Ensuring compliance with ever-changing tax regulations is a significant challenge for payroll professionals. Our comprehensive guide offers step-by-step instructions to help you stay abreast of the latest legislative updates and implement them efficiently in your payroll processes.
Land the job of your dreams with our bespoke guide on how to:
- Design and format your professional payroll CV;
- Curate your key contact information, skills, and achievements throughout your CV sections;
- Ensure your profile stays competitive by studying other industry-leading payroll CVs;
- Create a great CV even if you happen to have less professional experience, or switching fields.
When writing your payroll CV, you may need plenty of insights from hiring managers. We have prepared industry-leading advice in the form of our relevant CV guides.
Resume examples for payroll
Explore additional payroll cv samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Senior Payroll Specialist
- Structured and clear presentation enhances readability - The CV is well-organized with distinct sections for experience, skills, education, languages, passions, and achievements, providing an easy-to-follow narrative of Florence Knight's professional journey. The streamlined format ensures that key information is accessible, aiding a potential employer in quickly assessing her qualifications.
- Progressive career trajectory demonstrates commitment - Florence's career shows a consistent upward trajectory from a Payroll Administrator at KPMG to a Senior Payroll Analyst at Armstrong Watson, highlighting her dedication to advancing within the payroll industry. Each role builds upon her prior experience, reflecting growth in responsibility and expertise.
- Concrete achievements underscore business impact - The CV details significant accomplishments such as improving payroll accuracy and reducing response times, which directly translate into enhanced client satisfaction and process efficiency. These achievements not only demonstrate Florence's capability but also underline her contribution to the overall success of her employers.
Senior Payroll Analyst
- Clear and Structured Presentation - The CV is well-organized, with clearly defined sections that provide a comprehensive view of the candidate's qualifications and experience. The use of concise language ensures that the key points are communicated effectively without any superfluous content. This clarity in presentation makes it easy for hiring managers to quickly identify the candidate's main strengths and areas of expertise.
- Evident Career Growth and Progression - Alfie's career trajectory shows impressive growth, progressing from a Payroll Officer to a Senior Payroll Analyst. This advancement illustrates a deepening of expertise and increasing responsibilities over time, demonstrating a successful path in payroll management and systems analysis within institutional settings like universities and city councils.
- Emphasis on Technical Proficiency and System Mastery - The CV highlights Alfie's expert use of specialized tools and methodologies, particularly Workday and Microsoft Office. The detailed mention of implementing streamlined processes and conducting system configurations showcases technical depth and an ability to improve operational efficiencies significantly—essential in payroll and data reconciliation roles.
Junior Payroll Administrator
- Structured and Concise Presentation - The CV is skillfully organized into clear sections, each with pertinent information presented in a concise manner. This creates an easy-to-navigate format that allows potential employers to quickly identify key areas of expertise, experience, and achievements relevant to the Payroll Administrator role.
- Demonstrated Career Growth and Industry Familiarity - Ethan's career progression from a Payroll Intern to Payroll Analyst within a relatively short period reflects significant professional growth and an in-depth understanding of the payroll industry. His ascent to leadership roles in respected companies underscores his capacity for advancement and commitment to his field.
- Impact-Driven Achievements with Business Relevance - The CV is notable for its detailed recounting of business-relevant achievements, such as the reduction of payroll errors by 15% and enhancing employee satisfaction by 30%. These accomplishments highlight not only Ethan's technical capabilities but also his focus on improving organizational efficiency and employee experience.
By Role
Payroll Administrator
- Structured Presentation and Clarity - The CV is meticulously organized, starting with a concise header followed by well-defined sections comprising experience, education, skills, courses, achievements, languages, passions, and a summary. This clear structuring allows for easy navigation and quickly communicates the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities.
- Progressive Career Trajectory - Ava Phillips demonstrates a robust and progressive career path from a Payroll Administrator to a Payroll Specialist, with significant responsibilities and accomplishments at each stage. This upward growth within the payroll industry highlights her increasing expertise and responsibility, showcasing a strong career trajectory.
