What do payroll administrators do?

Payroll administrators collect, verify and process payroll information, determine pay and benefit entitlements for employees, maintain accurate payroll records, and provide payroll information within a department, company or other establishment. They are employed by payroll administration companies and by establishments throughout the public and private sectors.

Payroll administrators perform some or all of the following duties:

• Maintain and update employee information, such as records of employee attendance, leave and overtime to calculate pay and benefit entitlements, in Canadian and other currencies, using manual or computerized systems
• Prepare and verify statements of earnings for employees, indicating gross and net salaries and deductions such as taxes, union dues, garnishments and insurance and pension plans
• Prepare, verify and process all employee payroll related payments, including regular pay, benefit payments, and special payments such as bonuses and vacation pay
• Complete, verify and process forms and documentation for administration of benefits such as pension plans, leaves, share savings, employment and medical insurance
• Prepare payroll related filings and supporting documentation, such as year-end tax statements, pension, Records of Employment and other statements
• Provide information on payroll matters, benefit plans and collective agreement provisions
• Compile, review, and monitor statistical reports, statements, and summaries related to pay and benefits accounts
• Prepare and balance period-end reports and reconcile issued payrolls to bank statements
• Identify and resolve payroll discrepancies
• May be responsible for the development and/or implementation of payroll policies, procedures or processes

Source: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021, Employment and Social Development Canada