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Payroll Specialist Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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Payroll Specialists, or Payroll Administrators, are administrative professionals responsible for maintaining payroll systems and processing paychecks according to schedule and in the correct amount. Their duties include consolidating timesheet information and entering data into payroll databases, calculating paycheck amounts and distributing funds to employee accounts.

264872047payroll15.4payroll specialist5.48accounting5.48accounts payable3.05payroll clerk1.4548764556354110.1526.3950.00HOURLY1555263242025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Payroll Specialist duties and responsibilities

Payroll Specialists use excellent mathematical and data entry skills to process pay. Duties include:

  • Checking timesheets for accuracy
  • Entering data into databases and spreadsheets
  • Handling direct deposit requests and data
  • Processing paper checks for distribution
  • Acquiring all necessary signatures to distribute payroll
  • Processing wage garnishments
  • Making adjustments in pay for raises, bonuses and commission

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Payroll Specialist Job Description Examples

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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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What does a Payroll Specialist do? 

Payroll Specialists work as part of a company’s accounting and human resources departments to ensure that employees get paid and employers make the appropriate deductions when processing payroll. They serve in an administrative role to calculate and send out paychecks for employees with different employment classifications. They are responsible for balancing the payroll budget and documenting all transactions related to an employee’s wages, including any payments or credits for commission, bonuses, tips and hourly pay. They also record how much each employee earns and make updates when they receive raises.

Payroll Specialists produce payroll reports for management and confirm approval for overtime or paid time off. They also communicate with other employees about any discrepancies in their pay. They may use multiple systems and payroll software features to pay full-time employees, contractors and other workers.

Payroll Specialist skills and qualifications

Below is a list of several skills and qualifications that almost any Payroll Specialist needs in order to succeed:

  • Excellent attention to detail
  • Exceptional mathematical and calculation skills
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Ability to work with a team
  • Knowledge of different types of payroll software
  • Knowledge of payroll, garnishments and benefits distribution
  • Multitasking abilities
  • Good research and analysis skills

Payroll Specialist salary expectations

A Payroll Specialist makes an average of $32,723 per year. Salary may depend on level of experience, education and the geographical location.

Payroll Specialist salary expectations

2025-10-0110.1526.3950.00HOURLY
  • Common salary: 26.39 HOURLY
  • Typical salaries range from 10.15 - 50.00 HOURLY
  • Find more information on Indeed Salaries

*Indeed data – 2025-10-01

264872047payroll15.4payroll specialist5.48accounting5.48accounts payable3.05payroll clerk1.4548764556354110.1526.3950.00HOURLY1555263242025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Payroll Specialist education and training requirements

Payroll Specialists don’t necessarily need a degree. At a minimum, they should have a high school diploma or GED. A certification or associate or bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting is required by most employers. Advanced Payroll Specialists, who process complicated tax regulations, may need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. Most Payroll Specialists go through on-the-job training, allowing them to learn about the company and its unique processes. On-the-job training usually lasts at least three months.

Payroll Specialist experience requirements

Payroll Specialists usually need at least five years of experience in a payroll or accounting role. Experience as a Payroll Coordinator, Accounts Receivable/Accounts Payable Representative or Payroll Clerk. This experience prepares them for the intricate details involved with being a 264872047payroll15.4payroll specialist5.48accounting5.48accounts payable3.05payroll clerk1.4548764556354110.1526.3950.00HOURLY1555263242025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Payroll Specialist. Senior roles usually require at least seven or eight years of experience. Payroll Specialists overseeing a team may also need at least seven or eight years of experience.

Job description samples for similar positions

If this Payroll Specialist job description template isn’t what you’re looking for, see our job descriptions for related positions:

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Frequently asked questions about Payroll Specialists

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