Department:
Finance/Accounting or Human Resources, depending on the organizational structure.
Reports To:
Typically, the Payroll Manager or Director of Finance/HR.
Employment Status:
Can vary from full-time, part-time to contract positions based on the company’s needs.
Compensation:
The salary can differ depending on experience, location, and the company’s size. Additional benefits such as annual bonuses, overtime, and holiday pay might be applicable.
Position Overview
The Payroll Administrator plays a crucial role in ensuring that all employees within a company are compensated accurately and on time. They manage payroll, from gathering and verifying employee information to calculating pay and deductions. A successful Payroll Administrator is adept at managing numbers and is familiar with employment laws and payroll tax regulations.
Key Responsibilities
- Data Collection and Verification: Gather, verify, and process timesheets and overtime.
- Payroll Processing: Use payroll software to calculate wages, benefits, and deductions. Ensure all employees are paid on time and accurately.
- Compliance: Stay updated with federal, state, and local payroll tax requirements and ensure adherence to all regulations.
- Reporting: Generate regular reports detailing payroll expenditures for senior management.
- Benefits Administration: Manage benefits such as health insurance, pensions, and leave. Coordinate with HR for any discrepancies.
- Query Handling: Address employees’ payroll-related queries and resolve any discrepancies in their pay.
- Document Maintenance: Keep track of all payroll records, including tax forms, timesheets, and other related documents.
Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
- Prior experience in a payroll or accounting role is often preferred.
- Proficiency in payroll software such as ADP, Paychex, or QuickBooks.
- Strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
- Solid understanding of basic accounting principles and payroll tax laws.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Benefits
- Health Benefits: Most companies offer medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
- Retirement Plans: Options such as 401(k) or pension plans, often with employer matching.
- Continuous Learning: Opportunities to attend workshops and training sessions related to payroll, taxation, and related software systems.
- Paid Time Off: Accrued vacation days, personal days, and sick leave.
- Professional Growth: Paths to advance to senior payroll or finance roles based on performance and experience.
- Work-life Balance: Flexible working hours or remote working opportunities might be available depending on the employer.
The Payroll Administrator is an invaluable asset to any organization, ensuring that the backbone of the company – its employees – are paid accurately and timely. Their meticulous nature and understanding of intricate payroll processes make them indispensable to smoothly running an organization’s financial and HR departments.