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Payroll Manager Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

A Payroll Manager, or Payroll Accounting Manager, is responsible for overseeing payroll staff. Their duties include hiring and training Payroll Specialists, coordinating with the finance and HR departments to process payroll for new employees or monitor payroll schedules and managing employee benefits and insurance plans.

Payroll Manager duties and responsibilities

Payroll managers help employers achieve standards that are necessary for growth within the financial department. Many payroll management positions require completing the following duties:

  • Maintain insurance plans for employees
  • Prepare reports for quarterly, yearly and weekly reports
  • Review and abide by company policies and procedures
  • Make sure account balances are correct
  • Resolve payroll errors
  • Manage payroll staff
  • Monitor promotions, transfers and terminations
  • Ensure that payroll goes out in timely manner

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Payroll Manager Job Description Examples

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What does a Payroll Manager do? 

Payroll Managers typically work for corporations across industries. Depending on the corporation’s size, they may lead a payroll department or work between the finance and HR departments to achieve payroll tasks. They work closely with payroll staff to oversee the processing of payroll for all company employees. Their job is to use payroll software to schedule automatic payments, calculate employee payroll taxes and remove a portion of each payment to go towards insurance and benefits. They may also be responsible for meeting with company Executives to determine changes to payroll schedules or distribution methods.

Payroll Manager skills and qualifications

As a payroll manager, it’s necessary to be competent in mathematics. Taking college refresher courses is a great way to sharpen payroll management skills. Being organized and professional can help a payroll manager achieve work-related goals, which is very helpful for the quality and prosperity of the business.

Any skills and qualifications you want the candidate to have, make sure they’re listed in the job description. A few more qualifications often listed in a payroll manager job description include:

  • Social skills necessary for teamwork and management
  • Knowledge of payroll management software
  • Timely response to payroll audits
  • Facilitate a respectful work environment
  • Plan and prioritize assigned tasks
  • Possess strong communication skills
  • Knowledge in compliance

Payroll Manager salary expectations

A Payroll Manager makes an average of $74,554 yearly. Pay rate may depend on level of experience, education and the geographical location.

Payroll Manager salary expectations

2025-10-0131000.0090545.90180000.00YEARLY
  • Common salary: 90545.90 YEARLY
  • Typical salaries range from 31000.00 - 180000.00 YEARLY
  • Find more information on Indeed Salaries

*Indeed data – 2025-10-01

Payroll Manager education and training requirements

Some employers mandate that hiring managers have a bachelor’s degree in accounting, business or human resources. Education and training requirements must be explicitly clear to identify and understand. This helps ensure that only qualified candidates apply. The potential employee needs to express a positive and lively attitude.

Payroll manager experience requirements

Experience with a former payroll management position is also helpful when working in the field. Since payroll managers usually use the software, many employers prefer candidates who have experience working with computers. Different employers often pay to depend on the job experience that the employee has.

Job description samples for similar positions

If the Payroll Manager job description doesn’t meet your needs, see job descriptions for related positions:

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Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

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Frequently asked questions about Payroll Managers

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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