Creating Career Path...

Finding Further Careers...

Finance & Accounting

Payroll Specialist

View this career for different education levels:

Primary Secondary Post-16

A payroll specialist is responsible for ensuring that employees are paid accurately and on time. This role involves calculating wages, processing tax and National Insurance deductions, maintaining payroll records, and resolving any payroll-related queries from staff. Payroll specialists often work closely with the human resources and finance departments to ensure compliance with employment laws and company policies. Attention to detail, good mathematical skills, and knowledge of payroll software and legislation are important for success in this career.

Payroll Specialist

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Payroll specialists in the UK typically earn between £23,000 and £35,000 per year, depending on experience and location.

Job Openings

There are over 2,000 payroll specialist positions advertised in the UK at any one time, with demand particularly high in large cities.

Qualification Requirement

Many payroll specialists hold a Level 3 or Level 4 payroll qualification, such as those from the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP).

🚀 Careers in this path

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

Payroll Administrator

Handles the day to day processing of payroll, including ensuring timesheets are accurate, calculating pay, and handling queries from staff about their wages.

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

Payroll Analyst

Analyses payroll data to identify trends, ensure compliance with regulations, and improve payroll processes within an organisation.

Pensions Payroll Officer

Specialises in managing payroll specifically for pension payments, ensuring retirees receive correct payments and that all legal requirements are met.

Build a Foundation in Maths and IT

Focus on Maths and ICT at School

Prioritise maths and ICT subjects at GCSE level to develop strong numerical and computer skills.

Payroll roles require excellent numerical ability and confidence with spreadsheets and specialist software. Consider taking GCSEs in maths, ICT, or business studies to prepare. These subjects will help you understand calculations, data management, and basic accounting principles.

Develop Attention to Detail

Practice accuracy and attention to detail in your schoolwork and daily tasks.

Payroll work involves dealing with sensitive data and precise figures. Being detail-oriented will help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure compliance with legal requirements. Try double-checking your work in school and developing habits that support accuracy.

Gain Relevant Qualifications

Pursue Further Education

Study for A Levels or a Level 3 Diploma in business, finance, or accounting after GCSEs.

While some payroll jobs accept candidates with GCSEs, advancing your education can improve your job prospects. Consider A Levels in maths, business studies, or a vocational course such as a BTEC in Business or a Level 3 Diploma in Payroll Administration if available.

Consider a Payroll Apprenticeship

Apply for an apprenticeship in payroll administration or related finance roles.

Payroll apprenticeships offer hands-on experience while studying towards a recognised qualification, such as the Level 3 Payroll Administrator apprenticeship. You will learn from experienced professionals and gain valuable workplace skills.

Gain Practical Experience and Professional Certification

Find Entry-Level Payroll or Finance Roles

Apply for junior payroll, finance assistant, or HR administration positions to gain experience.

Entry-level positions will give you a foundation in payroll processes and allow you to become familiar with payroll software and internal procedures. Look for roles in small businesses, large companies, or payroll service providers.

Obtain a Professional Payroll Qualification

Study for a professional qualification such as those offered by the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP).

The CIPP offers courses like the Payroll Technician Certificate or Diploma in Payroll Management, which are highly regarded in the industry. These can be studied alongside your job and will deepen your knowledge of payroll legislation, tax, and compliance.

🎯 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.

🎓 View Apprenticeships

Career Progressions

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

A Payroll Specialist and a Payroll Administrator both handle payroll processing, employee salary calculations, and related administrative tasks. They require similar qualifications in finance, attention to detail, and familiarity with payroll systems and regulations.

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

More Information

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

More Information

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.

More Information

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.

Interested in More Career Paths?

Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.

Browse All Careers Generate New Career Path

Stay connected

Join our newsletter to stay up to date on features and releases

Address
Developing Experts Limited
Exchange Street Buildings
35-37 Exchange Street
Norwich
NR2 1DP
UK

Phone
01603 273515

Email
[email protected]

Developing Experts

LessonsAboutResearchReportingPlans & Pricing

Legal

GDPRPrivacy PolicyTerms and ConditionsCookie Policy

Contact Us

Get in touchRequest SubscriptionChildren's CodeAbout UsCareers

Copyright 2025 Developing Experts, All rights reserved.