- Industry-Specific Achievements and their Impact - The CV details substantial achievements that are directly relevant to payroll management, such as implementing payroll system enhancements and coordinating HMRC compliance, which have not only improved process efficiency but also increased client retention by 25%. These achievements are framed in a way that underscores their business impact and relevance.
Payroll Manager
- Comprehensive and Structured Content Presentation - Daisy Shaw's CV is meticulously organized, with clearly defined sections that succinctly present her education, skills, and diverse experience. The layout ensures that the most important information—such as achievements and key responsibilities—is easy to find and digest, maintaining a balance between conciseness and detail.
- Consistent Career Advancement and Industry Expertise - The career trajectory showcases significant growth, from a Payroll Administrator to a Payroll Manager role. Each position reflects an increase in responsibilities, enhanced leadership roles, and advancing industry-specific expertise, particularly in payroll management and client service within top accounting firms.
- Proven Impact Through Quantifiable Achievements - Daisy's CV is rich with achievements that demonstrate her business impact. Notable metrics, such as reducing payroll anomalies by 15% and improving payroll accuracy by 18%, highlight her ability to deliver enhanced efficiency and compliance, which are crucial in the payroll industry.
Payroll Director
- Structured and Concise Presentation - The CV exhibits a clear and organized presentation, with well-defined sections such as Experience, Education, Skills, and Achievements. Each job role features bullet points that concisely summarize key responsibilities and accomplishments, facilitating easy navigation and comprehension.
- Impressive Career Progression - Harry has demonstrated a steady and impressive career trajectory, progressing from a Senior HR Consultant at PwC to the position of Payroll Transformation Director at Accenture. This highlights his growth within the HR and payroll transformation domain and showcases his capability to take on increasing responsibilities and leadership roles.
- Proficiency in Industry-Specific Technologies - A highlight of the CV is Harry's deep technical expertise, as evidenced by his proficiency in key technologies like SAP SuccessFactors, Workday, and Oracle Payroll. This technical depth is reinforced through specialized courses and certifications, underlining his commitment to staying updated in the rapidly evolving field of HR technology.
Payroll Analyst
- Strong Professional Progression - Florence Knight's career trajectory illustrates a consistent upward movement in her field, transitioning from a Payroll Administrator to a Senior Payroll Specialist. Each role showcases increased responsibilities, reflected in the number of employee records managed and the complexity of tasks handled, emphasizing her ability to grow and adapt within the payroll industry.
- Emphasis on Process Efficiency - The CV prominently features Knight's focus on enhancing operational efficiency through process improvements and system integrations. Her achievements, such as implementing a payroll audit system and streamlining payroll workflows, highlight significant reductions in errors and processing times, indicating a strong commitment to refining business operations.
- Diverse Skill Set and Educational Background - Knight's educational foundation, marked by an MBA and a Bachelor's in Business Management, complements her practical experience. This combination is further augmented by certifications like the Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), providing her with a comprehensive skill set that aligns well with her role as a Payroll Analyst, highlighting both her technical proficiency and strategic insight.
Payroll Coordinator
- Structured Experience Overview - The CV presents a clear and structured overview of Oliver's professional journey, emphasizing his progressive career growth from a Payroll Coordinator to a Senior Payroll Specialist. Each position is neatly delineated with specific dates, highlighting a steady trajectory of responsibility and skill enhancement.
- Achievements with Tangible Improvements - Every experience section includes quantifiable achievements that showcase Oliver's impact on each organization. For instance, by streamlining processes and improving reporting accuracy by 30%, Oliver demonstrates his efficiency-driven mindset and ability to enhance operational workflows.
- Technical Proficiency in Industry-Specific Tools - Oliver's expertise in Access Select Pay and advanced Excel functionalities like pivot tables and V-Lookups provides a solid technical foundation for his role as a Payroll Specialist. These skills are crucial for payroll processing and highlight his capacity to manage complex data efficiently, reflecting his technical depth in payroll systems.
Payroll Consultant
- Career Trajectory and Growth - Scarlett Murphy demonstrates a clear upward career trajectory, moving from a Payroll Manager at ADP to a Senior Payroll Manager at Deloitte. This progression reflects her expanding responsibilities and growing expertise in managing complex, global payroll systems, highlighting her readiness for senior roles in payroll management.
