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Payroll Administration Training

What Is A Payroll Administrator? What Does A Payroll Administrator Do?

Any reputable organization that cares about its employees wants to ensure workers receive their paychecks on time and in the correct amount. Payroll administrators are responsible for preparing and delivering paychecks and managing aspects of a company's payroll. They also help to implement the organization's policies regarding pay-related matters. Bottom line, the job of "doing payroll" will keep you hopping!

Specifically, you'll have to know and keep up to date on wage and hour law compliance laws, know how to properly calculate benefits withholding, make payroll deductions for items such as federal and state payroll taxes, garnishments and levies, and flexible spending account deductions, then distribute paychecks (or make direct deposits).

As a Payroll Administrator, you also will have to keep track of paid leave such as vacation and sick time, any ADA, FMLA, COBRA, or Workers' Comp leave, make federal and state payroll tax deposits and returns and fill out the applicable payroll-related forms, as well as handle employee questions and concerns.

To help you accomplish all of this, we offer a 'Certified Payroll Administrator' designation, a 'Certificate Program For Payroll Specialists', and training courses on travel pay, fringe benefits, multi-state taxation, garnishments, InPat/Expat payroll, and more. Simply read or click the applicable links below for more info.

What Is Involved In Payroll Administration?

Payroll administrators typically perform several functions for their employers. While the responsibilities of the job can vary depending on the size, type, and scope of the organization, the general duties include:

• Tracking and managing employee working hours
• Calculating pay base pay and overtime
• Applying the appropriate deductions to paychecks (such as federal, state, and local tax and Social Security withholding, retirement plan contributions, health and disability insurance payments, union dues, and wage garnishments)
• Administering and tracking time-off pay for situations such as vacations, paid sick leave, FMLA, ADA, and workers' compensation
• Preparing and issuing paychecks and statements (and managing direct deposits if applicable)
• Coordinating with the HR department to ensure they have the correct employee information
• Assisting the accounting department with administrative matters
• Managing the expense reimbursement process (a typical example is traveling salespeople who incur expenses such as hotels, flights, car rentals, and meals)

What Qualifications Do I Need To Be A Payroll Administrator?

Because of the meticulous nature of the payroll process, administrators should be extremely detail-oriented and possess strong organizational skills. Mathematical proficiency is also essential, as the job involves working with figures and performing calculations. Knowledge of the tax laws as they apply to payroll is crucial for avoiding computation errors and oversights that could lead to issues with the IRS. Digital and technical skills are helpful when working with today's computer-based payroll administration systems.

Successful payroll administrators possess specific personality and leadership characteristics. These include the ability to work as part of a team, perform well under pressure, and communicate effectively.

Regarding payroll administrator education requirements, a high school diploma is a minimum standard for many organizations. A two- or four-year college degree in accounting, mathematics, business, or human resources can give job applicants a competitive advantage and could be a requirement for employment at some companies.

You also may want to earn a payroll administrator certification. Though not required to do the work, there are many benefits to becoming a Certified Payroll Administrator. Read below for both information on the certification or click a title from the Recommended Course listing below.