7 Payroll Manager Resume Examples for 2024
As a hiring manager with years of experience, I know what makes a strong payroll manager resume. In this article, we will share proven examples and strategic advice to help you stand out. From formatting tips to key skills, we will cover all you need for a good resume. Use these tips to improve your job search and secure interviews.
Compiled and approved by
Last updated on
See history of changes
Next update scheduled for
At a Glance
Here's what we see in the best resumes for payroll managers:
-
Show Impact By Using Numbers: Use numbers to show your success, like
reduced payroll errors ,cut processing time ,increased accuracy rate ,savings in labor costs .
-
Showcase Relevant Skills: Include skills you have and are in the job description. Some popular ones are
ADP ,QuickBooks ,Excel ,tax regulations ,Garnishments . Only list what you know.
-
Highlight Compliance Expertise: Focus on compliance. Points like
tax law knowledge andaudit readiness are important. Compliance is key.
Example #1
Payroll Manager
Resume Sample
Your Name
Payroll Manager
EXPERIENCE
Coached.com January 2022 - Present
Payroll Manager
Implemented a new payroll system that reduced processing time by 35%, saving the company 200 hours annually
Led a team of 5 payroll specialists, increasing team productivity by 20% through targeted training and development initiatives
Ensured 100% compliance with federal and state payroll regulations, avoiding potential fines of up to $100,000
Integrating payroll and HR systems, reducing payroll discrepancies by 98%
Conducted payroll audits quarterly, resulting in the recovery of $50,000 in overpaid wages
Resume Worded June 2018 - December 2021
Senior Payroll Specialist
Reduced payroll entry errors by 75% through the implementation of automated data validation processes
Managed payroll for 1,500 employees, achieving a payroll accuracy rate of 99.9% over 3 years
Streamlined payroll processing cycles, reducing time-to-pay from 5 days to 2 days
Collaborated with HR to create a self-service portal, reducing payroll inquiries by 30%
ADP March 2015 - May 2018
Payroll Specialist
Processed bi-weekly payroll for 800 employees with a 99.8% accuracy rate
Developed and implemented a payroll log tracking system, reducing discrepancies by 60%
Provided payroll reports and analyses to senior management, facilitating data-driven decision making
Paychex
Payroll Clerk
Performed payroll data entry for over 500 employees, achieving an average accuracy rate of 99.5%
Assisted in the rollout of a new timekeeping system, improving payroll data accuracy by 20%
Created a payroll training manual, reducing new hire onboarding time by 35%
EDUCATION
Resume Worded Institute May 2021
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
Coursework focused on compliance, payroll systems, and fraud prevention
Resume Worded University June 2018
Master of Business Administration - Human Resources Management
Concentrated studies in strategic management and organizational development
Part-time program alongside full-time payroll duties
SKILLS
Payroll Software: ADP Workforce Now, Paycom, Paychex Flex, QuickBooks Payroll, UltiPro, Oracle HCM
Accounting Tools: Microsoft Excel, SAP, Xero, FreshBooks, Wave, Zoho Books
Compliance & Reporting: FLSA, EEOC regulations, multi-state payroll, local tax compliance, payroll auditing, SOX controls
Other Payroll Systems: Ceridian Dayforce, Kronos Workforce Central, Gusto, BambooHR, Sage Payroll
OTHER
Professional Development: Attended National Payroll Congress (2022), Continuous Payroll Law Education Seminars
Awards: Recipient of the National Payroll Association's Payroll Professional of the Year (2019)
Memberships: Active member of American Payroll Association (APA), Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
Volunteering: Volunteer tax preparer for the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program
Get your resume scored
Want to know if your payroll manager resume stands out? Our resume scoring tool gives you a clear picture of how your resume measures up. It checks for key elements that hiring managers in the payroll sector look for, and shows you where you can improve.
Upload your resume now for a quick, unbiased assessment. You'll get a score and useful tips to make your resume stronger. This helps you understand what recruiters see when they review your application.
...
