How to Choose the Right Payroll Professional for Your Business

As a business owner, you know that having a good payroll professional on your team is essential to keeping your company running smoothly. But with so many qualified candidates out there, how do you choose the right one for your business?

Here are six things to look for when you’re evaluating candidates for a payroll position:

1. A commitment to lifelong learning

   . The payroll field is always changing, so it’s important to find a candidate who is committed to staying up-to-date on the latest developments. Look for someone who has been active in professional organizations or who has pursued continuing education opportunities.

2. Strong technical skills

   . Payroll involves a lot of data entry and processing, so it’s important to find a candidate with strong technical skills. The ideal candidate will have experience with popular payroll software programs and be comfortable using spreadsheets and other tools to track data.

Here are some certifications to look for:

• The Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) credential is the gold standard for payroll professionals. To earn the CPP, candidates must pass a rigorous exam that covers all aspects of payroll. The CPP credential is offered by the American Payroll Association (APA).
• The Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) is an entry-level certification that covers the basics of payroll. The FPC is offered by the APA and is a great option for those new to the payroll field.
• The Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) credential is designed for payroll professionals who want to deepen their knowledge of compliance issues. The PCP credential is offered by the Institute of Certified Payroll Professionals (ICPP).
• The Global Payroll Management Certificate (GPMC) is designed for payroll professionals who manage global payrolls. The GPMC is offered by the American Academy of Financial Management (AAFM).
• The Certified International Payroll Professional (CIPP) credential is designed for payroll professionals who process payrolls for employees in multiple countries. The CIPP credential is offered by the Global Payroll Association (GPA).

3. Excellent communication skills

   . Payroll professionals need to be able to communicate effectively with both managers and employees. They should be able to explain complex concepts in simple terms and resolve any questions or concerns quickly and efficiently.

4. A positive attitude

   . Payroll can be a stressful job, so it’s important to find a candidate who can maintain a positive attitude even under pressure. The ideal candidate will be calm and collected when dealing with difficult situations and will always be looking for ways to improve the process.

5. A customer-focused mindset

   . Payroll professionals need to be able to see the big picture and understand how their work impacts the rest of the organization. They should be focused on providing excellent customer service and be able to build strong relationships with managers and employees alike.

6. Dedication to ethics

   . Because payroll involves handling sensitive employee information, it’s critical that you find a candidate who is dedicated to ethical practices. The ideal candidate will have a strong sense of integrity and will always adhere to strict confidentiality protocols.

Conclusion:

These are just some of the things you should look for when you’re hiring a payroll professional for your business. By finding someone who is committed to lifelong learning, has strong technical skills, and demonstrates a dedication to ethical practices, you can rest assured that you’ve found the right person for the job—and that your business will run smoothly as a result!

We know the best talent in the field and we know the marketplace. Make your next hire a great one by leveraging our knowledge and experience. Contact us to make your next move.