HR PAYROLL ADMINISTRATOR SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Reviewed by Lam Nguyen under Editorial Standards

Updated: Oct 09, 2025 - The Human Resources (HR) Payroll Administrator manages monthly payroll and human resources processes with accuracy, autonomy, and a continuous improvement mindset. This role requires strong IT skills (Excel, Word, Outlook), experience with ADP or Pegasus Opera, and the ability to prioritize a high-volume workload. The administrator also brings sharp attention to detail, a passion for human resources, and the initiative to enhance systems and practices.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout HR Payroll Administrator Resume

  • Payroll Processing
  • Statutory Compliance
  • Data Entry
  • Report Preparation
  • Timesheet Management
  • Tax Calculation
  • Record Maintenance
  • SAP Proficiency
  • Wage Calculation
  • Payment Processing
  • Problem Solving
  • Effective Communication
  • Customer Service
  • Confidentiality Handling
  • Query Resolution
  • Team Support
  • Issue Resolution
  • Process Improvement
  • HR Liaison
  • Approval Coordination

Summary of HR Payroll Administrator Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BA in Human Resource Management with 4 years of Experience

  • Progressive experience in Payroll for Poland and Austria.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, ever-changing Human Resources environment.
  • Proficient in English and Polish
  • Knowledge of MS Office Suite (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and of human resources information systems (HRIS) 
  • Payroll processing experience
  • Experience with timekeeping software and automated Payroll software (Kronos, ADP, SAP, PeopleSoft, Workday, etc.)
  • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Understanding of employment law, payroll compliance and taxes.
  • Exceptional attention to detail.

2. BS in Accounting with 6 years of Experience

  • Be successful and experienced in administering HR activities and monthly Payroll. 
  • Be able to work autonomously and be solution-oriented and inquisitive with an appetite to continually review and develop systems and processes. 
  • Methodical, accurate and highly organised with excellent attention to detail
  • Ability to multitask and prioritise a consistently heavy workload. 
  • Excellent IT skills, including strong knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
  • Experience with a Windows-based Payroll system (such as Pegasus Opera) and a Time and Attendance or HR software platform would be advantageous
  • Strong passion and demonstrable enthusiasm for HR and administration.
  • High level of verbal and numerical reasoning.
  • Previous experience in HR, although some administrative experience
  • Previous experience with the ADP system

3. BA in Business Administration with 3 years of Experience

  • Certification in human resources and/or payroll management 
  • Experience in payroll administration, Ceridian Dayforce 
  • Experience administering a benefits and pension plan
  • Knowledge of related HR and payroll legislation
  • Knowledge of compensation practices
  • Financial acumen and knowledge of the budgeting process
  • Strong Microsoft Office Suite skills, intermediate in Excel
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Fluent in English and French.
  • Proven experience within an HR and Payroll function
  • Experience in dealing with confidential information.

4. BS in Finance with 5 years of Experience

  • Previous experience of working within a Payroll department, working with large payrolls
  • Strong knowledge of statutory UK and Ireland legislation relating to payroll, including P45s, student loans, statutory payments and deductions, starters and leavers, taxable benefits
  • Highly numerate and excellent attention to detail
  • Understanding of payroll processing and reporting
  • Computer literacy, including Word, Excel, and Google Suite
  • Experience with SARS E-filing submissions, Workmen's compensation, and Department of Labour inspections
  • Accsys Payroll and HRPM clocking system experience
  • Excellent verbal and written skills
  • Proactive with a positive can-do attitude

5. BA in Industrial-Organizational Psychology with 2 years of Experience

  • Experience with maintaining the Employee Handbook
  • Knowledge of HR compliance
  • Earlier work involving the Process Bi-weekly Payroll
  • Foundational knowledge in Hiring Processes
  • Solid understanding of Human Resources (HR) Administration
  • Skills in ADP Workforce Now
  • Expertise in Termination Letters
  • Well-founded grasp of workers' compensation
  • Comprehension of the employee handbook
  • Wide-ranging experience with Payroll Tax Reporting
  • Proven knowledge of Benefit Functions
  • Benefits administration experience

6. BS in Information Systems with 7 years of Experience

  • Prior experience with OSHA Safety
  • General familiarity with Unemployment Claim
  • Hands-on experience with Occupational Safety
  • Practical knowledge of Wages
  • Solid understanding of termination evaluation
  • Good understanding of Process Biweekly Payroll
  • Solid understanding of Onboarding
  • Deep understanding of HR Policy
  • Quality experience with employer employment law
  • Previous experience with Payroll reconciliation and CPP or FPC 
  • Prior practice in various withholdings, garnishments, and processing liens

Professional Skills FAQs

What are professional skills?

Professional skills are abilities that help individuals perform tasks effectively in a workplace environment. These skills include both technical competencies required for specific roles and soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem solving.

What is the difference between hard skills and soft skills?

Hard skills are technical abilities learned through education or training, such as programming, data analysis, or laboratory testing. Soft skills refer to interpersonal abilities like communication, leadership, adaptability, and teamwork.

Why are professional skills important for careers and resumes?

Professional skills help employers evaluate whether a candidate can perform job responsibilities effectively. Listing relevant skills on a resume demonstrates qualifications and helps applications pass Applicant Tracking Systems used in modern hiring processes.

What professional skills do employers look for?

Employers usually value a combination of technical expertise and transferable workplace skills. Common examples include analytical thinking, communication, teamwork, leadership, time management, adaptability, and digital literacy.

How can professionals develop professional skills?

Professionals can develop skills through continuous learning, training programs, certifications, mentorship, and practical work experience. Staying updated with industry trends also helps individuals maintain relevant and competitive skills.

Editorial Process

Lamwork content is developed through structured review of publicly available job postings and documented hiring trends.

Editorial operations are managed by Thanh Huyen, Managing Editor, with research direction and final oversight by Lam Nguyen, Founder & Editorial Lead. Content is periodically reviewed to reflect observable labor market changes.

Relevant Information

Payroll Administrator Skills, Experience, and Job Requirements
HR Administrator Skills, Experiences, and Job Requirements