Payroll Administrators
(NOC 1432)
in All Business, Finance, and AdministrationPayroll administrators collect, verify, and process payroll information and determine pay and benefit entitlements for employees within a department, company or other organization. They work for payroll administration companies and throughout the private and public sectors.
Job Outlook
average
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Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities occur fairly regularly. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow significantly over the next few years, which will provide additional opportunities for employment. With a moderate percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to contribute somewhat to employment opportunities over the coming years. Payroll administrators most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically permanent positions.
The median employment income for 70% of Payroll administrators who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $46,048. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$16.00
Minimum$24.17
Median$33.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$15,273
Minimum$41,442
Median$59,719
MaximumCompared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
Hourly Pay
$14.00
Minimum$27.85
Median$38.46
MaximumAnnual Pay
$6,754
Minimum$36,515
Median$70,271
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Payroll administrators collect, verify, and process payroll information and determine pay and benefit entitlements for employees within a department, company or other organization. They work for payroll administration companies and throughout the private and public sectors.
Job duties
Payroll administrators:
- Maintain records of employee attendance, leave, and overtime to calculate pay and benefit entitlements.
- Prepare and verify statements of earnings for employees, indicating gross and net salaries and deductions like taxes, union dues, garnishments, and insurance and pension plans.
- Prepare employee payments and benefit payments by cheque or electronic transfer.
- Complete, verify and process forms and documentation for administration of benefits like pension plans, leaves, share savings, employment and medical insurance.
- Prepare T4 statements and other statements.
- Provide information to employees on payroll matters, benefit plans and collective agreement provisions.
- Compile statistical reports, statements, and summaries related to pay and benefits accounts.
- Prepare and balance period-end reports and reconcile issued payrolls to bank statements.
Sample job titles
- assistant paymaster
- benefits and pension plan officer
- pay advisor
- pay and benefits administrator
- pay and benefits clerk
- pay clerk
- payroll administrator
- payroll clerk
- payroll officer
- salary administration officer
Skills
- Good communication and interpersonal skills are important, along with a willingness to learn and adapt to continually changing equipment and software. Basic mathematical skills are required, and you should be comfortable handling basic financial transactions. Your work must be accurate and you should enjoy repetitive tasks. Familiarity with computer software and other office equipment is needed. You should also be cooperative and able to work as part of a team.
Job requirements
- High school is usually required.
- College or other courses in accounting, bookkeeping or payroll administration or experience as a financial clerk is usually required.
- Payroll association certification may be required.
Other considerations
- Movement to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$44,088 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$39,065 median annual incomeCape Breton
$35,966 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$40,955 median annual incomeSouthern
$34,488 median annual incomeCompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Professional, scientific and technical services
Public administration
Health care and social assistance
Retail trade
Transportation and warehousing
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
35-44
55-64
25-34
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
College Diploma
$42,523 median annual incomeHigh school
$39,864 median annual incomeBachelor
$47,462 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$43,643 median annual incomeDiploma Below Bachelor
$34,348 median annual incomeCompared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
College Diploma
$36,304 median annual incomeHigh school
$32,903 median annual incomeBachelor
$41,755 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$34,807 median annual incomeLess than high school
$23,174 median annual incomeEducation & training
Accounting Technology and Bookkeeping
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to provide technical administrative support to professional accountants and other financial management personnel. They include courses in posting transactions to accounts, record-keeping systems, accounting software operation, and general accounting principles and practices.
Institutions providing this program
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Human Resources Management and Services
College or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to manage the development of human capital in organizations, and to provide related services to individuals and groups. They include courses in personnel and organization policy, human resource dynamics and flows, labour relations, sex roles, civil rights, human resources laws and regulations, motivation and compensation systems, work systems, career management, employee testing and assessment, recruitment and selection, managing employee and job training programs, and the management of human resources programs and operations.
Institutions providing this program
Halifax, NS
Sydney, NS
Wolfville, NS
Sydney, NS
Various, NS
Labour and Industrial Relations
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on employee-management interactions and the management of issues and disputes regarding working conditions and worker benefit packages, and that prepares individuals to function as labour or personnel relations specialists. They include courses in labour history, policies and strategies of the labour movement, union organization, labour-management negotiation, labour law and contract interpretation, labour economics, welfare and benefit packages, grievance procedures, and labour policy studies.
Institutions providing this program
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.