PAYROLL SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Published: Dec 18, 2025 - The Payroll Professional possesses experience in end-to-end payroll processing, compliance with wage laws, and accurate record management while using HRIS and payroll systems. This role demands strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and the capacity to interpret regulations to ensure timely and error-free payroll execution. The individual also needs effective communication skills, discretion with confidential data, and the ability to collaborate with HR and finance teams to resolve payroll issues efficiently.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Payroll Resume
  • Payroll Processing
  • Payroll Compliance
  • Statutory Reporting
  • Payroll Reconciliation
  • Payroll Reporting
  • Benefits Administration
  • Tax Filings
  • Timekeeping Management
  • Payroll Analysis
  • HRIS Management
  • Stakeholder Communication
  • Issue Resolution
  • Attention to Detail
  • Data Confidentiality
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Client Support
  • Staff Training
  • Team Leadership
  • Problem Solving
  • Process Improvement

Summary of Payroll Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BS in Accounting with 3 years of Experience

  • Proven experience in general accounting, payroll, and commission compensation.
  • Strong knowledge of MS Office (Excel, in particular), accounting software, and databases.
  • Ability to manipulate and process large amounts of data with a high degree of accuracy.
  • Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously while accomplishing daily tasks.
  • Effective oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
  • A critical thinker with problem-solving skills.
  • High standards for integrity, honesty, professionalism, and work ethic.
  • Committed to service excellence and the ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion.
  • Ability to work independently while demonstrating excellent organization and follow-through.
  • Flexible and efficient time management and the ability to prioritize workload.
  • Ability and willingness to move with purpose and a strong sense of urgency.
  • Self-motivated, positive, enthusiastic, self-starter with a strong desire to exceed expectations and capable of supporting a team.
  • Ability to effectively work in collaboration with others to achieve business objectives.
  • Willing to grow and be challenged.

2. BS in Finance with 6 years of Experience

  • CPP or FPC certification.
  • Related experience in payroll operations.
  • Experience with Workday HR/payroll or other SaaS payroll engine.
  • Understanding of federal and state regulations related to salaries, wages, taxes, benefits, and other payroll-related matters.
  • Experience with Workday HR/payroll integration and mass data uploads (EIB).
  • Understanding of Motion Picture collective bargaining agreements and union pension, health, and welfare.
  • Previous experience in a confidential business environment.
  • Experience with a large multi-business unit organization.
  • Experience working in a shared services organization.
  • Knowledge of Windows, Excel, Word, and Outlook.
  • Excellent oral and written communication and customer service skills, and the ability to communicate effectively and tactfully with all levels of personnel
  • Must be able to organize, prioritize, and schedule work effectively.
  • Must be able to work well under time constraints and handle a high volume in a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.
  • Must be a self-starter and a team player.

3. BS in Business Administration with 5 years of Experience

  • Payroll experience, preferably in an insourced payroll environment.
  • SAP experience.
  • Proficient in the Microsoft Office suite with advanced user of Excel.
  • Experience in operating in a controls-focused environment
  • Extremely numerate with an excellent understanding of tax and NI calculations.
  • Well-rounded payroll knowledge, particularly concerning statutory leave and payments.
  • Strong communication (written and verbal) and time-management skills.
  • Great attention to detail.
  • Good investigative and query handling skills.
  • Positive approach to tackling issues.
  • Ability to prioritise workload and work on own initiative.
  • Strong customer service skills.

4. BA in Human Resources Management with 7 years of Experience

  • Relevant experience in payroll, holding a Certified Payroll Professional designation.
  • Knowledgeable about federal and state payroll regulations and requirements.
  • Understanding of basic accounting principles and solid financial acumen.
  • Exemplary analytical, quantitative, and social skills.
  • Earlier experience working with various types of accounting software.
  • Full Cycle Payroll experience.
  • Microsoft Excel experience.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of Kronos, Kronos Timekeeping System, and Kronos Workforce.
  • Adeptness in and demonstrated knowledge of Union Payroll, with general familiarity with union reports.
  • Experience with payroll for over 500 employees.
  • Practical knowledge of data entry
  • Understanding of internal controls.
  • Capable of managing high-volume multi-state payroll, billing, licensing, AP, etc.

