Got your eye on the top job in payroll? We take a look at what it takes to be a Payroll Manager and the skills you need to succeed in this role.

1. WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A
PAYROLL MANAGER
IT’S NOT ALL BLACK & WHITE
hays.net.nz/payroll-manager

2. “At Hays, we are very proud of the strong
relationships we have with Payroll Managers and
their employers. We’re also proud of our
commitment to providing valuable insights that
benefit individuals at every level of their careers.”
It was for this reason that we surveyed 430 Payroll Managers to uncover
the qualities that make a great Payroll Manager.
Jason Walker
Managing Director
Hays New Zealand

3. BACKGROUND & QUALIFICATIONS
Just 30% of Payroll Managers have no post school
qualifications.
Of the remaining 70% a degree or above is the most common qualification
(held by 28%), followed by a diploma (27%) then certificate (21%).
On-the-job learning therefore plays a crucial role in the professional
development of payroll professionals.

4. BACKGROUND & QUALIFICATIONS
Our survey shows that over half (57%) of today’s Payroll Managers
did not start their career in payroll. These professionals have a wide
range of prior experience and moved into payroll for various
reasons.
92% would recommend a career in payroll.
Once they gain experience, today’s payroll professionals quickly see the
benefits of a career in this field, so much so that they would willingly
recommend a payroll career to others.
Read our report
and find out if
Payroll Managers
feel their job is
recognised as a
career path

5. EXPERIENCE
Two-thirds of respondents held at least three roles
before becoming a Payroll Manager.
When looking for your next role, look for an opportunity to advance your
skills and understanding of payroll systems and relevant legislation and
awards. Strive to become an expert by ensuring your skills continue to
develop, either in-house or by changing roles.

6. TECHNICAL SKILLS
While the payroll system in use will help minimise errors, managing
a team who are responsible for paying people accurately and on
time and who are performing constant calculations, requires
someone with a mathematical mindset who knows at a glance if
certain figures on a spreadsheet do not seem correct.
Of the 45 payroll systems our respondents use,
16% use Chris 21 & 14% use Micropay Meridian.
A Payroll Manager needs a solid understanding of payroll legislation
and awards (for example pay rates, superannuation, tax and
benefits).

7. We asked our survey respondents to nominate the top three skills
needed to be a good Payroll Manager.
SOFT SKILLS
1. Attention to detail
Payroll can be a fast-paced
working environment. By limiting
distractions, double-checking
your work, using checklists to
keep track of details and
slowing down to avoid small
mistakes, you’ll learn to deal
with the details.
2. Communication 3. Prioritising deadlines
Learn how to be friendly and
professional but also firm when
necessary, and take every
opportunity to talk to a
wide range of people in your
organisation. Importantly, learn
to listen as well as talk!
Learn good organisational and
prioritising skills by keeping and
updating your own to-do list daily
(or hourly). Volunteer for managing
the timeline for a project. Be aware
of deadlines and make sure you
meet them.

8. PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
It makes sense that those who reach Payroll Manager and thrive in the
role share certain personal characteristics. Our survey respondents
were asked to select the top two characteristics that have helped them
succeed.
‘Professionalism’ was the characteristic that was selected most often (52%).
This was followed by ‘approachability’ (39%), ‘flexibility’ (27%), ‘adaptability’
(27%) and ‘resilience’ (26%).
Avoid water cooler gossip as you do not want to
gain a reputation as someone who likes chitchat or
scandal. Keep your knowledge up-to-date so you can
reliably and competently answer questions correctly.

9. BIGGEST CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS
Successful system implementations were by far the biggest
achievement listed by our surveyed Payroll Managers.
Other common achievements included successfully delivering a major
project (such as a superannuation, time and attendance or payslip
project), reducing or rectifying historical errors and transforming a broken
department into a professional, supportive and fully functional team.

10. NETWORKING
Face-to-face remains the preferred method of networking, with 47% of
Payroll Managers meeting and networking with other people in their
sector at industry and technical events. Another 40% attend
networking events..
55% of Payroll Managers are members of a Payroll
Association.
If you are not a member of a relevant association join one and take
advantage of their networking opportunities. Expand your connections, listen
and learn from those around you, and be an active member of your sector.
Read our report
and find out about
a Payroll
Manager’s work/life
balance

11. RECRUITING FOR THE PAYROLL TEAM
When asked what issues the survey respondents have had
recruiting payroll staff, 67% of them said the lack of available skilled
candidates.
This was by far the biggest issue, ahead of a lack of budget to expand
the team (37%), a new hire leaving within six months (15%) and internal
political issues (14%).
When they recruit for their team, just 21% of
Payroll Managers say systems knowledge is
critical in a potential candidate.

12. CAREER CHALLENGES
47% of Payroll Managers say that organisational politics has been a
challenge for them in their career.
Everyone needs to deal with organisational politics from time to time.
Payroll Managers are no different.
Other career challenges have been the lack of opportunities available to
grow their career (38%), a lack of mentoring, support, guidance or advice
(27%), struggling to gain respect from stakeholders (23%) and a direct
manager who does not support their development (21%).
Taking time off work for child rearing or a company’s perception of this
has been a challenge for 16%, while 10% nominated barriers around
gender.
Read our report
and find out about
a Payroll
Manager’s
professional
challenges

13. FUTURE CAREER PATH
While many respondents told us they want to remain a Payroll
Manager, albeit for a larger organisation or in a more challenging
role, some expressed an interest in getting more involved in HR
and remuneration, workplace relations, or system fixes. Several
mentioned moving into a more strategic HR role.
A few aspire to an Accounts Manager, Finance Officer, Financial
Accountant or Financial Controller role.
43% of Payroll Managers are happy with their
current career and want to remain in the function.

14. For more information or to get your hands on a
copy please visit hays.net.nz/payroll-manager or
visit our website to find your nearest office.
Hays is the most followed Get expert advice, insights
recruitment agency on LinkedIn® and the latest recruitment
in the world. Join our growing news by following us on
network by following Hays Worldwide Twitter @HaysNewZealand
hays.net.nz