Payroll Specialist Job Description

What is a Payroll Specialist?

A payroll specialist is primarily responsible for processing payroll and maintaining the employee database regarding salary and pay. Other duties include managing the company budget and expense as well as cooperating with different departments to increase payroll service performance and improve upon the payroll system. Typical career advancements for payroll specialist include a managerial or supervisory role in the company.

Although a high school diploma or equivalent is the minimal requirement for a payroll specialist, an associate's or bachelor's degree in business or accounting is preferred. Due to the nature of the position, a strong knowledge of tax and wage laws and common fiscal procedures is necessary along with excellent communication skills and computer literacy, especially with Microsoft Office applications. Ideal candidates are physically able to sit in front of a computer every work day for long hours at a time.

Payroll Specialist Job Description Template

Job Overview

Come work at Example Co., a leading firm in our industry in the metro area. We're pleased to have a 4.0 Glassdoor rating. We are looking to hire an experienced Payroll Specialist to help us keep growing. If you're hard-working and dedicated, Example Co. is an ideal place to get ahead. Apply today!

Responsibilities for Payroll Specialist

  • Process payroll for employees in the organization
  • Maintain personnel database regarding salaries
  • Manage organization budget and expenses
  • Report to department supervisor regarding daily activities and issues
  • Work directly with clients to achieve organization goals as required
  • Address and resolve employee complaints relating to the payroll system
  • Work with company database programs to process payroll
  • Prepare reports to relevant departments about payroll, company budget and expense

Qualifications for Payroll Specialist

  • Associate's or bachelor's degree in business or accounting preferred
  • Proven experience in a payroll position in a fast-paced environment required
  • Strong knowledge of tax and wage laws
  • Good understanding of the common fiscal procedures
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong computer literacy including Microsoft Office applications
  • Exceptional multitasking and organizational skills
  • Able to work effectively with minimal supervision
  • Physically able to work seated in front of a computer for long hours at a time

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Employers: How to Write Great Job Descriptions

  • Be sure to mention requisite years of experience and educational requirements
  • Tell job seekers what's unique about your company and job
  • Ideal length is a few paragraphs or about 200 words
  • Make sure to use appropriate paragraph breaks and bullet points so it’s easy on the eyes
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