5. BS in Management with 4 years of Experience

  • Certification in Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC).
  • Prior experience processing high-volume, multi-state payroll.
  • Experience in nonprofit or higher education.
  • Experience with Workday and Microsoft Office Suite, with demonstrated strong skills in Excel.
  • Demonstrated self-starter with strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
  • Excellent customer service orientation, communication skills (both oral and written), interpersonal, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to work well with diverse internal and external constituents in a team-oriented environment.
  • Willingness to share knowledge and information and to learn new tasks.
  • Can coordinate and maintain multiple tasks simultaneously, as well as deliver responses and results within established timeframes
  • Demonstrate initiative through early identification of problems and resourcefulness in timely resolution.
  • Demonstrate openness and responsiveness to new ideas and change, and can influence others likewise.
  • Ability to follow through and implement plans and changes.
  • Ability to project and establish a standard reflecting a professional image through dress, demeanor, and office environment.
  • Ability to foster respect from others.

6. BS in Human Resources with 5 years of Experience

  • Experience in processing with and/or managing a third-party housed Payroll system and benefit systems.
  • ADP Workforce Now experience.
  • Previous Payroll experience with an understanding of California vs. Federal wage and hour law
  • Experience in benefits administration, including Health, 401k and internal benefit platforms.
  • Ability to successfully prioritize work.
  • HR or Payroll Certifications.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
  • Proficiency with or the ability to quickly adapt to the organization's HRIS and talent management systems.

7. BS in Accounting Information Systems with 6 years of Experience

  • Payroll work experience.
  • Deep understanding of multi-state payroll.
  • Command of garnishments payroll.
  • Benefits administration experience.
  • Benefits of payroll experience.
  • Knowledgeable of basic accounting principles and solid financial acumen.
  • Understanding of internal controls.
  • Excellent analytical, quantitative, and social skills.
  • Excellent data entry skills and prior experience using accounting software.
  • Reliable skills in Microsoft Office with excellent Excel skills.
  • Ability to meet and uphold Certified Payroll's detail-oriented criteria.
  • Knowledgeable about federal and state payroll regulations and requirements.
  • Proficient with high-volume multi-state payroll, billing, licensing, AP, etc.

8. BS in Information Systems with 8 years of Experience

  • Experience implementing enterprise payroll solutions with at least one full life cycle implementation.
  • Thorough understanding of U.S. or Canadian Payroll.
  • Previous consulting experience, either as an internal consultant or with a consulting/software company.
  • Experience implementing Workday, SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Ultimate Software, ADP, Ceridian, or similar applications.
  • Superior MS Excel skills.
  • Passion for customer service.
  • Demonstrated project management experience.
  • Functional and technical experience.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong business analysis and requirements gathering abilities.
  • Ability to learn technology quickly through instruction and self-training.
  • Experience with multiple HCM, payroll, and/or financial applications.
  • CPP certification.

9. BA in Business Operations with 2 years of Experience

  • Payroll processing experience.
  • Knowledge of ADP Workforce Now.
  • Knowledge of Payroll best practices, standard concepts, policies, and procedures.
  • Experience with basic pay practices for multiple states.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
  • Strong organizational and analytical skills.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • Exceptional attention to detail.
  • Ability to maintain high standards of integrity.
  • Display excellence in customer service.
  • Ability to manage priorities and workflow successfully.

10. BA in Organizational Leadership with 10 years of Experience

  • Prior leadership experience.
  • Experience in a payroll and/or benefits position for a union employer with multi-entity, multi-state, and multi-national operations.
  • Can be a combination of education, training, and relevant experience.
  • Critical thinker and strong analytical skills.
  • Understanding of collective bargaining agreements, preferably with a multi-union entity.
  • Understanding of qualified retirement plans, including union, 401(k), and ESOP.
  • Prior experience in global mobility.
  • Strong understanding of per diem, travel, and moving expenses, and other benefits associated with a growing entity and changing footprint.
  • Proficient in using a computer and Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.), and Oracle.
  • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks, changing priorities.
  • Ability to work under time pressure and adapt to changing requirements with a positive attitude.
  • Effective oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to be self-motivated, proactive, and an effective team player.
  • Ability to interact effectively and professionally with all levels of employees, both management and staff alike, vendors, clients, and others.

