Payroll Resume examples & templates

Written by: 

Adam

Build Your Resume Now
Copyable resume examples

Copyable Payroll Resume examples

Ever wonder why payroll professionals are often the most popular people in the office? (Hint: everyone loves the person who makes sure they get paid!) Behind those timely paychecks lies a complex and evolving profession that combines financial precision with regulatory knowledge. Payroll isn't just about processing payments—it's about ensuring compliance, managing tax obligations, and often serving as the first line of defense against costly errors that can impact both employees and the company's bottom line.

The payroll landscape has shifted dramatically in recent years, with 78% of organizations now using some form of cloud-based payroll solution according to a 2023 Deloitte survey. This tech evolution means today's payroll professionals need a broader skill set than ever before. Beyond number-crunching, the modern payroll expert navigates sophisticated software systems, interprets changing regulations across jurisdictions, and often collaborates with HR on broader workforce planning initiatives. As payroll continues to integrate with broader HR technology ecosystems, professionals who can bridge the gap between technical processing and strategic workforce planning will find themselves increasingly valuable in tomorrow's job market.

Junior Payroll Resume Example

RACHEL ANDERSON

Pittsburgh, PA • (412) 555-8217 • randerson@emailpro.com • linkedin.com/in/rachel-anderson

Detail-oriented Payroll Specialist with experience processing multi-state payroll for 200+ employees. Strong skills in data verification, tax compliance, and payroll systems. Committed to accuracy and confidentiality with a track record of reducing processing time by 17% through improved workflows.

EXPERIENCE

Payroll Specialist | Bright Horizons Healthcare | Pittsburgh, PA | January 2023 – Present

  • Process bi-weekly payroll for 215 healthcare employees across 3 states using ADP Workforce Now
  • Resolve approximately 15-20 employee payroll inquiries weekly with 97% first-contact resolution rate
  • Audit timesheets and validate overtime calculations to ensure compliance with FLSA regulations
  • Manage payroll tax deposits and filing requirements for PA, OH, and WV jurisdictions
  • Created step-by-step process documentation that reduced training time for new team members by 3 days

Payroll Assistant | TechForward Solutions | Pittsburgh, PA | June 2022 – December 2022

  • Assisted with weekly payroll processing for 125+ employees using Paychex platform
  • Managed data entry for new hires, terminations, and pay rate changes with 99.8% accuracy
  • Performed reconciliation of payroll reports and identified $4,700 in overpayment errors
  • Helped prepare quarterly tax filings under supervision of Payroll Manager

Administrative Assistant (Part-time) | Westview Accounting | Pittsburgh, PA | September 2021 – May 2022

  • Provided administrative support to accounting team while completing degree
  • Processed employee expense reports and maintained organized filing system
  • Assisted with basic payroll data entry during peak periods

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration | University of Pittsburgh | May 2022

Concentration in Accounting • GPA: 3.6/4.0

CERTIFICATIONS

Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) | American Payroll Association | August 2022

ADP Workforce Now Certification | Completed December 2023

SKILLS

  • Payroll Systems: ADP Workforce Now, Paychex, QuickBooks Payroll
  • Multi-state tax compliance
  • Wage garnishments and deductions
  • FLSA and overtime calculations
  • Time and attendance management
  • Data verification and auditing
  • Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUP, PivotTables)
  • Year-end W-2 processing
  • Employee benefits administration
  • Strong attention to detail

ADDITIONAL

Active member of Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Payroll Association
Volunteer tax preparer for VITA program (2023 tax season)

Mid-level Payroll Resume Example

Jennifer Morales

(702) 555-8124 • j.morales.payroll@email.com • linkedin.com/in/jennifermorales • Henderson, NV 89052

Detail-oriented Payroll Specialist with 5+ years of experience managing end-to-end payroll operations and compliance across multiple states. Track record of streamlining payroll processes that reduced processing time by 31% while maintaining 99.7% accuracy. Passionate about finding solutions to complex tax and benefit challenges while ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Senior Payroll Specialist | Desert Horizon Healthcare | Las Vegas, NV | March 2021 – Present

  • Process bi-weekly payroll for 387 employees across 4 states, managing $1.2M in monthly payments while maintaining 99.7% accuracy rate
  • Implemented new time-tracking software that reduced processing time from 16 hours to 11 hours per pay period
  • Collaborate with HR to resolve complex benefits deduction issues, cutting error-related inquiries by 24%
  • Prepare and file quarterly tax reports for multiple states, ensuring compliance with varying tax regulations
  • Train and mentor 2 junior payroll clerks on proper procedures and troubleshooting

Payroll Administrator | Westview Manufacturing, Inc. | Henderson, NV | June 2019 – March 2021