Example #2
Payroll Manager
Resume Sample
Your Name
Payroll Manager
EXPERIENCE
Resume Worded February 2021 - Present
Payroll Manager
Implemented cloud-based payroll software, reducing payroll processing errors by 90%
Led a team of 4 payroll specialists in processing bi-weekly payroll for 2,000 employees, achieving an accuracy rate of 99.9%
Developed a compliance audit program that detected and corrected 100% of non-compliance issues before penalties occurred
Integrated payroll with finance systems, enhancing reporting accuracy and speed by 25%
Created a training program for payroll staff, reducing processing time per employee by 15%
Coached.com September 2017 - January 2021
Payroll Supervisor
Introduced payroll automation tools that cut manual entry tasks by 50%
Supervised payroll operations for 1,200 employees, maintaining an error rate of less than 0.2%
Implemented bi-monthly payroll audits, identifying and resolving discrepancies within a week
Coordinated with HR to align payroll processes with employee attendance systems, reducing payroll disagreements by 40%
Amazon April 2014 - August 2017
Payroll Coordinator
Processed payroll for 700 employees, ensuring timely and accurate payments with a 99.7% accuracy rate
Streamlined payroll-related tax filings, reducing filing time by 20%
Developed custom payroll reports for management, improving financial forecasting accuracy by 30%
Walmart
Payroll Assistant
Assisted in processing payroll for 400 employees, maintaining an accuracy rate of 99.5%
Implemented a payroll document management system that reduced paper usage by 60%
Created detailed payroll process documentation, facilitating the training of new employees and reducing training time by 25%
EDUCATION
Resume Worded Institute March 2021
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
Awarded for outstanding proficiency in payroll management systems
Resume Worded University May 2016
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Specialization in Finance Management
SKILLS
Payroll Software: ADP Workforce Now, Kronos Workforce Central, Paychex Flex, QuickBooks Payroll, SAP SuccessFactors, Oracle PeopleSoft
Compliance & Reporting: FLSA, SOX Compliance, IRS Regulations, EEOC guidelines, Affordable Care Act, Garnishment Administration
Accounting & Finance: General Ledger Accounting, Accounts Payable & Receivable, Expense Reconciliation, Financial Auditing, Budgeting, Tax Filing Procedures
Data Management & Analytics: Microsoft Excel (Advanced), SQL Queries, Data Visualization, Business Intelligence Software, Spreadsheet Development, Forecasting
OTHER
Certifications: Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) - American Payroll Association
Professional Development: Attended National Payroll Congress (2019), Member of the American Payroll Association
Awards: Payroll Manager of the Year (2018) - Recognized by Coached.com CFO for exceptional team leadership and process improvements
Volunteering: Volunteer Tax Preparer - VITA Program, providing free tax help to people with low-to-moderate income
Placement of education details
For a manager of payroll, it is good to show your education after your experience on your resume. Your hands-on work is what matters most. List your most senior roles first. This order will show your growth to a hiring manager.
If you are new to the workforce or have recently finished a related degree or certification, you should list your education first. This will help you stand out. For example, a degree in accounting or a certification in payroll management is worth showing right away. Do not worry about high school; it is not needed here.
Example #3
Payroll Manager
Resume Sample
Your Name
Payroll Manager
EXPERIENCE
Coached.com March 2021 - Present
Payroll Manager
Introduced an automated payroll system that reduced processing time by 40% and saved $75,000 annually
Managed payroll for 2,500 employees, achieving a 99.9% accuracy rate and reducing employee pay queries by 30%
Conducted compliance checks and audits, preventing fines totaling $150,000
Collaborated with HR and IT departments to integrate payroll with employee management systems, reducing discrepancies by 95%
Developed and delivered training programs for payroll staff, resulting in a 25% increase in team efficiency
Resume Worded October 2017 - February 2021
Lead Payroll Specialist
Reduced payroll error rates by 80% through the implementation of a new verification process
Managed multi-state payroll operations for 1,800 employees, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws
Led a project to integrate payroll with employee time tracking systems, improving accuracy by 99%
Prepared and analyzed payroll reports, aiding strategic decision-making at the executive level
ADP January 2014 - September 2017
Payroll Specialist
Processed payroll for 1,000 employees with a 99.7% accuracy rate
Created and maintained payroll records, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations
Enhanced payroll processes, reducing cycle time by 30%
Paychex May 2011 - December 2013
Payroll Assistant
Assisted in payroll processing for 600 employees, maintaining an accuracy rate of 99.5%
Developed an electronic filing system for payroll documents, reducing physical storage needs by 70%
Supported the payroll department in resolving employee pay issues, reducing complaints by 25%
EDUCATION
Resume Worded Institute April 2021
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
Achieved alongside full-time managerial responsibilities
Resume Worded University June 2013
Master of Business Administration - Human Resources
Focused on strategic payroll management and HR analytics
SKILLS
Payroll Software: ADP Workforce Now, Paychex Flex, Kronos Workforce Central, QuickBooks, SAP Payroll, Oracle HCM
Compliance & Reporting: FLSA Compliance, Multi-State Taxation, Payroll Auditing, Benefits Administration, 401(k) Reconciliation
Data Management: Data Entry Accuracy, Payroll Analytics, Advanced Excel, Database Administration, Custom Reporting
Other Skills: Team Leadership, Process Improvement, Vendor Negotiation, Risk Management, Project Coordination
OTHER
Certifications: Fundamentals of Payroll Certification (FPC) (2014), Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) (2016)
Professional Development: Attended annual American Payroll Association Congress for continuous learning and networking (2015-2023)
Industry Engagement: Guest speaker on 'Payroll Process Optimization' at National Payroll Institute (2020)
Highlight software expertise
Payroll roles require specific software knowledge. List any payroll systems and software you are proficient in, such as ADP, Kronos, or QuickBooks.