- Achievements with Business Impact - Throughout her career, Scarlett has consistently driven impactful changes, such as reducing payroll errors by 30% and improving compliance by 40% at Deloitte. These achievements underline her ability to contribute significantly to business efficiency and risk management, demonstrating how her work leads to substantial bottom-line improvements.
- Industry-Specific Tools and Methodologies - Her proficiency with industry-standard tools like ADP Workforce Now, SAP HCM, and Workday, combined with her skills in risk mitigation and process optimization, showcases her technical depth and ability to leverage technology for payroll innovation. This technical expertise is essential in modernizing payroll operations and enhancing strategic payroll decisions.
Payroll Clerk
- Structured and Specific Content Presentation - The CV is neatly structured with clear sections such as experience, education, skills, and achievements, making it easy for a recruiter to navigate. Each section concisely communicates key information, with career progress laid out in reverse chronological order for immediate impact.
- Diverse Experience and Career Progression - The document effectively showcases Louis Wood’s career trajectory, revealing a steady progression from a Payroll Coordinator to a Senior Payroll Specialist. This demonstrates not only natural growth within the payroll domain but also an increasing scope of responsibility and expertise.
- Industry-Specific Achievements and Impact - The CV incorporates unique industry-specific achievements such as the implementation of payroll software that increased processing speed by 25%, showing technical depth. Louis’s efforts in reducing errors and improving happiness through strategic initiatives mark him as a valuable asset to any payroll team.
Payroll Compliance Specialist
- Structured and Organized Format - The CV presents information in a well-structured and concise manner, making it easy for potential employers to identify key skills and experience at a glance. The sectioned layout effectively highlights each area of expertise, from professional experience to skills and certifications, ensuring clarity and readability throughout.
- Career Progression and Specialization - George Johnson's career trajectory demonstrates a clear progression in the payroll sector, moving from an HR Payroll Officer to an EMEA Payroll Specialist. This upward movement within reputable companies such as ADP and Sage showcases his developed expertise in EMEA payroll management and his growing leadership responsibilities.
- Impactful Achievements - The CV emphasizes significant achievements with quantifiable results, such as improving payroll accuracy by 25% and achieving a 98% client satisfaction rate. These accomplishments are not only presented as numbers but are directly tied to business outcomes, underlining the candidate's capacity to drive efficiency and enhance client relationships.
Payroll and Benefits Administrator
- Structured and Clear Presentation - Theodore Green's CV is well-organized, beginning with a succinct header introducing his professional identity and contact details, followed by a brief but compelling summary. Each section maintains clarity and conciseness, allowing the reader to quickly absorb essential information without being overwhelmed. The use of bullet points for achievements ensures that key accomplishments stand out, providing easy navigation through his professional journey.
- Progressive Career Development - The career trajectory depicted in Theodore's CV demonstrates a clear path of advancement, starting from an HR Assistant at Capita to a Senior Benefits Administrator at AON. This progression reflects not only his growing expertise in benefits administration but also his ability to take on increased responsibilities and lead significant initiatives, indicative of strong career growth within the industry.
- Mastery of Industry-Specific Tools and Analysis - Theodore's CV emphasizes his proficiency in industry-relevant tools like pivot tables and VLOOKUP, showcasing his technical expertise in data analysis crucial for benefits management. Additionally, his familiarity with HRIS systems highlights his capability to integrate technology in optimizing HR functions, further reinforced by his coursework in advanced employee benefits and data analysis, positioning him as a technically adept professional in his field.
Payroll and Benefits Manager
- Clear and Structured Presentation - The CV demonstrates a structured format with distinct sections such as experience, education, skills, and achievements, making it easy for readers to navigate. Each section is concise and focused, providing key information without overwhelming details. Bulleted lists within job roles offer clarity in presenting responsibilities and achievements, enhancing overall readability.
- Strategic Career Progression - Theodore Green's career trajectory illustrates a clear path of growth from a Payroll Administrator to a Payroll and Benefits Manager, highlighting a steady progression in responsibility and expertise. This advancement showcases dedication to the field of finance and operations, with increasing roles in managing larger teams and improving financial operations.
