5 Amazing payroll specialist Resume Examples (Updated 2023) + Skills & Job Descriptions

payroll specialist

Build your resume in 15 minutes

Give yourself the best chance of standing out from the competition!

Create an awesome resume that meets the expectations of potential employers with our selection of professional, field-tested resume templates.

START YOUR RESUME NOW

payroll specialist: Resume Samples & Writing Guide

Professional Summary

Highly experienced Payroll Specialist with extensive knowledge in the accounting and auditing field. Skilled in managing payroll processes and ensuring accuracy in payroll data.

Employment history

Lead Payroll Specialist, PwC New York, New York

March 2013 – Present

Prepare and distribute payroll checks and direct deposits
Prepare and review payroll reports for management
Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll and deductions

Associate Payroll Specialist, McGladrey Minneapolis, Minnesota

August 2012 – February 2013

Maintain payroll records and files, including payroll deductions and taxes
Perform payroll system maintenance and updates
Assist with year-end tax reporting, including W-2s, 1099s, and other relevant forms

Jr. Payroll Specialist, Ernst & Young New York, New York

August 2011 – July 2012

Prepare and submit reports to government agencies
Perform payroll system maintenance and updates
Prepare and distribute payroll checks and direct deposits

Education

Boston College, Boston, Massachusetts

Master of Arts in Business Economics (Accounting), July, 2011

Boston College, Boston, Massachusetts

Bachelor of Science in Finance (Accounting), July, 2007

Skills

Innovation

Business Acumen

Financial Management

Customer Service

Payroll Processing

Compliance

Bank Reconciliation

Accounts Payable

Do you already have a resume? Use our PDF converter and edit your resume.

Build My Resume

Professional Summary

Highly experienced Payroll Specialist with extensive knowledge of accounting and auditing principles. Skilled in processing payroll and ensuring accuracy of employee records.

Employment history

Lead Payroll Specialist, PwC New York, New York

April 2011 – Present

Reconcile payroll accounts and prepare payroll related journal entries
Maintain payroll records and files, including payroll deductions and taxes
Manage employee benefits and deductions, such as insurance and retirement plans

Associate Payroll Specialist, Plante Moran Southfield, Michigan

October 2010 – March 2011

Maintain payroll records and files, including payroll deductions and taxes
Audit and review payroll data for accuracy
Perform payroll system maintenance and updates

Junior Payroll Specialist, Crowe Horwath Indianapolis, Indiana

October 2009 – September 2010

Maintain payroll records and files, including payroll deductions and taxes
Assist with year-end tax reporting, including W-2s, 1099s, and other relevant forms
Prepare and distribute payroll checks and direct deposits

Education

University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas

Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (Accounting), August, 2009

Skills

Leadership

Accounting

Collaboration

Networking

Bank Reconciliation

Bookkeeping

Accounting Software

A/P & A/R Management.

Build My Resume

Employment history

Chief Payroll Specialist, BDO USA Chicago, Illinois

June 2017 – Present

Assist with year-end tax reporting, including W-2s, 1099s, and other relevant forms
Reconcile payroll accounts and prepare payroll related journal entries
Manage employee benefits and deductions, such as insurance and retirement plans

Associate Payroll Specialist, KPMG New York, New York

December 2016 – May 2017

Develop and implement payroll policies and procedures
Maintain payroll records and files, including payroll deductions and taxes
Audit and review payroll data for accuracy

Junior Payroll Specialist, McGladrey Minneapolis, Minnesota

May 2016 – November 2016

Process payroll in accordance with applicable laws and regulations
Prepare and maintain payroll-related documents and records
Manage employee benefits and deductions, such as insurance and retirement plans

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana, Champaign, Illinois

Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), March, 2016

Skills

Self-Motivation

Documentation

Adaptability

Leadership

Reconciliation

A/P & A/R Management.

Compliance

Financial Reporting

Build My Resume

Professional Summary

Highly organized and detail-oriented Payroll Specialist with extensive experience in the accounting and auditing field. Skilled in managing payroll processes and resolving discrepancies in a timely manner.

