Payroll Specialist job summary
A great job description starts with a compelling summary of the position and its role within your company. Your summary should provide an overview of your company and expectations for the position. Outline the types of activities and responsibilities required for the job so job seekers can determine if they are qualified, or if the job is a good fit.
Example of a Payroll Specialist job summary
Our network of daycare centres needs a reliable Payroll Specialist to take over this aspect of our finance department. We operate 12 individual centres, each of which has between 10 and 20 staff members, in addition to our corporate office. Consequently, we’re looking for an experienced professional who understands the unique factors involved in processing payroll for multiple locations. Since we aren’t a large company, however, we also need someone who can lend his or her skills to other tasks when the opportunity arises. You might need to assist with AR or AP, for example, or help HR on occasion.
Payroll Specialist responsibilities and duties
The responsibilities and duties section is the most important part of the job description. Here you should outline the functions this position will perform on a regular basis, how the job functions within the organisation and who the employee reports to.
- Prepare and submit paper payroll cheques for employees who do not have direct deposit
- Collect banking information for direct deposit setup and initiate deposits on paydays
- Familiarise yourself and keep current with the taxation of salaries, benefits and other factors
- Process and monitor deductions and other issues that impact payroll specifications
- Maintain and document all payroll records
- Conduct semi-annual audits of all payroll records
- Reconcile general ledger with regard to payroll transactions
- Detect and process issues related to uncollected payroll
- Respond to employee enquiries regarding payroll issues or concerns
Payroll Specialist qualifications and skills
Next, outline the required and preferred skills for your position. This may include education, previous job experience, certifications and technical skills. You may also include soft skills and personality traits that you envision for a successful hire. While it may be tempting to include a long list of skills and requirements, including too many could dissuade qualified candidates from applying. Keep your list of qualifications concise, but provide enough detail with relevant keywords and terms.
- Bachelor of Accounting preferred
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in payroll
- Experience with payroll processing and wage attachment
- Excellent organisation and mathematical skills
- Familiarity with Windows-based computer programs a must
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