The role
As a payroll officer, you make sure every employee is paid correctly and on time. You collect hours, overtime, leave and bonuses, run the monthly payroll, issue payslips and calculate income tax and social security contributions. You prepare the tax and social security declarations, reconcile payroll with the accounts and answer staff questions about their pay.
Who is hiring
Accounting and payroll outsourcing firms, banks, mining companies, manufacturers, retail chains, hospitals and NGOs hire payroll officers. Most roles are on-site or hybrid, and payroll bureaus also process their clients' payroll remotely.
Background and career path
A diploma in accounting, HR or finance is common, often after starting as an accounting or HR assistant. You can grow into payroll manager, HR and payroll administration manager or compensation and benefits specialist.