Employment history

Lead Payroll Specialist, PwC New York, New York

September 2013 – Present

Prepare and distribute payroll checks and direct deposits
Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll and deductions
Reconcile payroll accounts and prepare payroll related journal entries

Payroll Specialist, PwC New York, New York

September 2012 – August 2013

Prepare and distribute payroll checks and direct deposits
Assist with year-end tax reporting, including W-2s, 1099s, and other relevant forms
Prepare and submit payroll tax payments

Junior Payroll Specialist, BDO USA Chicago, Illinois

September 2011 – August 2012

Prepare and submit reports to government agencies
Audit and review payroll data for accuracy
Develop and implement payroll policies and procedures

Education

University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas

Doctor of Management (Accounting), August, 2011

University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas

Bachelor of Arts in Finance (Accounting), August, 2007

Skills

Risk Management

Adaptability

Coaching

Adaptability

A/P & A/R Management.

Taxation

Sarbanes-Oxley

Bank Reconciliation

Build My Resume

Professional Summary

Highly organized and detail-oriented Payroll Specialist with extensive experience in accounting and auditing. Skilled in developing and implementing efficient payroll processes to ensure accurate and timely payments.

Employment history

Lead Payroll Specialist, BDO USA Chicago, Illinois

June 2011 – Present

Perform payroll system maintenance and updates
Audit and review payroll data for accuracy
Prepare and submit reports to government agencies

Payroll Specialist, Crowe Horwath Indianapolis, Indiana

November 2010 – May 2011

Reconcile payroll accounts and prepare payroll related journal entries
Prepare and submit reports to government agencies
Develop and implement payroll policies and procedures

Junior Payroll Specialist, KPMG New York, New York

May 2010 – October 2010

Prepare and maintain payroll-related documents and records
Develop and implement payroll policies and procedures
Maintain payroll records and files, including payroll deductions and taxes

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana, Champaign, Illinois

Certified Financial Planner (CFP), March, 2010

Skills

Professionalism

Supervisory

Relationship Management.

Analytical

Auditing

GAAP

QuickBooks

Payroll Processing

Use This payroll specialist Resume Template

Not in love with this template? Browse our full library of resume templates

payroll specialist Job Descriptions; Explained

If you're applying for an payroll specialist position, it's important to tailor your resume to the specific job requirements in order to differentiate yourself from other candidates. Including accurate and relevant information that directly aligns with the job description can greatly increase your chances of securing an interview with potential employers.

When crafting your resume, be sure to use action verbs and a clear, concise format to highlight your relevant skills and experience. Remember, the job description is your first opportunity to make an impression on recruiters, so pay close attention to the details and make sure you're presenting yourself in the best possible light.

payroll specialist

Accurately processed checks for almost 10,000 employees across multiple pay groups
Organized and filed payroll department records, including direct deposit information, data cards and W2 forms
Collect and review employee information and working hours, calculating wages, prepare and process employee’s garnishment payments
Responding to payroll-related inquiries and resolving concerns
Conducted daily quality audits on complex payroll files for internal customers
Resolved and documented 10-20 complex service requests monthly for employee paychecks, payroll taxes, and deductions
Preparing periodic payroll reports for review by management.

payroll specialist

Responsible for timekeeping and payroll process for assigned payroll group.
Prepared monthly tardiness and overtime report for HRRD monitoring.
Prepared monthly payroll reports such as payroll journal voucher, schedules of cash advances and employee’s loans.
Prepared government remittances report(SSS, Philhealth, PAG-IBIG and withholding tax on wages).
Responsible for Electronic transmittal of SSS Premium thru SSS Banc net.
Processed clearance and final pay computation for resigned and retrenched employees.
Prepared annual BIR Alpha List for withholding tax on wages (1604CF) and W-2 (BIR 2305) for individual income tax return filing.

payroll specialist

Gather time data and payroll information from clock reports, time cards, time sheets, etc.
Calculate the correct amount incorporating overtime, deductions, bonuses, etc.
Keep track of hours, rates, wages, compensation benefit rates, new hire information, etc.
Input staff associates information as well as daily/weekly hours into excel to come up with total hour and total billing amounts.
Use payroll software (Avionte, current) with accuracy and efficiency.
Solve staff associate complaints by getting approval from clients/supervisors
Be responsive to phone calls/emails and ensure appropriate follow-up on all requests.