Additionally, mention any certifications like CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) that can set you apart from other candidates.
Example #4
Payroll Supervisor
Resume Sample
Your Name
Payroll Supervisor
EXPERIENCE
Coached.com June 2022 - Present
Payroll Supervisor
Supervised a team of 6 payroll clerks, increasing overall department productivity by 30% through workflow optimization
Implemented a new payroll software, reducing manual entry errors by 85%
Conducted quarterly payroll compliance reviews, preventing potential penalties totaling $80,000
Integrated payroll systems with HR and time management systems, reducing payroll discrepancies by 95%
Trained new payroll staff, reducing onboarding time by 40%
Resume Worded January 2018 - May 2022
Senior Payroll Specialist
Reduced payroll processing time by 50% by implementing automated validation checks
Managed payroll for 2,200 employees, achieving a 99.8% accuracy rate
Conducted regular audits, identifying and rectifying discrepancies within 48 hours
Worked closely with the IT team to integrate payroll software, improving data accuracy by 20%
Walmart July 2014 - December 2017
Payroll Specialist
Processed payroll for 1,200 employees, maintaining a 99.9% accuracy rate
Developed a payroll error tracking system, reducing discrepancies by 60%
Produced detailed payroll reports for management, improving decision-making processes
Amazon February 2011 - June 2014
Payroll Clerk
Entered payroll data for 800 employees, achieving an accuracy rate of 99.5%
Assisted in the implementation of a new payroll system, reducing payroll processing time by 25%
Maintained detailed payroll records, improving audit readiness and compliance
EDUCATION
Resume Worded Institute April 2022
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
Part-time study alongside full-time work responsibilities
Resume Worded University May 2016
Master of Business Administration - Human Resources Management
Focus on strategic workforce planning and labor relations
SKILLS
Payroll Software: ADP Workforce Now, PeopleSoft, QuickBooks Payroll, Ceridian, Paylocity, Sage Payroll
Compliance & Reporting: FLSA, EEOC regulations, payroll taxes, IRS filings, multi-state payroll, garnishments processing
Accounting & Finance: General Ledger, Account Reconciliation, Financial Analysis, Budgeting, Microsoft Excel (Advanced)
Management & Operations: Team Leadership, Process Improvement Initiatives, Outsourcing Management, Training & Development
OTHER
Professional Development: Continued Payroll Management Education - Ongoing webinar series participant on emerging payroll trends
Membership: American Payroll Association (APA) - Active Member since 2017
Awards & Recognition: ‘Payroll Leader of the Year’ - Resume Worded Corporate Awards 2020
Community Involvement: Volunteer Tax Preparer - IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA)
Ideal resume length
Keep your resume to one page if you have less than 10 years of experience in managing payroll. This helps you show that you can focus on what is most important. You should highlight your most relevant skills and roles. For example, list your experience with payroll software and leadership roles.
If you have more than 10 years of experience, a two-page resume is fine. Use the extra space to detail your payroll management experience. Make sure to include specifics like large teams you've managed or complex payroll systems you've overseen.
Always use a clear and simple layout. If you have to choose between small text and a second page, go for the second page to make sure your resume is easy to read. Remember, your goal is to make your skills and experience easy to see at a glance.