11. BA in Management Studies with 9 years of Experience

  • Proven supervising experience.
  • Experience in a high-volume (3,000+ employees) fast-paced payroll department.
  • Strong accounting background.
  • Proven track record of employee development.
  • Comfortable handling confidential information.
  • Must be discreet, tactful, and mature.
  • Great customer service, collaboration, and interaction skills.
  • Ability to obtain results quickly in the face of conflicting priorities while maintaining a positive relationship with the customer.
  • Proficient in Windows-based word processing and spreadsheet software
  • Familiarity with SAP or other ERP (Oracle, PeopleSoft, Lawson) payroll.
  • Payroll certification, FPC, or CPP.
  • Excellent communication, time management, and organizational skills.
  • A strong team player and a great sense of humor.

12. BS in Finance with 10 years of Experience

  • Progressive experience in payroll administration with experience in a supervisory/management capacity.
  • Proficient with ADP or other payroll administration software.
  • NetSuite or other ERP experience.
  • Hands-on experience processing bi-weekly payroll for U.S. and Canadian employees.
  • Experience working with a multinational foreign parent company.
  • Accounting/Finance or legal compliance experience.
  • Experience working for a public company.
  • Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation.
  • Adept at working in a fast-paced environment and thrive in a team environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to organize, direct, prioritize, and delegate work appropriately.
  • Strong leadership, problem-solving, and research skills.
  • Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and assertively (written and oral).
  • Capable of managing multiple responsibilities while maintaining a high level of detail, accompanied by working effectively in a high-paced environment.
  • Results-oriented with a focus on achieving overall business objectives.
  • Must be able to streamline work and maximize efficiencies.

13. BS in Data Analytics with 5 years of Experience

  • Payroll and multi-state experience
  • Advanced software skills and experience, specifically with Excel.
  • Moderate skill and experience, with Access and PowerPoint.
  • Advanced in-house payroll experience
  • Advanced knowledge of payroll applications and Time & Attendance Systems.
  • Functional experience with Workday.
  • Experience working independently in a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment, as well as getting results through collaboration and coordination with multiple stakeholders, both internal and external.
  • Experience remaining organized and multi-tasking.
  • Great attention to detail.
  • FPC/CPP certification.

14. BS in Business Analytics with 7 years of Experience

  • Payroll certification FPP or CPP.
  • Experience as a payroll analyst, SR analyst, or payroll manager.
  • Oracle HCM Payroll experience.
  • Experience in more than one payroll function and/or systems.
  • Excellent understanding of payroll principles and Oracle HCM, with advanced knowledge in payroll reconciliation.
  • Excellent collaboration and teamwork skills.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Strong business partnering and acumen.
  • Strong decision support and problem-solving skills.
  • Advanced analytics and payroll modeling skills.
  • Digitally savvy and advanced MS Excel knowledge.
  • Good reporting knowledge.

15. BA in International Business with 11 years of Experience

  • Prior work experience in a fast-paced NA America Payroll or HR department environment.
  • Strong managerial/supervisory experience.
  • Certified Payroll Professional designation.
  • Working knowledge of Workday, ADP GlobalView, and ADP eTime.
  • Extensive working knowledge of Federal and State payroll policies, including FLSA laws, overtime, and termination regulations for NA America payrolls (US, Canada, and Latin America).
  • Strong working knowledge of accounting principles and practices.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office applications (advanced Excel skills).
  • Advanced Excel processing and interaction with IT.
  • Must be able to easily learn new applications, interpret and analyze payroll data, while being innovative and having the ability to adapt to change.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills to effectively resolve issues with HR, employees, Legal, etc., while sustaining a high level of confidentiality inherent to Payroll matters.
  • Proven ability to work in an organized manner with the ability to manage time effectively to meet strict deadlines, at times handling multiple tasks concurrently while maintaining proper prioritization.
  • Self-motivated with the capability to think and act independently, with strong attention to detail as well as potential risk issues.

