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 remain largely the same over the next few years. 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.
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
$18.00
Minimum$24.17
Median$33.33
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
Annapolis Valley
North Shore
Cape Breton
Southern
Compared 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 incomeApprenticeship
$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 incomeApprenticeship
$34,807 median annual incomeLess than high school
$23,174 median annual incomeEducation & training
Accounting technology/technician and bookkeeping
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to provide technical administrative support to professional accountants and other financial management personnel. These programs include courses in posting transactions to accounts, record-keeping systems, accounting software operation, and general accounting principles and practices.
Institutions providing this program
800 Sackville Drive
Lower Sackville, NS B4E 1R8
(902) 463-6700
6960 Mumford Road, Suite 155-1st Floor Mumford Professional Centre
Halifax, NS B3L 4P1
(902) 455-3395
222 George Street, Suite C
Sydney, NS B1P 1J3
(866) 446-5898
166 Bedford Highway
Halifax, NS B3M 2J6
(902) 457-6117
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
General office occupations and clerical services
This program may be offered at the college, trades, or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to provide basic administrative support under the supervision of office managers, administrative assistants, secretaries, and other office personnel. These programs include courses in typing, keyboarding, filing, general business correspondence, office equipment operation, and communications skills.
Institutions providing this program
6960 Mumford Road, Suite 155-1st Floor Mumford Professional Centre
Halifax, NS B3L 4P1
(902) 455-3395
222 George Street, Suite C
Sydney, NS B1P 1J3
(866) 446-5898
Human resources management and services - Other
This program may be offered at the college, trades, or university level.This instructional program class includes any program not listed above that relates to Human Resources Management and Services.
Institutions providing this program
Labour and industrial relations
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that focuses 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. These programs 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
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.
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Job postings
There are currently no job postings for this occupation.