Example #5
Payroll Administrator
Resume Sample
Your Name
Payroll Administrator
EXPERIENCE
Resume Worded April 2020 - Present
Payroll Administrator
Simplified payroll processes, reducing processing times by 35% and saving $50,000 in labor costs annually
Administered payroll for 1,500 employees across multiple states, maintaining a 99.9% accuracy rate
Conducted semi-annual payroll audits, recovering $40,000 in overpayments
Collaborated with HR to align payroll schedules with employee onboarding, reducing payroll-related inquiries by 25%
Enhanced payroll software functionality, improving data validation and reducing errors by 80%
Coached.com November 2015 - March 2020
Payroll Coordinator
Implemented automated payroll reconciliation processes, reducing discrepancies by 70%
Managed payroll for 900 employees, achieving a 99.8% accuracy rate
Assisted in developing payroll policies and procedures, improving compliance and efficiency
Created detailed payroll reports for monthly executive review, improving strategic planning
ADP December 2012 - October 2015
Payroll Assistant
Processed payroll for 600 employees with a 99.6% accuracy rate
Supported the rollout of a new payroll system, reducing processing time by 20%
Assisted in preparing payroll tax filings, ensuring timely submissions and reducing late fees
Paychex
Payroll Clerk
Performed data entry for weekly payroll, maintaining a 99.5% accuracy rate
Created an organized electronic filing system for payroll documents, reducing paper usage by 55%
Assisted in resolving payroll discrepancies, reducing employee payroll complaints by 15%
EDUCATION
Resume Worded Institute May 2021
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
Focused on compliance with tax laws and implementing payroll systems
Resume Worded University June 2012
Bachelor of Business Administration - Human Resources Management
Part-time program
Relevant coursework: Payroll Accounting, Employment Law
SKILLS
Payroll Software: ADP Workforce, Paychex Flex, Kronos Workforce Central, QuickBooks, SAP SuccessFactors, Oracle PeopleSoft (Intermediate)
Tax Compliance: FICA, FUTA, SUTA, Federal Income Tax, State/Local Tax Regulations, IRS Filings
Accounting Principles: General Ledger Reconciliation, Journal Entries, Expense Reporting, Accounts Payable/Receivable
Additional Skills: Employee Benefits Administration, New Hire Onboarding, Data Entry, Report Generation, Microsoft Office Suite (Advanced)
OTHER
Certifications: Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) - American Payroll Association
Professional Development: Completed 40+ hours of continuing education in Payroll Management annually
Volunteering: Treasurer at Local Non-Profit Organization, managing small team bookkeeping and payroll
Associations: Active Member of the American Payroll Association, Regular participation in payroll legislation seminars
Detail compliance knowledge
Understanding labor laws is crucial in payroll. Make sure to include any experience or training in compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations.
Detailing your experience handling tax forms, year-end processing, and audits can also give you an edge over other applicants.
Example #6
Payroll Manager with International Payroll Specialization
Resume Sample
Your Name
Payroll Manager with International Payroll Specialization
EXPERIENCE
Coached.com February 2021 - Present
Payroll Manager
Implemented a global payroll platform for 3,000+ employees across 10 countries, reducing processing time by 40%
Ensured compliance with international payroll regulations, avoiding potential fines of up to $200,000
Led a team of 7 payroll specialists, enhancing team efficiency by 30% through targeted training and process improvements
Conducted bi-annual payroll audits, identifying and correcting discrepancies within 2 weeks
Integrated payroll systems with HR and accounting, reducing payroll discrepancies by 95%
Resume Worded January 2017 - January 2021
Senior International Payroll Specialist
Managed international payroll operations for 2,500 employees in 6 countries, achieving a 99.9% accuracy rate
Developed a compliance framework for global payroll processes, reducing non-compliance issues by 80%
Implemented automated payroll solutions, reducing manual processing time by 50%
Prepared detailed payroll reports for executive leadership, aiding in strategic decision-making
IBM April 2014 - December 2016
International Payroll Specialist
Processed payroll for 1,200 employees across 4 countries, maintaining a 99.8% accuracy rate
Supported the implementation of a global payroll system, reducing discrepancies by 70%
Developed payroll report templates for different regions, improving reporting efficiency by 25%
Oracle
Payroll Clerk
Performed payroll data entry for 500 employees, maintaining a 99.5% accuracy rate
Assisted in the implementation of payroll best practices, reducing processing time by 20%
Supported the payroll team in resolving international payroll issues, reducing complaint resolution time by 30%
EDUCATION
Resume Worded Institute May 2021
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
Achieved certification while working full-time at Coached.com
Resume Worded University June 2014
Master of Business Administration - Accounting and Finance
Concentration in International Business Operations
SKILLS
Payroll Software: ADP Workforce Now, Paychex Flex, UltiPro, Gusto, QuickBooks, SAP ERP
Accounting & Compliance: General Ledger, Tax Compliance, FLSA, FMLA, IRS Regulations, Multi-state Payroll
Management Tools: MS Excel (Advanced), Google Sheets, MS Dynamics GP, JIRA, Zoom, Slack
Languages: English (Native), Spanish (Professional Working), French (Conversational)
OTHER
Professional Development: Advanced Payroll Manager Seminar (2020), Strategic Financial Leadership Program (2018)
Awards: Payroll Professional of the Year - Resume Worded (2019), IBM Excellence Award in Payroll Innovation (2016)
Associations: American Payroll Association (Member since 2015), National Institute of Accountants (Member since 2014)
Volunteering: Financial Literacy Workshop Facilitator - Community Tax Aid (since 2019)
Optimize for applicant tracking systems
When you apply for a payroll manager role, your resume may first be read by a computer program called an applicant tracking system (ATS). To help your resume get noticed, you need to include keywords and phrases from the job description. This increases the chances that the ATS will identify your resume as a good match for the position.
