Payroll Accountant Resume examples & templates

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Copyable Payroll Accountant Resume examples

Ever wonder who ensures everyone gets paid accurately and on time? Behind every successful payroll system stands a Payroll Accountant—the unsung hero who balances numbers, navigates tax regulations, and maintains the financial rhythm of an organization. This specialized accounting role combines technical knowledge with problem-solving skills to manage one of a company's most sensitive functions. With the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting a median annual wage of $73,560 for payroll specialists, this career path offers both stability and competitive compensation.

The payroll landscape is changing fast. Cloud-based systems are replacing traditional software, and many companies are shifting to continuous payroll processing rather than the standard bi-weekly model. Meanwhile, remote work has complicated state tax withholding requirements, creating new challenges (and opportunities!) for payroll professionals. Those who can navigate these evolving complexities while maintaining compliance with ever-changing tax laws will find themselves in high demand as businesses continue to prioritize payroll accuracy and efficiency. The future looks bright for payroll specialists willing to embrace both the technical and human sides of this essential function.

Junior Payroll Accountant Resume Example

Samantha Rodriguez

srodriguez92@email.com | (312) 555-8762 | Chicago, IL 60614
linkedin.com/in/samantharodriguez92

Detail-oriented Payroll Accountant with 1.5 years of experience processing multi-state payroll and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. Skilled in payroll software systems and tax filing procedures with a track record of reducing processing errors by 17%. Currently pursuing CPP certification to enhance professional knowledge and career growth opportunities.

EXPERIENCE

Payroll Accountant
MidPoint Financial Services | Chicago, IL | June 2022 – Present

  • Process bi-weekly payroll for 278 employees across 4 states, ensuring accurate and timely payment while maintaining compliance with varying state tax regulations
  • Reconcile payroll accounts and review timesheets, addressing discrepancies before processing to reduce error rate from 3.2% to 1.4%
  • Prepare and file quarterly tax reports, W-2s, and 1099s while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local tax laws
  • Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll discrepancies, tax withholdings, and benefit deductions, typically resolving issues within 24 hours
  • Assist with year-end close procedures and audit preparation by gathering required documentation and explaining payroll processes to auditors

Payroll Intern
Westlake Community Hospital | Melrose Park, IL | January – May 2022

  • Assisted with processing payroll for 430+ healthcare employees, including nurses, administrative staff, and physicians
  • Entered timecard data into ADP Workforce Now and flagged unusual overtime patterns for supervisor review
  • Organized and filed confidential employee payroll records according to retention policies
  • Created Excel spreadsheets to track payroll tax deposits and filing deadlines, which was adopted as a department standard

Accounting Assistant (Part-time)
Green Leaf Bookkeeping | Chicago, IL | September 2020 – December 2021

  • Supported small business clients with basic bookkeeping tasks while completing undergraduate studies
  • Assisted with accounts payable/receivable, bank reconciliations, and general ledger entries
  • Helped process monthly payroll for 5-10 small business clients using QuickBooks Payroll

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science in Accounting
DePaul University, Chicago, IL | Graduated: May 2021
GPA: 3.6/4.0 | Relevant coursework: Payroll Accounting, Taxation, Business Law, Advanced Excel

Certifications & Professional Development:

  • Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) – American Payroll Association, 2022
  • ADP Workforce Now Certification – 2022
  • Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) – In progress, expected completion December 2023
  • QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor Certification – 2021

SKILLS

  • Payroll Software: ADP Workforce Now, Kronos, QuickBooks Payroll, Paylocity
  • Tax Compliance: Federal, state, and local tax regulations
  • Accounting Software: QuickBooks, Microsoft Dynamics GP
  • Multi-state payroll processing and tax filing
  • Wage garnishment administration
  • PTO and benefits accrual tracking
  • Advanced Excel (VLOOKUP, pivot tables, macros)
  • Data analysis and reporting
  • Time and attendance systems
  • Employee payroll onboarding/offboarding

Mid-level Payroll Accountant Resume Example

Melissa Winters

Miami, FL 33176 • (305) 555-7842 • melissa.winters@email.com • linkedin.com/in/melissawinters

Detail-oriented Payroll Accountant with 5+ years of experience managing multi-state payroll operations for mid-sized companies. Skilled in reconciling payroll discrepancies, implementing automated systems, and ensuring compliance with federal and state tax regulations. Known for reducing payroll processing time by 31% through process improvements and system upgrades while maintaining 99.8% accuracy rates.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Senior Payroll Accountant – Coastal Business Solutions, Miami, FL
June 2021 – Present

  • Process bi-weekly payroll for 412 employees across 7 states, managing all aspects from time approval to final payment distribution
  • Reduced manual data entry errors by 18% by implementing validation protocols and creating standardized input templates
  • Led migration from ADP to Workday Payroll, resulting in $43,800 annual cost savings and 31% faster processing times
  • Manage quarterly and year-end tax reporting, including preparation and filing of 941s, W-2s, and state-specific forms
  • Train and mentor 2 junior payroll specialists, developing comprehensive SOPs that improved team efficiency