  • Processed weekly payroll for 210+ hourly employees and bi-weekly payroll for 45 salaried staff
  • Reduced payroll processing errors by 36% through implementation of pre-audit checklists
  • Managed year-end processes including W-2 preparation, verification, and distribution
  • Reconciled payroll accounts and general ledger entries monthly, identifying and correcting $18K in misclassified expenses

Payroll Clerk | Reynolds Retail Group | Las Vegas, NV | August 2018 – June 2019

  • Assisted with bi-weekly payroll processing for 150+ employees across 12 retail locations
  • Validated time cards and resolved discrepancies prior to payroll submission
  • Responded to employee inquiries regarding pay, tax withholdings, and benefits deductions
  • Maintained organized filing system for payroll records and employee changes

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration | Finance Concentration
University of Nevada, Las Vegas | 2018

Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) | American Payroll Association | 2019

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) | American Payroll Association | 2022

TECHNICAL SKILLS

  • Payroll Systems: ADP Workforce Now, Paychex Flex, Kronos, Workday
  • ERP Systems: SAP, Oracle NetSuite
  • Tax Filing: Federal/State/Local tax compliance, W-2, W-4, 1099 processing
  • Advanced Excel: VLOOKUP, PivotTables, Macros, Data Validation
  • Benefits Administration: Health insurance, 401(k), FSA/HSA, PTO tracking
  • Compliance: FLSA, FMLA, ACA, multi-state tax requirements

ADDITIONAL SKILLS

  • Process Improvement & Automation
  • Payroll Reconciliation & Auditing
  • Cross-functional Team Collaboration
  • Employee Data Management
  • Problem-solving & Critical Thinking

Senior / Experienced Payroll Resume Example

Jessica R. Mendoza

jmendoza@emailpro.com | (555) 827-4031 | linkedin.com/in/jrmendoza | Chicago, IL

Detail-oriented Payroll Manager with 10+ years of experience in high-volume payroll operations across multiple industries. Expert in payroll tax compliance, system implementations, and process optimization. Reduced processing errors by 97% through strategic workflow redesign and staff training. Seeking to leverage extensive experience in a challenging senior payroll leadership position.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Senior Payroll Manager | Greenlake Healthcare Systems | Chicago, IL | January 2019 – Present

  • Manage bi-weekly payroll processing for 3,200+ employees across 12 facilities, ensuring 99.8% accuracy rate and strict compliance with healthcare-specific regulations
  • Led successful migration from ADP to Workday Payroll, reducing processing time by 16 hours per pay cycle while improving reporting capabilities
  • Implemented paperless pay stub delivery system, saving $43,500 annually in printing and distribution costs
  • Collaborate with HR, Finance, and IT to resolve complex payroll issues, including retroactive adjustments and union-specific pay requirements
  • Supervise team of 4 payroll specialists, providing mentorship and performance evaluations while maintaining department turnover below 5%

Payroll Supervisor | NexGen Manufacturing, Inc. | Evanston, IL | March 2015 – December 2018

  • Managed weekly payroll processing for 850+ manufacturing employees, including complex shift differentials and piece-rate calculations
  • Spearheaded implementation of time clock integration with payroll system, cutting processing time by 37% and reducing manual errors
  • Administered multistate payroll tax compliance, successfully navigating 2 state tax audits with zero penalties
  • Created comprehensive payroll procedures manual and training program that reduced onboarding time for new payroll staff from 6 weeks to 3 weeks

Payroll Specialist | Weston Financial Group | Chicago, IL | August 2013 – February 2015

  • Processed semi-monthly payroll for 400+ employees, managing time and attendance data, garnishments, and benefit deductions
  • Reconciled payroll accounts and prepared journal entries for accounting department
  • Handled employee payroll inquiries and resolved discrepancies within 24-hour timeframe
  • Assisted with year-end processes including W-2 preparation and ACA reporting requirements

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor of Science in Accounting | DePaul University | Chicago, IL | 2012

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) | American Payroll Association | 2016 (recertified 2021)

Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) | American Payroll Association | 2014

Workday Payroll Certification | 2020

SKILLS

  • Payroll Systems: Workday, ADP Workforce Now, Kronos, UltiPro
  • Tax Compliance: Multi-state taxation, W-2/W-4 processing, garnishments
  • Technical: Advanced Excel (VLOOKUP, pivot tables, macros), SQL basics, HRIS integration
  • Regulatory: FLSA, FMLA, ACA compliance, union contracts
  • Leadership: Team management, process improvement, cross-functional collaboration
  • Problem-solving: Root cause analysis, error resolution, audit preparation

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

American Payroll Association (APA), Member since 2014
Chicago Payroll Association, Board Member 2020-Present

How to Write a Payroll Resume

Introduction

Creating a standout payroll resume isn't just about listing your jobs—it's about showcasing your precision with numbers, compliance expertise, and problem-solving abilities. I've reviewed thousands of payroll resumes over my career, and the difference between those that land interviews and those that don't often comes down to specificity. Payroll professionals handle sensitive financial information and ensure everyone gets paid correctly (no pressure!). Your resume needs to reflect both your technical skills and your reliability.

