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Payroll Coordinator Job Description

payroll coordinator job description

A payroll coordinator is responsible for handling and maintaining paychecks. They verify employees’ working times, process checks, and fix any discrepancies that may appear. They also ensure that all employees receive the correct payment for their job roles, as well as being responsible for payroll accounts and will work with other departments in an organization.

So, let’s take a look at my in-depth Payroll Coordinator Job Description to find out about this fascinating career.

payroll coordinator jobs description

Payroll Coordinator Requirements

Degree Level

Most job descriptions require applicants to have a related degree such as Accounting or Human Resources. However, a high school GED will often be accepted too.

Experience

Two years of prior experience in an HR-related role may be required.

Certification

If you have been working in payroll, you can apply for a certification exam. There is a lot of information about eligibility on the American Payroll Website.

To become a Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), you can complete a course and sit an exam. After the exam, you will be able to show your certification via an online digital badge or through a hardcopy certificate. This course is ideal for experienced payroll candidates who wish to emphasize their higher-level skills.

Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a payroll coordinator is around $49,978. It will vary depending on your state and location.

How To Become A Payroll Coordinator?

Step 1: Education

If you decide to go to university, a degree in Accounting, Business, HR, or Bookkeeping is an excellent place to start. If you don’t, you must apply for an entry-level job that only requires a high school GED. From there, get as much experience as possible and learn the skills for the career.

Step 2: Gain Experience

After working for a few years in the payroll sector, you will have gained the skills and experience to apply for new jobs. If there is a possibility for free training on the role, take it. Accept any opportunities to learn more about the job so your CV can stand out to your future employer.

Step 3: Get accredited

Finally, after two years of experience, you may wish to complete the CPP course. Doing this will give you more opportunities for the future and the potential for a higher salary.

Payroll Coordinator Key Skills

People Management

You must be able to work well as part of a team and communicate with people from other departments.

Attention to detail and organizational skills

Dealing with people’s pay is a big responsibility. Therefore you must look out for any mistakes and keep all the data clear and organized.

Accounting and Finance

You must be familiar with the typical accounting software for this job role. This includes Microsoft Office such as word and excel. You will be working with numbers, so being able to use excel at a high level could help productivity. There are excellent free courses online to get your skills tip-top.

Tax Laws

Depending on where you live, you must know the tax laws in your state. It’s also helpful to be familiar with federal, local, and state laws if you decide to move location within a company or to a new role.

Other Useful Skills

  • Ability to use a ten-key calculator.
  • Skills in planning and organizing.
  • Problem-solving skills as well as the ability to analyze problems.
  • Risk evaluation and decision-making
  • Up to date knowledge of tax laws.

Payroll Coordinator Job Description Template

Company XYZ is looking for a payroll coordinator to manage all pay-related issues and ensure our employees receive their payments on time. We are a company with 1200 employees at a quick expanding marketing firm. The payroll coordinator is responsible for collecting all necessary documents, computing wages, and looking into any problems or payment discrepancies.

You must know the state, local, and industry laws and follow company regulations.

Duties And Responsibilities

  • Complete all activities necessary to process a biweekly payroll for all employees.
  • Update the payroll, regularly inputting information from W4 and other tax forms.
  • Include many voluntary and involuntary deductions on the payroll.
  • Prepare payroll reports for senior management.
  • Prepare monthly reviews of payments and invoices.
  • Understand slate, federal and local wage and hour laws.
  • Quickly respond to any questions regarding the payroll from employees or managers.
  • Issue paychecks on time.
  • Work well with other staff members, providing advice on payroll-related software and accessing payslips online.

Key Skills

  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Mathematic skills.
  • Knowledge of tax laws.
  • Organizational skills and time management.

Hours:

Full-time: 37.5 hours per week

Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 5:30pm

Part Remote Options Available.

Qualifications Required

A Bachelor’s Degree in accounting or a related field is preferred. Two years of experience working in a payroll-related role. Proficiency in Microsoft Office. Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate well with other team members. Great attention to detail.

Ideal Candidate will Demonstrate the following

  • Ability to work with professionalism and confidentiality.
  • Work well independently within a team dynamic.
  • Exceptional attention to detail.
  • Finish jobs on time.

Benefits

  • 401k Health Benefits.
  • Employer Paid Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance.
  • Paid time off (including holidays).
  • Company mobile phone and laptop.
  • Opportunity to participate in company charity events.
  • 25%-50% off Food and Beverage Outlets.
  • 20%-30% off at specific Retail Stores.

Let’s Help You Crunch Those Numbers!

Well, let’s first take a look at my Payroll Accountant Job Description, my Payroll Clerk Job Description, and my Payroll Specialist Job Description, or maybe even my Senior Accountant Job Description, Staff Accountant Job Description, and my Tax Accountant Interview Questions, and finally, How To Become An Accountant to see what the various positions entail.

We also found online handbooks on the matter, including The Employer’s Payroll Question and Answer Book (2023), the Payroll Management: 2021 Edition, and Payroll Accounting 2023, along with The Payroll Process 2020: A Basic Guide to U.S Payroll Procedures and Requirements, and the Accounting All-in-One For Dummies with Online Practice all available in 2023.

Of course, you need to be organized when crunching those numbers. For that, we recommend using the Payroll Record Book: Payroll Log Book | Payroll Accounting & Bookkeeping Book, the Adams Employee Payroll Record Book, 2 Part, Carbonless, the Adams Employee Payroll Record Book, and the Payroll Record Book: Weekly and Monthly Bookkeeping Journal for Business, Employee Hours Logbook to stay on top of business!

Final Thoughts

Working as a payroll coordinator is a promising career that provides excellent prospects for the future. It pays well, there are great employee benefits, and many of the roles listed are available to work fully remote or partly office-based. A job in this sector may suit busy parents or people who prefer and feel more productive at home.

Remember, you must complete the necessary certifications to become a payroll coordinator, and doing so will land you more opportunities for the future.

All the very best in your new career as a Payroll Coordinator!

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