Payroll Administrator Level 3
Duration: 18 Months
Maximum Funding: £9,000
Occupational Profile
Payroll Administrators will, typically, have responsibility for setting up and operating the payroll within the organisation in which they are employed or on behalf of another organisation. The role may be located within a business / organisation or in a payroll bureau, bookkeeping or accounting practice, or professional services company. The job may sit within the HR or Finance function.
In medium to large organisations, a Payroll Administrator may work as part of a team, often reporting to a team leader, supervisor or manager. In smaller organisations, a Payroll Administrator may be a stand-alone role with sole responsibility for the payroll function. Additionally, and depending on their role within the organisation, a Payroll Administrator may also have responsibility for the accurate and timely completion of routine and non-routine payroll-related calculations and other information.
The main duties may typically include:
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Gathering, creation and processing of payroll-related information to ensure employees are paid on time and accurately. This will be via payroll software, though it’s use must be accompanied by the ability to perform this manually
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Compliance with legislative and contractual obligations
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Internal and external reporting of payroll information to deadlines
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Effective and appropriate communication with employees and relevant stakeholders
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Working to relevant ethical and professional standards in a legislative and regulatory environment that is constantly changing
Competence within the payroll occupation is demonstrated in this Standard by the required Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours detailed below.
Knowledge
What is required for occupational competence?
Business and Customer Awareness
The payroll function is different depending on the sector in which the organisation is operating. To create, process, validate and report payroll-related information, it is essential to know the environment in which the organisation exists. For example, is the role in the private or public sector, is it a bureau-type operation, internal function etc.
Understand and appreciate that this awareness information is crucial to recognising customer and supplier needs and obligations, both internal and external
Payroll
Core
The overall purpose of the function is to process payrolls on time and accurately. This requires a wide overview of many different activities that will or may be encountered. For example:
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The legislative framework surrounding payroll, employment and pensions
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Devolution in the UK
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The different types of workers in the UK
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The different types of pay that exist (gross, taxable, National Insurance applicable etc), statutory payments and deductions, Court Orders and the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS)
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Real Time Information (RTI)
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Benefits-in-Kind
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Gender Pay Gap Reporting
Gain familiarity, knowledge and an understanding of these core elements
Pensions
The Payroll and Pension professions are intrinsically linked. Achieve an overview of the pension landscape as it affects payroll, for example the different types of schemes, the UK systems of tax relief and the relevance of the State Pension.
Further, a broad understanding and appreciation of the structure of workplace pensions / Auto-Enrolment is fundamental. This includes the key rules, roles and administration responsibilities as per guidance produced by The Pensions Regulator
Technical
To ensure the organisation meets its payroll-related statutory and contractual obligations, understand the technical aspects of payroll for the accurate calculation of gross through to net pay. This includes the calculation of the statutory payments and deductions, including voluntary deductions
Regulation and Compliance
Payroll is governed by regulation and compliance standards which must be applied in the workplace.
A Payroll Administrator will understand how to apply the regulatory, compliance and legislative environment for the technical payroll aspects above. This is in respect of the impact in their role for both the organisation and the payees, including data protection / confidentiality
Systems and processes
Payroll information is created, verified and reported via a combination of systems and processes, such as the payroll software itself, finance, HR and IT systems. A working knowledge of these is fundamental to an administrator’s ability to perform their role at the workplace.
A Payroll Administrator will be proficient in the systems and processes that are applicable in their role, including at least one piece of computerised payroll software and spreadsheet package, such as Microsoft Excel
Skills
What is required for occupational competence?
Planning and Prioritisation
Proactively takes responsibility for planning, organising and prioritising their workload and time in order to successfully achieve results within deadlines. Positively performs in pressurised situations responding to changes where necessary. Recognises where issues need to be escalated
Analysis
Using the Knowledge requirements in ‘Payroll’ as they apply at the workplace, correctly judges and interprets information to make effective decisions on data processing. This is with the overall aim of ensuring payroll deadlines are met. Assumes ownership through to resolution, escalating complex situations where appropriate
Uses Systems and Processes
Demonstrates the ability to identify and effectively use the appropriate workplace systems and processes required to complete tasks. For example, to write letters, send and receive E-Mail, analyse, input and report on payroll-related data. Example systems may include MS Office, or equivalent, and the payroll software used in the workplace
Produces Quality and Accurate Information
Effectively apply Knowledge to consistently deliver high quality, accurate data and information in a timely fashion. Demonstrates the relevant use of agreed workplace systems and processes to deliver quality service to customers on a range of payroll-related queries and requirements
Team Working and Collaboration
Within the organisation, recognises and demonstrates their own role within the team and the impact of their actions on others working in it. Consistently collaborates and supports colleagues within the team to achieve results whilst also being able to work independently. Builds and maintains positive relationships within their own team and across the organisation
Communication and Engagement
External to the organisation, recognises stakeholders and demonstrates appropriate professional communication and engagement methods. For example, this may include employees if the payroll function is performed in-house or may include clients if operating in a bureau-type operation. Further, this will include liaison with payroll representative bodies and stakeholders such as HMRC and The Pensions Regulator. Deal with queries in an efficient and professional manner, ensuring positive relationships are built and maintained
Behaviours
What is required for occupational competence?
Ethics and Integrity
Truthful, sincere and trustworthy in all actions and interactions, maintaining confidentiality at all times. Consistently respects others and meets the ethical requirements of the payroll profession
Adaptability
Listens, learns and adapts positively to changing priorities and working requirements. Accepts change and demonstrates the flexibility to maintain high professional standards in a changing environment
Professional Scepticism
Has the ability and confidence to use sound questioning and verification techniques on receipt of payroll-related information in the workplace. This is with the overall purpose of being alert to any possible misstatement of factual information due to error or fraud
Proactivity and Enthusiasm
Displays energy and enthusiasm in performing the role, staying resilient under pressure. Takes responsibility for their work, accepting feedback and dealing positively with setbacks and challenges when they occur. Takes responsibility for their own personal development
Professional Development
Adopts a positive approach to maintaining and developing knowledge and skills through a range of methods, for example workplace learning, research and professional courses. Embraces opportunities for continuous professional development and actively records development in both their current role and throughout their career in the payroll profession