Resume Structure and Format

Keep your payroll resume clean and organized—just like your payroll records should be.

  • Stick to 1-2 pages (one page for under 5 years experience, two for more senior roles)
  • Use a simple, professional font like Calibri or Arial at 10-12pt size
  • Include clear section headings with consistent formatting
  • Incorporate plenty of white space—cramped documents are hard to scan
  • Save as a PDF to preserve formatting unless specifically asked for a Word doc
Pro Tip: Name your file strategically! "Jane_Smith_Payroll_Specialist.pdf" helps hiring managers find your resume when they've downloaded 50+ files.

Profile/Summary Section

Your summary should immediately identify your payroll expertise and experience level. For payroll positions, emphasize compliance knowledge, software proficiency, and quantifiable achievements.

Example for mid-level position:
"Payroll Specialist with 5+ years processing bi-weekly payroll for 500+ employees across multiple states. Proficient in ADP Workforce Now and

UKG Pro with experience managing tax filings, garnishments, and benefits deductions. Reduced processing errors by 97% through implementation of automated validation checks."

Professional Experience

This is where you'll win or lose the interview. Vague descriptions like "processed payroll" don't cut it. Instead:

  • Start bullets with strong action verbs: calculated, reconciled, implemented, streamlined
  • Include specific metrics: payroll size (# of employees), frequency (weekly/bi-weekly), error rates
  • Highlight complex payroll situations you've handled: multi-state, union contracts, shift differentials
  • Showcase compliance knowledge: tax laws, wage garnishments, reporting requirements
  • Mention specific software: ADP, Workday, UKG/Kronos, Ceridian, QuickBooks, etc.

Education and Certifications

Certifications can set you apart in payroll. List these prominently, especially:

  • Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
  • Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC)
  • American Payroll Association memberships
  • Software certifications (ADP, Workday, etc.)
  • Relevant degrees in accounting, finance, or business

Keywords and ATS Tips

Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems to filter resumes before human eyes see them. To make it past these digital gatekeepers:

  • Include specific payroll terms: wage garnishments, W-2 preparation, 401(k) deductions, tax filing
  • Match keywords from the job description (but don't just copy-paste them!)
  • Spell out acronyms at least once (ADP Workforce Now vs just "ADP")
  • Avoid tables, headers/footers, and text boxes that might confuse the ATS

Industry-specific Terms

Sprinkle these throughout your resume to signal your expertise:

  • Wage and hour compliance
  • FLSA, FUTA, SUTA
  • Quarter-end/year-end processing
  • General ledger reconciliation
  • PTO accruals and tracking
  • Form 941/944 filings
  • Multi-state taxation

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I've seen thousands of payroll resumes, and these errors pop up constantly:

  • Being too vague about payroll volume and complexity
  • Focusing on routine tasks instead of achievements and problem-solving
  • Not specifying which payroll systems you've actually used hands-on
  • Overlooking attention to detail (ironically, through resume typos!)
  • Failing to mention compliance knowledge and tax filing experience

Before/After Example

Before: "Responsible for processing company payroll and ensuring employees were paid on time."

After: "Processed bi-weekly payroll for 347 employees across 8 states, managing complex tax jurisdictions and various deduction types. Implemented validation process that reduced payment errors by 23% and saved approximately $14,500 in correction costs annually."

Remember—your resume is your first payroll "calculation." Make sure it adds up to an interview!

Soft skills for your Payroll resume

  • Clear communication between finance, HR, and employees on complex payroll issues
  • Diplomatic problem-solving when addressing sensitive payroll discrepancies
  • Ability to translate technical payroll regulations into plain language for non-finance staff
  • Stress management during peak processing periods (tax season, year-end closing)
  • Detail-oriented while maintaining big-picture perspective on cash flow implications
  • Cross-functional collaboration with benefits, HR, and accounting teams

Hard skills for your Payroll resume

  • ADP Workforce Now & Payroll Processing (7+ years experience)
  • Multi-state tax compliance and reporting
  • Kronos timekeeping system administration
  • QuickBooks Payroll & Xero Payroll
  • Workday HCM Payroll module configuration
  • Garnishment processing and wage order management
  • Year-end W-2, 1099, and ACA reporting
  • Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUP, PivotTables, macros)
  • Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC)