The work

People who like figures, using computers and working with people, and who are interested in business, might enjoy being a payroll supervisor or manager. These are vital jobs because organisations depend on their payroll staff to make sure that all their employees are paid their wages on the right day.

Payroll supervisors look after the day-to-day work of a payroll section. This could involve:

• helping to train junior members of staff and making sure that their team understands company policy and legal requirements
• calculating and issuing pay by cash, cheque or electronic transfer, making sure tax and national insurance payments are deducted correctly, calculating overtime and shift payments and ensuring benefits such as Family Income Supplement are paid
• creating new records for new staff, processing and recording holiday, sick and maternity pay and expenses, paying staff who are leaving and issuing P45 forms
• implementing pay increases, answering queries and liaising with the personnel department.
• Payroll managers ensure that everything in the payroll department runs smoothly and in line with company policy and government legislation.

This could include:

• helping to create payroll policies and procedures and advising management about legislation covering things like pay, working hours, tax and benefits
• making sure that computer software and systems are efficient and up to date and that all staff are fully trained
• interpreting and presenting financial data, contributing to and influencing future business strategy and providing information for other people in the organisation.

Hours and Environment

Most payroll supervisors and managers work a standard 37-hour week, Monday to Friday. Some flexibility or longer hours may be required at busy times.
Payroll supervisors and managers work at desks in offices.

They might attend meetings in other parts of the organisation

Skills and Interests

Payroll supervisors or managers should:

• have good communication skills
• be able to work in a team
• be clear and logical thinkers
• be able to work to deadlines
• be well organised and able to pay attention to detail
• be extremely numerate
• have good IT skills
• be able to deal with complex legislation
• be able to supervise other members of staff.

Entry

Adult entry is possible, especially for people who have experience or qualifications in a related field such as book-keeping or accounts.

• There are no minimum entry requirements, but most employers would look for some Olevels (A-C)/S grades (1-3), particularly in English and maths.
• The usual method of entry is to start work as a trainee, helping more experienced staff and doing routine clerical and computer work.
• There is a clearly defined system of qualifications to help staff progress to payroll administrator then to payroll supervisor and payroll manager.
• · The Institute of Payroll and Pensions Management (IPPM) has a structured range of qualifications starting with the Foundation in Payroll Administration for people who are new to the work. This takes six months through distance-learning or four months through a fast-track course with a one-day exam at the end of the course.
• The Diploma in Payroll Management takes two years by distance learning or one year by fast track with continual assessment and written assignments

Training

Training is given while in post. Employers may also allow staff to study for relevant qualifications whilst working, such as the courses mentioned in the Entry section.

NVQ/SVQ Levels 2 and 3 in Payroll Administration are available from the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT). The NVQ/SVQ level 3 includes units on payroll supervision and management.

The IPPM provides a range of advanced qualifications, which offer a path for progression from payroll administrator to manager. These include:

• Professional Certificate in Team Management in the Payroll Office
• Diploma in Payroll Management
• Advanced Diploma in Payroll Management
• MSc in Payroll and Business Management.
• All IPPM qualifications are studied by distance learning, with occasional weekend revision schools.

The IPPM also offers a range of short courses for continuing professional development. See the IPPM website for further details of all courses and qualifications.

Opportunities

Payroll supervisors and managers work in all kinds of large organisations, including local authorities, retail chains, manufacturers, airlines, banks and hospitals.
There are also payroll bureaux, which look after the payrolls of a number of client companies.

Annual Income

Further information

Institute of Payroll and Pensions Management (IPPM) http://www.ippm.org