One of the first and most essential steps towards hiring a qualified payroll assistant is creating a suitable instructive job description to attract the right applicants. To make this easier for you, we created a Payroll Assistant Job Description Template with all the necessary information, from duties and responsibilities to requirements. You can also any extra demands you see fit to this template and customize it to your needs. We also recommend using our VIVAHR software to post this template to various hiring websites to attract just the right candidates for your company.
A payroll assistant assists with the management of all things related to employee pay, such as calculating gross wages and taxes, providing wage statements for employees, withholding money from paychecks, and making sure that each person receives equal treatment. This type of position usually requires having at least one year’s experience in accounting, payroll, or human resources.
Skill | Why it’s important |
Computer Skills | This position requires you to work in different software such as MS Office, Sage, QuickBooks. Knowing how to use this software will help you perform your job faster and more efficiently. |
Math Skills | You should be good with numbers if this position interests you. It requires exceptional numerical skills. You are in charge of assisting with all the calculations and complex data. This will help you identify mistakes and have better accuracy. |
Organizational Skills | In order to perform these tasks well you should have good organizational skills. During every pay cycle, there is a list of responsibilities. You are in charge of assisting with these tasks; thus being well-organized will help with making pay cycles a smooth process. |
Time Management | Time management is an important skill to have because you must perform all tasks and responsibilities on time. This will help you stay focused and be more effective in enhancing your work quality. |
Attention To Detail | Because you will be assisting with payrolls you should pay extra attention to detail, this is vital for success. The smallest error can create big problems. |
We are currently searching for a payroll assistant who pays great attention to detail to join our company. In this position your duties will include gathering and monitoring information on work patterns and salary deduction and additions, you are in charge of ensuring that all records are captured accurately on the payroll software. You will also be in charge of providing information and answering questions from our employees.
Our ideal candidate is someone who has a passion for numbers, is sharp, and is able to identify and correct errors before they affect the employees’ salaries.
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Technical Skills and Knowledge
In order to become a payroll assistant, you must have a high school diploma or a GED. However, some companies prefer candidates who have completed a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a similar area of study.
The annual median salary for a payroll assistant is $47,020, meaning $22.61 per hour. However, this can vary based on previous experience and place of employment. You can earn somewhere between $14.88 and $32.50 per hour in this position.
Percentile | 10% | 25% | 50% (Median) | 75% | 90% |
Hourly Wage | $14.88 | $18.14 | $22.61 | $27.88 | $32.50 |
Annual Wage | $30,950 | $37,720 | $47,020 | $58,000 | $67,600 |
Depending on company policies, a payroll assistant can sometimes work from home.
This depends on what company you work for. Payroll assistants usually work normal hours. If you work from home or online, you can adjust your hours.
A payroll administrator is in charge of processing payroll checks and tax forms. In contrast, a payroll coordinator communicates between different departments and processes paperwork when new employees come in or employees go on vacation.
They work with a lot of people, mainly payroll administrators. Other people include IT, local tax authorities, and HR. Sometimes you will also communicate with employees.