Payroll is a fantastic career choice for people who are organised, have strong mathematics skills and want a rewarding career with an abundance of job opportunities.
Every business needs payroll staff who will manage the pay, timesheets and work admin for employees, so if you train in Payroll then you will always find fantastic job opportunities and career development no matter which sector, location or country you want to work in.
Is a career in payroll for me?
Payroll is a career which requires a variety of skills, from data entry to mathematics. As a payroll administrator or payroll manager, you will be responsible for sorting through employees’ time sheets and pay documents in order to make sure all employees are paid on time, payslips are distributed, employees are paid the right amount and that all additions or deductions are added such as tax credits and income tax, universal social charges (USC), holiday pay or sick days.
Payroll staff need to be on the ball whilst they conduct payroll processing, as they are handling personal data and need to be able to pay close attention to details so that payroll services are done accurately and on time.
Is payroll a good career choice?
The payroll career path is flexible, and you can work in a number of sectors, from healthcare to human resources. In terms of where you work, you have the flexibility of working full-time or part-time, in an office for a business, for a payroll consultancy firm working with several clients or on a freelance basis.
All payroll jobs will need candidates to have good IT skills as well as maths skills, as you will be working with payroll software and inputting data into the payroll system. You will also need to work well in a team as if you are working in a consultancy firm or for a business, you will be working as part of the payroll team.
Which skills are needed to become a payroll professional in Ireland?
Payroll careers require a diverse range of skills, mainly centred around mathematics and digital skills, due to the nature of the job. If you can upskill in these, then you will be more likely to be able to secure a job in Payroll and enjoy a career you love.
Skills needed for a payroll career include:
What qualifications are needed to become a payroll professional in Ireland?
Qualifications in Payroll, accounting, administration or mathematics will be very advantageous when exploring job opportunities in Payroll. There are entry-level roles which do not require work experience or qualifications, but candidates with some relevant certificates are likely to have improved job prospects. Most employers also require or desire candidates to have achieved a passing grade in Maths and English at Junior Certificate level.
How to start a career in payroll
Online Payroll courses are a fantastic way to upskill your CV, and develop the key practical and theoretical knowledge you need to succeed in a career in Payroll, and it is an excellent opportunity to see if this career is right for you. Online courses allow you to achieve an accredited qualification in Payroll, demonstrating your skills and knowledge to prospective employers and helping you advance in your career.
It can also help you gain confidence in key areas, such as using Microsoft, and teach the fundamentals of payroll terminology, such as PRSI and ROS. If you already have some experience in Payroll, then there are also options for advanced Payroll courses to help you in your career development.
Alongside studying an online course, gaining work experience in Payroll, accounting or administration is a great way to develop your skills and improve your job opportunities.
For senior roles, a few years’ experience will make you an appealing choice to employers. However, you can explore entry-level accounting or administration roles in a variety of sectors, and if you are seeking work experience whilst studying for an online course, you have the opportunity to boost your resume in two key areas at the same time by gaining knowledge and work-based skills.
What are the career prospects for a payroll professional in Ireland?
Gaining a qualification in Payroll can open up a variety of job opportunities in the field. There are job roles at various levels, from entry-level to senior, and there are plenty of opportunities for payroll career progression so you can take on more managerial responsibilities and enjoy a higher salary.
Some of the main job positions in Ireland that you can explore within the area of Payroll include:
Studying for a qualification in Payroll and getting any work experience can help you secure a job in Payroll, and if you continue to develop your skills through professional development courses, then you could take on a senior role sooner than you think.
Payroll is a job that many people do not really think about, as it isn’t one of those professions which children dream of going into. However, Payroll offers several benefits to the right person and could indeed be the perfect career for you. If you enjoy using your organisational skills, mathematics skills and detailed-working abilities in your career, then Payroll is definitely a field for you to consider.
Alongside good to excellent pay rates and several job opportunities, Payroll is also highly flexible and allows you to not only study payroll qualifications from home but also work anywhere around the world, from office-based work in Dublin to hybrid working in Limerick to remote working for a business in the United States.
Courses in payroll
Need some inspiration and want to explore some exciting courses in this field? Below is a list of great online courses to choose from that can help you take your next step in your professional development:
Are you keen to begin a career in Payroll? Explore courses today and start your education journey.
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