16. BS in Management Information Systems with 8 years of Experience

  • Payroll experience and in a leadership role.
  • Experience with Workday Payroll.
  • Strong working knowledge of applicable U.S. federal, state, and local rules and laws.
  • Broad knowledge of global compliance needs.
  • Experience with in-house payroll processing for US-based employees.
  • Ability and comfort of working in a fast-paced and rapidly growing environment.
  • Knowledge of accounting principles and practices.
  • Strong analytical and problem resolution skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to coach and develop others.
  • Ability to collaborate, consult, and partner with all levels and work well in a team environment
  • Excellent interpersonal communications (verbal and written).
  • Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality with strong knowledge of data privacy and cybersecurity.

17. BS in Taxation with 6 years of Experience

  • Progressive payroll experience.
  • Knowledge of payroll and income tax law and regulations across multi-state, multi-FEINs settings.
  • Exposure to union contracts.
  • Proficient in written and verbal communication skills.
  • Detail-oriented with the ability to multitask and manage time effectively.
  • Ability to troubleshoot issues.
  • High degree of accuracy and attention to detail within the payroll processing deadline/timeframe.
  • Strong analytical and data gathering skills.
  • Experience reviewing data validation reports.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the payroll processing system and accounting principles.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
  • Ability to be a team player as well as an independent contributor.
  • Ability to import and export data into the payroll system.
  • Experience with Time and Attendance Systems.
  • Experience with ADP and other payroll systems, including Workday.
  • Eagerness to learn new processing and systems.

18. BA in Business Administrations with 5 years of Experience

  • Hands-on payroll experience.
  • Experience in a large volume payroll environment.
  • Experience with Canadian payroll.
  • ADP GlobalView or SAP experience.
  • Certified Payroll Professional (CPP).
  • Complete understanding of the entire payroll process.
  • Understanding of taxable wage concepts.
  • Detail-oriented, strong analytical skills, and an ability to detect inconsistencies in data.
  • Excellent communication and customer service skills.

19. BA in Human Resources with 7 years of Experience

  • Experience with large corporate payroll processing that includes exposure to benefits and 401(k).
  • Knowledge of multi-state payroll tax laws.
  • Knowledge of Canadian payroll laws.
  • FPC/CPP Certification.
  • Ability to quickly and easily adapt to change and shifting priorities with enthusiasm.
  • Ability to understand priorities and what is most important to both internal and external customers.
  • Detail-oriented, strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
  • Proficient in using the Microsoft Office Suite of software to include Outlook, Word, and Excel.
  • Ability to analyze and resolve problems through an effective customer service interface and communication.
  • Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
  • Ability to deal effectively with a diversity of individuals at all organizational levels.

20. BS in Business Operations with 8 years of Experience

  • Prior experience in managing payroll for specific countries, high volume, and multiple clients’ payroll.
  • Exposure to multi-country payroll and payroll lifecycle in a Client service environment.
  • Good understanding of a few payroll tools/technologies.
  • Ability to quickly adapt to new tools.
  • Knowledge and hands-on experience in Statutory and Pension contribution management.
  • Experience in developing cross-functional teams in a multi-disciplinary practice.
  • Proven ownership of delivering on strategic projects.
  • Strong numeracy skills and attention to detail.
  • Good experience with functional and product capabilities of ERPs like SAP, Oracle, or Workday.
  • Excellent presentation and interpersonal skills.
  • Good project management skills.
  • Strong client and stakeholder management skills.
  • Prior experience in tax accounting and finance.
  • Must demonstrate strong analytical skills.

21. BA in Business Process Management with 7 years of Experience

  • Experience in running payrolls, including year-end processing.
  • Functional payroll processing skills, technical payroll system skills.
  • Able to independently manage the payroll processing on behalf of the Payroll Manager.
  • Priority setting skills, the ability to work autonomously, and with limited supervision.
  • Customer focus, confidentiality, integrity, and trust.
  • Close attention to detail.
  • Advanced MS Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Experience with SAP and HR technologies (Workday, PeopleSoft).
  • Knowledge of Tax, Social Security, and labor law within the EMEA region.
  • Ability to manage relationships with external payroll vendors and work in a Shared Service environment.
  • Business acumen (knowledge of each business and how to navigate to get things done).
  • Expat Payroll/shadow payroll knowledge.
  • Experience in Stock Option Management.