Payroll Accountant – Greenfield Manufacturing, Tampa, FL
August 2019 – May 2021

  • Processed weekly payroll for 250+ hourly employees and bi-weekly payroll for 85 salaried staff using ADP Workforce Now
  • Reconciled payroll accounts and resolved discrepancies, maintaining 99.8% accuracy rate
  • Collaborated with HR to streamline onboarding processes, reducing new hire setup time from 2 days to 4 hours
  • Conducted regular audits of payroll data to ensure compliance with FLSA and state wage regulations

Payroll Specialist – Morgan Financial Group, Orlando, FL
January 2018 – July 2019

  • Assisted with semi-monthly payroll processing for 175 employees using Paychex
  • Performed data entry and verification of timesheets, ensuring accurate calculation of regular and overtime hours
  • Responded to employee inquiries regarding payroll discrepancies and tax withholding questions
  • Helped implement electronic time tracking system that reduced timesheet errors by 27%

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science in Accounting
University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL – 2017

CERTIFICATIONS

Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) – American Payroll Association, 2019
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) – American Payroll Association, 2022

TECHNICAL SKILLS

  • Payroll Systems: ADP Workforce Now, Workday Payroll, Paychex, UltiPro
  • Accounting Software: QuickBooks, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics
  • Compliance: Multi-state tax regulations, FLSA, FMLA, ACA
  • Tax Filing: W-2, W-4, 1099, 941, state/local tax forms
  • Advanced Excel: VLOOKUP, PivotTables, macros, data validation
  • Reporting: Crystal Reports, SQL basics, custom report creation

ADDITIONAL SKILLS

  • Process improvement & documentation
  • Data analysis & reconciliation
  • Cross-functional team collaboration
  • Problem-solving & critical thinking
  • Employee benefits administration (some experience with 401k and health insurance deductions)

Senior / Experienced Payroll Accountant Resume Example

Jennifer M. Alvarez

Boston, MA | (617) 555-8742 | jalvarez.payroll@gmail.com | linkedin.com/in/jenniferalvarez

Professional Summary

Dedicated Payroll Accountant with 9+ years of progressive experience managing full-cycle payroll operations for mid-size to large organizations. Skilled at streamlining payroll processes that reduced processing time by 31% while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Known for resolving complex payroll discrepancies and implementing system enhancements that improved data accuracy and reporting capabilities.

Professional Experience

Senior Payroll Accountant | Meridian Healthcare Group | Boston, MA | April 2019 – Present

  • Manage bi-weekly payroll processing for 1,200+ employees across 8 facilities, ensuring accurate and timely payments totaling $4.2M monthly
  • Led migration from ADP to Workday Payroll, resulting in 31% reduction in processing time and $87K annual cost savings
  • Conducted quarterly audits of payroll data, identifying and resolving discrepancies before they impacted financial reporting
  • Serve as primary point of contact for payroll inquiries from HR, Finance, and department managers
  • Trained and mentored 3 junior payroll specialists, developing department SOPs that improved team efficiency by 22%

Payroll Accountant | TechForward Solutions | Cambridge, MA | June 2016 – March 2019

  • Processed semi-monthly payroll for 650+ employees including salary, hourly, and commissioned staff
  • Maintained all payroll tax filings and payments, ensuring 100% compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
  • Reconciled payroll accounts monthly, identifying $43K in overpayments that were subsequently recovered
  • Implemented automated time-tracking system that reduced manual data entry by 75% and virtually eliminated timecard errors
  • Collaborated with IT to develop custom payroll reports that improved financial visibility for executive leadership

Payroll Specialist | Bayside Manufacturing, Inc. | Quincy, MA | August 2014 – May 2016

  • Processed weekly payroll for 300+ manufacturing employees across multiple shifts and pay rates
  • Calculated and processed garnishments, child support orders, and other specialized deductions
  • Managed year-end processes including W-2 preparation and distribution
  • Assisted with quarterly tax filings and reconciliations

Education & Certifications

Bachelor of Science in Accounting | Northeastern University | Boston, MA | 2014

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) | American Payroll Association | 2017 (recertified 2022) Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) | American Payroll Association | 2015

Workday Payroll Administration Certification | 2020

Technical Skills

  • Payroll Systems: Workday, ADP Workforce Now, Kronos, UltiPro
  • Accounting Software: QuickBooks, SAP, NetSuite
  • Advanced Excel (vlookups, pivot tables, macros)
  • Tax filing systems (federal and multi-state)
  • Time and attendance management
  • Data analysis and financial reporting

Professional Skills

  • Multi-state payroll tax compliance
  • Payroll process optimization
  • Audit preparation and response
  • Staff training and development
  • Year-end processing and reconciliation
  • Cross-functional team collaboration

How to Write a Payroll Accountant Resume

Introduction

Landing a great payroll accounting job starts with a standout resume. As someone who's reviewed hundreds of payroll resumes over the years, I can tell you that hiring managers typically spend just 7-12 seconds on their first scan! Your resume needs to quickly show you can handle everything from processing bi-weekly payrolls to tax compliance and reporting. This guide will walk you through creating a resume that showcases your payroll expertise and gets you interviews.

