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Finance & Accounting

Payroll Specialist

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A payroll specialist is responsible for ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time. This role involves calculating pay, processing timesheets, administering statutory payments such as sick pay and maternity pay, and making deductions for tax and National Insurance. Payroll specialists also ensure that payroll records comply with UK laws and regulations, and they may be involved in handling queries from staff about their pay. Attention to detail, good numeracy skills, and discretion are important qualities for this role. Payroll specialists often work closely with HR and finance teams, and may use specialist payroll software to carry out their duties.

Payroll Specialist

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Payroll specialists in the UK typically earn between £22,000 and £32,000 per year, with experienced professionals in senior roles earning up to £40,000.

Employment Numbers

There are approximately 75,000 payroll professionals employed across the UK, working in a range of sectors including public services, finance, and large corporations.

Job Growth

The demand for payroll specialists is expected to grow by around 5 percent over the next five years, as businesses continue to require accurate and compliant payroll management.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Pension Payroll Administrator

Handles payroll specifically for pension schemes, ensuring retired employees receive accurate and timely payments.

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Payroll Compliance Officer

Ensures payroll processes follow the latest legal and tax regulations, helping organisations avoid penalties.

Payroll Systems Analyst

Works with payroll software and systems to improve efficiency, troubleshoot issues, and implement updates.

Build a Strong Educational Foundation

Complete GCSEs or Equivalent

Achieve good grades in mathematics, English, and ICT to set a strong foundation for further study.

Most payroll roles require at least GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 in maths and English. Strong numeracy and literacy skills are crucial, as payroll involves handling calculations and interpreting payroll-related documents. Some schools may offer business studies or accountancy as an option, which can also be helpful.

Pursue Further Education

Consider A-levels, a relevant college course, or an apprenticeship in business administration, finance, or accounting.

A-levels in maths, business, or economics are useful, but you can also take a Level 2 or 3 diploma in payroll or business administration at college. Alternatively, an apprenticeship as a payroll administrator provides practical experience and formal qualifications at the same time.

Gain Practical Payroll Experience

Get an Entry-Level Payroll or Finance Role

Apply for junior positions such as payroll assistant, accounts assistant, or finance administrator.

These roles allow you to gain hands-on experience with payroll processes, payroll software, and basic finance tasks. Many organisations provide on-the-job training to help you learn how to prepare timesheets, calculate wages, and use payroll systems.

Develop IT and Payroll Software Skills

Learn to use payroll software such as Sage Payroll, Xero, or QuickBooks.

Payroll is increasingly digital, so being confident with payroll systems and spreadsheets is essential. You can find free tutorials online, or ask your employer for access to training sessions. Familiarity with Microsoft Excel is particularly valuable.

Achieve Professional Certification and Progress

Gain a Payroll Qualification

Complete a professional payroll qualification, such as those offered by the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP).

CIPP qualifications such as the Payroll Technician Certificate or the Foundation Degree in Payroll Management are highly regarded in the industry and can help you progress to more senior roles. These courses cover payroll legislation, best practice, and advanced payroll processing.

Apply for Payroll Specialist Roles

Seek positions as a Payroll Specialist, Officer, or Manager, depending on your experience.

Update your CV to highlight your qualifications, experience, and software skills. Payroll specialists often work in HR or finance departments within companies, payroll bureaus, or accountancy practices. Continuing professional development (CPD) is important, as payroll laws and best practices frequently change.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Payroll Specialist. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

A Payroll Specialist and a Payroll Administrator both focus on processing employee compensation, maintaining payroll records, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. They require similar skills in managing payroll systems, attention to detail, and understanding of employment laws.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

College

You could do a college course which will give you some of the skills you’ll need to apply for a trainee payroll position or an apprenticeship. Some of the courses that are available include:

  • bookkeeping
  • computerised payroll
  • a T Level in accounting

Some courses can be studied at college or by distance learning. Speak to your chosen college to find the right level of course for you.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

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Apprenticeship

You could apply for a Payroll Administrator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

If you want to train for management, you could do a Payroll Assistant Manager Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship.

These apprenticeships are offered by commercial companies and public sector organisations, and take around 2 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

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Work

You may be able to join a payroll department as an assistant or take on payroll responsibilities while working in a related role like human resources or finance. You could then do on-the-job training through a professional body, such as:

Courses are available from introductory level to foundation degree and higher.

Direct Application

You could apply directly for jobs. Employers will expect you to have GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including maths.

While experience in payroll is not always essential to start, a background in bookkeeping or accounts could help improve your job prospects.

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Career tips

You’ll get training in payroll software when you start a job but good computer skills, especially with spreadsheets, will give you an advantage when looking for work.

Further information

You can find out more about careers in payroll from The Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals.

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