22. BS in Accounting with 9 years of Experience

  • Experience in payroll in a managerial or supervisory capacity.
  • Knowledge of Payroll and IRS regulations/laws, experience with multi-state and international payroll.
  • Knowledge of Commission plans.
  • Exceptional Excel experience and database knowledge.
  • Experience with ADP and Workday.
  • Strong leadership and verbal/written communication skills, organization, attention to detail, mathematical, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
  • Strong interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential information and situations.
  • Ability to effectively deal with employees at all levels, including top management.
  • CPP designation.
  • Working knowledge of Expat Payroll and Equalization.

23. BS in Taxation with 3 years of Experience

  • Payroll/tax accounting with general ledger experience.
  • Experience with a multi-company and multi-currency environment.
  • Accuracy and strong analytical skills.
  • Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines, remaining professional, responsive, and cooperative.
  • Strong organizational, multi-tasking, and prioritizing skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with all levels of employees.
  • Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).

24. BS in Tax Accounting with 5 years of Experience

  • FPC (Fundamental Payroll Certification) or CPP (Certified Payroll Professional).
  • Experience in a multi-corporation, multi-state payroll environment.
  • Experience in corporate accounting/finance.
  • Solid grasp of payroll principles, wage and hour law, and payroll taxes.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong "customer service" focus.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong organization skills with attention to detail.
  • Able to read and/or follow written and verbal instructions and implement the same.
  • Ability to adapt to a changing and process-driven environment.
  • Able to communicate with others by telephone and in person.
  • Able to utilize a computer for word processing, email communication, and preparation of documents and presentations.

25. BS in Accounting with 6 years of Experience

  • Tax, HR/Payroll, and/or Accounting experience.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage complex payroll tax issues.
  • Understanding of U.S. and Federal, State, and Local payroll tax regulations.
  • Demonstrated understanding of U.S. W2/W2C reporting and filing requirements.
  • Confidence in autonomous decision-making.
  • Analytical experience with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality with highly sensitive information and adhere to data privacy and internal compliance requirements.
  • Drive to identify and execute on process improvements.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, work under pressure, and maintain a high degree of accuracy in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage complex payroll tax issues and an understanding of Puerto Rico’s Territory and Local payroll tax regulations, reporting, and filing requirements.

26. BS in Finance with 7 years of Experience

  • Demonstrated experience with in-house tax filing with a large multi-state employer, high volume of FEINs, and payroll tax compliance.
  • CPP designation.
  • Strong accounting experience.
  • Ability to communicate with outside agencies and various levels of the organization.
  • Must stay up to date with payroll tax laws for both employee and employer.
  • Strong understanding of Payroll Processes.
  • Possess a responsible, detail-oriented, results-driven work ethic.
  • Must be capable of multitasking while maintaining a professional and friendly demeanor.
  • Ability to exercise judgement and provide timely solutions to problems.
  • Able to meet critical deadlines, prioritize, and manage time effectively.
  • Able to drive innovation and implement best practices.
  • Able to deliver timely, accurate, and comprehensive results, complex or non-routine situations.
  • Excellent problem-solving and tax analysis skills.
  • Strong written and verbal communication, interpersonal/listening, and time management skills.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-task environment with competing priorities.
  • Proficiency with MS Excel and Oracle.

27. BA in Office Administration with 5 years of Experience

  • Relevant experience in payroll.
  • Certified Payroll Professional designation.
  • Knowledge of federal and state payroll regulations and requirements.
  • Understanding of internal controls.
  • Well-informed in basic accounting principles and solid financial acumen.
  • Prior experience working with accounting software.
  • Experience with high-volume multi-state payroll, billing, licensing, AP, etc.
  • Reliable skills in Microsoft Office with excellent Excel skills.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of navigating basic office equipment and protocols.
  • Exceptional analytical, quantitative, and social skills.
  • Outstanding data entry skills.
Relevant Information
Payroll Administrator Skills, Experience, and Job Requirements
HR Payroll Administrator Skills, Experience, and Job Requirements