payroll policies and procedures, setting up new members of staff on the payroll, making the monthly payments on time, calculating overtime and issuing tax forms. Depending on the organisation that you work in you might also have some responsibility within HR, perhaps overseeing employee benefits and pay reviews.

Personal qualities

Payroll Managers should have natural logical thinking and problem-solving ability; and demonstrate a strong level of accuracy in the work they undertake. Additionally, if you are managing a team you also need to be able to effectively lead and motivate people.

Working conditions

Largely based in an office, Payroll Managers usually work from 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday. However there are part-time and job-share opportunities for those looking for more flexible working hours.

Qualifications and training

Payroll Managers usually need up to five years of experience in payroll before taking on management responsibilities. Gaining a payroll qualification from either Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP) or International Association of Bookkeepers (IAB) will strengthen your application when applying for positions. Related training in Accountancy may also aid your career progression.

What qualifications do I need to start training as a Payroll Manager?

There are no formal academic entry requirements to start as a trainee within payroll, and work your way up to supervisory and management roles.

Getting into the profession

Previous experience of working in an office environment, particularly in an accounts or customer service based role, will help to secure a role as a Credit Controller. Undertaking a qualification in bookkeeping or accountancy will also be an advantage when applying for jobs and training.

Salary and benefits

Starting out you can expect to earn from £22,000 to £25,000. Depending on the size of your organisation and the scope of you responsibility, experienced Payroll Managers can earn £40,000+.*

Progression

With time and experience you could work for larger companies. Alternatively you could undertake further training and qualify as an Accountant.

Further information

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our career profiles, however we advise that you check with the relevant college/university/organisation that you are intending studying with in regards to current entry criteria.