payroll specialist

Assisted in updating employee’s record (BIR – amendments for tax code/dependents).
Processed employer’s certification for SSS, Philhealth and PAG-IBIG (HDMF) contributions.
Maintained payroll files with high confidentiality.
Assisted employees in their payroll queries, requests and other concerns thru phone and email.

payroll specialist (people & culture)

Providing expert knowledge & data within compensation and benefits with special emphasis on Payroll.
Working closely together with Unit (Store) HR to establish and share best practice.
Responsible for supporting the Unit, ensuring that all co-worker’s are fully supported and have a positive experience with their salary, benefit and overall responsibility for Total Rewards.
Together with the Shared Services Centre delivering accurate and efficient administrative support for both our co-worker’s and external suppliers.
Ensuring timely and accurate salary calculation and payment for both Expat Employees & local co-workers of IKEA India.
Keeping IKEA’s payroll and relative operations legally compliant and consistent.
Mastering the payroll system and ensure data in the system is accurate and updated all time

1 2 3 … 6

payroll specialist Job Skills

For an payroll specialist position, your job skills are a key factor in demonstrating your value to the company and showing recruiters that you're the ight fit for the role. It's important to be specific when highlighting your skills and ensure that they are directly aligned with the job requirements, as this can greatly improve your chances of being hired. By showcasing your relevant skills and experience, you can make a compelling case for why you're the best candidate for the job.

How to include technical skills in your resume:

Technical skills are a set of specialized abilities and knowledge required to perform a particular job effectively. Some examples of technical skills are data analysis, project management, software proficiency, and programming languages, to name a few.

Add the technical skills that will get hired in your career field with our simple-to-use resume builder. Select your desired resume template, once you reach the skills section of the builder, manually write in the skill or simply click on "Add more skills". This will automatically generate the best skills for your career field, choose your skill level, and hit "Save & Next."

Payroll Processing
Taxation
Accounting Software
Financial Analysis
Auditing
Bookkeeping
Accounts Payable
Accounts Receivable
Financial Reporting
Budgeting
Reconciliation
Data Entry
Compliance
GAAP
Cost Accounting
Microsoft Office
QuickBooks
Bank Reconciliation
Sarbanes-Oxley
A/P & A/R Management.

How to include soft skills in your resume:

Soft skills are non-technical skills that relate to how you work and that can be used in any job. Including soft skills such as time management, creative thinking, teamwork, and conflict resolution demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and show that you navigate challenges and changes in the workplace efficiently.

Add competitive soft skills to make your resume stand-out to recruiters! Simply select your preferred resume template in the skills section, enter the skills manually or use the "Add more skills" option. Our resume builder will generate the most relevant soft skills for your career path. Choose your proficiency level for each skill, and then click "Save & Next" to proceed to the next section.

Communication
Interpersonal
Leadership
Time Management
Problem Solving
Decision Making
Critical Thinking
Creativity
Adaptability
Teamwork
Organization
Planning
Public Speaking
Negotiation
Conflict Resolution
Research
Analytical
Attention to Detail
Self-Motivation
Stress Management
Collaboration
Coaching
Mentoring
Listening
Networking
Strategic Thinking
Negotiation
Emotional Intelligence
Adaptability
Flexibility
Reliability
Professionalism
Computer Literacy
Technical
Data Analysis
Project Management
Customer Service
Presentation
Written Communication
Social Media
Troubleshooting
Quality Assurance
Collaboration
Supervisory
Risk Management
Database Management
Training
Innovation
Documentation
Accounting
Financial Management
Visualization
Reporting
Business Acumen
Process Improvement
Documentation
Relationship Management.

How to Improve Your payroll specialist Resume

Navigating resume pitfalls can mean the difference between landing an interview or not. Missing job descriptions or unexplained work history gaps can cause recruiters to hesitate. Let's not even talk about the impact of bad grammar, and forgetting your contact info could leave your potential employer hanging. Aim to be comprehensive, concise, and accurate.

