Payroll Specialist Job Description
Overview
The Payroll Specialist estimates wages, reviews worker data, prepares paychecks, and processes employee payments. Their role is calculating wages, benefits, tax deductions and commissions, collecting timesheet data and payroll information, and entering data into payroll and administrative databases and software programs. Their responsibilities are creating and distributing income statements, processing paychecks and cash deposits, maintaining accurate records of payroll documentation and transactions, performing account balance and payroll reconciliations, and preparing periodic payroll reports for review by management.
Steps to take to start your career as a Payroll Specialist and other jobs like it
- Accounting requires a strong foundation in mathematics and analytical abilities. You don’t need more advanced math like calculus but having precision in your mathematical ability is important (the math you do needs to be consistently correct).
- If you want to progress past being an accounting clerk or bookkeeper, a bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement for many entry level accounting positions. Common majors include accounting, finance, or a related field from an accredited university or college. Some employers may also accept degrees in business administration with a concentration in accounting. Pursuing a master's degree in accounting can open up additional opportunities but isn’t required.
- Seek internships or entry-level positions in accounting firms, corporations, government agencies, or non-profit organizations to gain practical experience in the field. This hands-on experience will help you apply your academic knowledge and develop essential skills. Start building practical knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
- Obtaining a professional certification can enhance your credibility and job prospects in the field of accounting and is a requirement to progress in many accounting jobs. The most common certification for accountants in the United States is the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential, which is administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Other certifications include the Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and others, depending on your career goals and specialization.
- Consider specializing in a particular area of accounting, such as tax accounting, forensic accounting, auditing, or managerial accounting, based on your interests and career goals. Specialization can help you stand out in the job market and advance your career.
Accounting Jobs
I'm an accountant for a family office. I started my career in public accounting. It does offer you a way to learn about different businesses and how they're run, which I thought was great at the start of my career.
Interesting Experiences
I've had to do an inventory count in a gigantic warehouse freezer and dress for sub-zero temperatures. I had to do an audit for a learning center with river otters.
Public Accounting Workload
Public accounting does have a busy season or multiple busy seasons. Usually from late January, early February to mid April, you will probably have to work longer hours, I'd say about 50 to 60 hours a week or six days a week. Most firms do offer overtime pay, so it is, they do make it worth your while when you're logging in the extra hours.
Accounting Requirements
Most public accounting firms want their accountants to pursue a CPA license. The CPA exams are a series of exams that are fairly difficult. They do require studying, so that's another thing to consider. So usually on top of your workload and the hours that you're logging in at work, you'll have to think about when you're going to study for this exam.
More Opportunity
Once you do get licensed, I do believe it does open a lot of doors. You could go to a private firm or work for a company depending on your interests and your experience.
- payroll specialistthe people concernlos angeles, ca, united statesPosted: Sep 15, 2024
- senior payroll specialist - az - on sitevensure employer serviceschandler, az, united statesPosted: Sep 15, 2024
- payroll specialist - fl - on sitevensure employer serviceswinter haven, fl, united statesPosted: Sep 15, 2024
- payroll specialistcaroline county public schools (va)bowling green, va, united statesPosted: Sep 15, 2024
- payroll specialist 1 - remoteboeingbingen, wa, united statesPosted: Sep 15, 2024
- payroll specialistuniversity of california systemlos angeles, ca, united statesPosted: Sep 15, 2024
- payroll specialist - roger williams universityroger williams universitybristol, ri, united statesPosted: Sep 15, 2024
- payroll specialistthe people concernlos angeles, ca, united statesPosted: Sep 15, 2024
- senior payroll specialistdhl (deutsche post)westerville, oh, united statesPosted: Sep 15, 2024
- payroll specialistuniversal health servicestemecula, ca, united statesPosted: Sep 15, 2024
- sr payroll specialistnice-pak products, inc.orangeburg, ny, united statesPosted: Sep 14, 2024
- payroll specialistsimmons banklittle rock, ar, united statesPosted: Sep 14, 2024
- administrative assistant i - payroll specialistshakercleveland, oh, united statesPosted: Sep 14, 2024
- seasonal payroll specialistoriental trading companyomaha, ne, united statesPosted: Sep 14, 2024
- payroll specialistdrivetimetempe, az, united statesPosted: Sep 14, 2024
Education you need to become a Payroll Specialist
These are the most common degrees or certificates earned by Jobtrees users prior to becoming a Payroll Specialist
There may be other required degrees or certifications needed for this job. The below info shows you the most commonly desired education level from employers when hiring for this job.
- Bachelor Degree in General Education
- Bachelor of Science (b.sc.) in Business
- Bachelor of Arts (b.a.) in Communication and Media Studies
- Bachelor Degree in Psychology
Annual Pay Estimate for Payroll Specialist and Other Important Info
See how many years Payroll Specialist's are in their job, how much they make, how long it took to get there and how available this job is in terms of open positions.
Connect and Share
Career Paths for Payroll Specialist
Find data driven insights on the path to get to this role and where it can lead
Jobs to start your career in becoming a Payroll Specialist
- Show MoreAccountant
- See More
Other Jobs similar to Payroll Specialist
- See More