Resume Structure and Format

Keep your resume clean and scannable. Most payroll positions attract 75+ applicants, so making yours easy to read is crucial.

  • Stick to 1-2 pages (1 page for under 5 years experience, 2 pages max for veterans)
  • Use standard sections: Contact Info, Summary, Experience, Skills, Education, Certifications
  • Choose a readable font like Calibri or Arial in 10-12pt size
  • Include plenty of white space - cramped resumes get overlooked
  • Save as a PDF unless specifically asked for another format
Pro Tip: Many accounting firms use ATS software that can't read tables, headers/footers, or text boxes. Stick with simple formatting to ensure your resume gets through the digital gatekeepers.

Profile/Summary Section

Your summary should be 3-4 lines that highlight your payroll experience, key skills, and what makes you valuable. Think of it as your elevator pitch.

Example: "Detail-oriented Payroll Accountant with 4+ years managing full-cycle payroll for 300+ employees across multiple states. Experienced with ADP Workforce Now and Kronos. Reduced processing errors by 93% through improved verification procedures while maintaining 100% on-time payroll delivery."

Professional Experience

This is where you'll win or lose the interview. For each position, include:

  • Company name, location, your title, and dates (month/year)
  • Brief context about the company size and payroll volume
  • 5-7 bullet points emphasizing accomplishments, not just duties
  • Specific metrics showing your impact ($ saved, % improved, etc.)

Strong bullet example: "Reconciled and processed bi-weekly payroll for 178 employees, ensuring accuracy of time data, tax withholdings, and benefit deductions while meeting strict processing deadlines."

Weak bullet example: "Responsible for payroll processing."

Education and Certifications

List your degree(s), school, graduation year, and relevant coursework. If you've earned certifications like CPP (Certified

Payroll Professional) or FPC (Fundamental Payroll Certification), put these front and center! Even relevant software certifications like ADP or Quickbooks can set you apart.

Keywords and ATS Tips

Nearly all mid-to-large employers use Applicant Tracking Systems that screen resumes before a human sees them. Include these payroll-specific keywords (naturally woven into your content):

  • Multi-state payroll
  • Tax compliance
  • Wage garnishments
  • Year-end processing
  • W-2/1099 preparation
  • Payroll tax filings
  • FLSA compliance
  • Payroll reconciliation

Industry-specific Terms

Show you speak the language of payroll by including relevant terminology:

  • Software names: ADP, Kronos, Workday, UltiPro, Ceridian, Paychex
  • Regulations: FLSA, FUTA, SUTA, Section 125, 401(k)
  • Processes: General ledger reconciliation, accruals, PTO tracking

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I've seen thousands of payroll resumes over the years, and these missteps keep showing up:

  • Listing every single duty without showing achievements
  • Missing quantifiable metrics (how many employees? what % improvement?)
  • Failing to mention specific payroll systems you've used
  • Typos in financial figures (nothing kills credibility faster!)
  • Omitting relevant certifications or continuing education

Before/After Example

Before: "Handled payroll for company employees and made sure taxes were done right."

After: "Processed semi-monthly payroll for 243 employees across 7 states, ensuring compliance with multi-state tax regulations and reducing processing time by 6 hours per pay period through workflow improvements."

Remember, your resume isn't just a history of your jobs—it's a marketing document that should position you as the solution to an employer's payroll needs. Good luck with your job search!

Soft skills for your Payroll Accountant resume

  • Confidentiality and discretion when handling sensitive employee financial information
  • Clear communication skills for explaining payroll discrepancies to non-finance colleagues
  • Attention to detail, especially under tight processing deadlines
  • Problem-solving abilities for resolving payment errors and tax compliance issues
  • Empathetic listening when addressing employee payroll concerns or questions
  • Stress management during month-end processing and year-end tax filings

Hard skills for your Payroll Accountant resume

  • ADP Workforce Now and Paylocity payroll systems
  • Multi-state tax filing and compliance (17 states)
  • Excel (VBA macros, PivotTables, VLOOKUP functions)
  • QuickBooks Desktop and Online
  • SAP SuccessFactors and Workday HRIS integration
  • Federal wage garnishment processing
  • Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification
  • 401(k) and benefits reconciliation
  • Year-end W-2, 1099 and 1095-C preparation