Employment history

Senior Payroll Specialist, Plante Moran Southfield, Michigan

August 2015 – May 2022

Assist with year-end tax reporting, including W-2s, 1099s, and other relevant forms
Prepare and submit payroll tax payments
Maintain payroll records and files, including payroll deductions and taxes

Associate Payroll Specialist, Moss Adams Seattle, Washington

January 2015 – July 2015

Assist with year-end tax reporting, including W-2s, 1099s, and other relevant forms
Prepare and maintain payroll-related documents and records
Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll and deductions

Entry Level Payroll Specialist, Deloitte New York, New York

January 2014 – December 2014

Process payroll in accordance with applicable laws and regulations
Audit and review payroll data for accuracy
Prepare and maintain payroll-related documents and records

Education

University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida

Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics (Accounting), November, 2013

Skills

Strategic Thinking

Listening

Self-Motivation

Customer Service

Sarbanes-Oxley

Bookkeeping

Payroll Processing

Microsoft Office

Provide your Contact Information and Address Year Gaps

Always explain any gaps in your work history to your advantage.

Key Insights

Employers want to know what you've accomplished, so make sure to explain any gaps using a professional summary.
Adding extra details and context to explain why you have a gap in your work history shows employers you are a good fit for the position.

How to Optimize Your payroll specialist Resume

Keep an eye out for these resume traps. Neglecting to detail your job roles or explain gaps in your career can lead to unnecessary doubts. Grammar blunders can reflect negatively on you, and without contact information, how can employers reach you? Be meticulous and complete.

Employment history

Chief Payroll Specialist, PwC New York, New York

September 2019 – Present

Preepare annd ditributee payrol cheecks annd direct depoossits.
Maintane payroll record's an' files, includin' payroll deductions'n'taxes.
Aundit annd reviwe payoll data fer accuraccy.

Associate Payroll Specialist, KPMG New York, New York

March 2018 – August 2019

Prepair and submitt payroll taxx payymentts.
Maintainen payroll records an files, includin payroll deductions an taxes.
Assist with year-end tax reportin, includin W-2s, 1099s, an other relevant forms.

Jr. Payroll Specialist, KPMG New York, New York

March 2017 – February 2018

Education

New York University, New York, New York

Master of Arts in Business Economics (Accounting), January, 2017

New York University, New York, New York

Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (Accounting), January, 2013

Skills

Business Acumen

Collaboration

Accounting

Creativity

Compliance

Payroll Processing

Accounts Payable

QuickBooks

Include Job Descriptions and Avoid Bad Grammar

Avoid sending a wrong first impression by proofreading your resume.

Key Insights

Spelling and typos are the most common mistakes recruiters see in resumes and by simply avoiding them you can move ahead on the hiring process.
Before submitting your resume, double check to avoid typos.

payroll specialist Cover Letter Example

A cover letter can be a valuable addition to your job application when applying for an payroll specialist position. Cover letters provide a concise summary of your qualifications, skills, and experience, also it also gives you an opportunity to explain why you're the best fit for the job. Crafting a cover letter that showcases your relevant experience and enthusiasm for the Accounts Payable role can significantly improve your chances of securing an interview.

Lead Payroll Specialist
Plante Moran
Southfield, Michigan

Esteemed Recruitment Team

I am excited to apply for the Lead Payroll Specialist position at Plante Moran. As a highly skilled Payroll Specialist with 12 years of experience in Accounting & Auditing, I am confident that I can contribute significantly to your organization.

Throughout my life, I have pursued my passion for Tax Planning and sought out opportunities to learn and grow. My experience in Accounting & Auditing has given me valuable skills such as Innovation and Business Acumen that have allowed me to improve professionally and personally. I am excited to bring these skills and my passion as a Payroll Specialist to the position and work with a team of like-minded individuals to achieve our common goals.

I appreciate the opportunity to apply for the Lead Payroll Specialist position. I am committed to making a positive impact on the world, so I am thrilled about the opportunity to join your team and work towards achieving our shared goals for the betterment of everyone.

Kindest regards,
Derek Coleman
843-518-7202
[email protected]

Derek Coleman

CUSTOMIZE THIS COVER LETTER

Showcase your most significant accomplishments and qualifications with this cover letter.
Personalize this cover letter in just few minutes with our user-friendly tool!

Related Resumes & Cover Letters