Here are some ways you can make your resume ATS-friendly:
- Use standard job titles, like 'payroll manager', and avoid unusual titles that the ATS might not recognize.
- Include specific payroll software names or payroll processing procedures you are experienced with, as these are often used as keywords in the job description.
Example #7
Entry-Level Payroll Assistant
Resume Sample
Your Name
Entry-Level Payroll Assistant
EXPERIENCE
Coached.com February 2022 - Present
Payroll Assistant
Processed bi-weekly payroll for 200 employees with a 99.6% accuracy rate, reducing payroll discrepancies by 25%
Assisted in the implementation of a new payroll system, speeding up processing time by 20%
Created and maintained payroll records, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations
Collaborated with HR to handle payroll-related inquiries, reducing support tickets by 15%
Prepared payroll reports for management review, supporting decision-making processes
Resume Worded November 2020 - January 2022
Accounts Payable Clerk
Managed and processed accounts payable for 300 vendors, maintaining a 98% payment accuracy rate
Streamlined invoice processing workflows, reducing processing time by 30%
Developed and maintained an organized filing system for invoices, improving retrieval speed by 50%
Amazon July 2018 - October 2020
Office Assistant
Assisted in daily office operations, improving office efficiency by 25%
Managed office supplies inventory, reducing costs by 15%
Created reports and presentations for management, enhancing communication and decision-making
Walmart June 2017 - June 2018
Intern
Supported various administrative tasks, increasing overall department productivity by 10%
Assisted in data entry and data management tasks, improving data accuracy by 20%
Prepared and analyzed reports, aiding in better understanding of business metrics
EDUCATION
Resume Worded Academic Center March 2022
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
Specialized coursework in payroll systems and accounting principles
Part-time certification achieved alongside full-time work responsibilities
Resume Worded University May 2018
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Concentration in Human Resources Management
Related Coursework: Advanced Financial Accounting, Business Statistics
SKILLS
Payroll Software: ADP Workforce Now, Paychex Flex, QuickBooks Payroll, UltiPro, SAP SuccessFactors, Kronos Workforce Ready
Accounting Tools: FreshBooks, Sage 50cloud, Xero, Wave, Zoho Books, Microsoft Dynamics GP
Office Productivity: Microsoft Excel (Advanced), Microsoft Word, Outlook, Access, PowerPoint, OneDrive
Compliance Knowledge: FLSA, IRS tax codes, ACA regulations, EEOC guidelines, OSHA recordkeeping requirements
OTHER
Certifications: American Payroll Association Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC, 2021)
Professional Development: Completed 'Effective Time Management' workshop, Resume Worded Institute (2019)
Volunteering: Treasurer for local non-profit organization, managing budget and financial reporting (2018-Present)
Associations: Active member of the National Association of Payroll Managers (NAPM)
Make your resume fit
When you tailor your resume, you show you're right for the payroll manager job. Tell about your past work that's like what a payroll manager does. Show how you are good for this job with clear examples. Use words from the job post.
- Match skills in the job post. Use phrases like
payroll system implementation orcompliance with tax laws if you've done that work. - Show how you led a team. Say how many people you managed and what good results happened. For example, use
managed a team of 10 andimproved payroll efficiency by 20% . - If you’re coming from a different job, talk about similar tasks you’ve done. Maybe you worked with numbers or handled accounts. Say, for example,
oversaw budgeting and finance reconciliation .
Need more resume templates?