- Industry-Specific Skills and Methodologies - The CV emphasizes relevant skills such as payroll processing, pension administration, and compliance, which are crucial for the role of a Payroll and Benefits Manager. Advanced proficiency in Excel and experience with audit preparation demonstrate technical depth, while completed courses like the Chartered Payroll Professional add credibility and highlight ongoing professional development within the industry.
Payroll and HR Specialist
- Comprehensive Structure with Relevant Sections - The CV is well-organized, showcasing sections that are pertinent to a Human Resources Specialist role, such as Work Experience, Education, Skills, Languages, Courses, Achievements, and Passions. This structure aids in presenting a complete profile, ensuring a recruiter can quickly identify the candidate's suitability for the role.
- Evident Career Progression and Industry Consistency - Arthur's career trajectory is marked by clear progression from an HR Assistant to a Human Resources Specialist, all within reputable companies in the pharmaceutical and aerospace industries. This consistency demonstrates a focused career path and the ability to thrive within complex, industry-specific HR environments.
- Achievements Emphasize Strategic Impact - The CV highlights significant accomplishments such as a 30% reduction in onboarding time-to-productivity and a 50% increase in data handling efficiency through HRIS implementation. These achievements not only indicate technological adeptness but also reflect strategic contributions to business processes and employee satisfaction.
Payroll Accounting Specialist
- Structured For Readability - The CV is meticulously structured, facilitating easy navigation through detailed sections that are clearly labeled. Key achievements and experience are presented concisely, using bullet points for clarity, which efficiently guides the reader through Archie Clark's professional journey.
- Significant Career Advancement - Archie displays a notable trajectory from a Payroll Analyst to a Senior Payroll Specialist, evidencing professional growth and increasing responsibility. The career path shows a consistent alignment with the payroll sector, highlighting Clark's sustained commitment and expertise in this field.
- Emphasis on Process Improvement - A recurring theme in Archie's CV is the focus on process optimization, particularly through automation and streamlined procedures. These elements highlight a deep understanding of payroll operations and a commitment to driving efficiency within global payroll systems, which is a critical competence in the field.
Payroll Tax Specialist
- Clear and Structured Presentation - The CV is well-organized, starting with contact information and a concise summary that effectively captures Arthur’s specialization in payroll systems and legislation. Each section is meticulously presented, allowing for easy navigation and understanding of his professional journey.
- Impressive Career Trajectory - Arthur’s career displays steady growth, moving from Payroll Assistant to Payroll Specialist roles over nine years. The progression suggests a deepening expertise and increasing responsibilities, proving his capability to adapt and excel in the payroll field.
- Industry-Specific Proficiency - Arthur’s proficiency with payroll software such as Dayforce and HiBob, along with advanced Excel skills, highlights his technical depth. His expertise in payroll legislation and tax calculations underscores his comprehensive understanding of industry requirements.
Payroll Systems Analyst
- Effective Structure and Clarity - This CV excels in its clear presentation and logical structure, making it easy for hiring managers to quickly understand the candidate's qualifications. Each section is distinctly separated and succinct, offering a snapshot of Daisy Shaw's background, including her roles, achievements, and educational history, without overwhelming the reader with excessive detail.
- Progressive Career Growth - Daisy's career trajectory demonstrates consistent growth and increased responsibilities, showcasing her advancement from Payroll Coordinator to Senior Payroll Analyst. Her steady career progression within recognized companies, such as Sodexo and Compass Group, reflects her expanding expertise and adaptability in the payroll industry, marking her as a dedicated and upwardly mobile professional.
- Impactful Achievements with Business Relevance - The CV highlights quantitative achievements that underline Daisy's ability to deliver significant business impact. For instance, her initiative in automating payroll systems resulted in a 30% reduction in manual processing time, directly contributing to enhanced team efficiency. Such achievements not only stress her technical capability but also her strategic influence on improving operational processes within an organization.
Payroll and Compensation Analyst
- Comprehensive and Structured Presentation - This CV is thoughtfully structured, providing a clear and concise overview of the candidate's skills, experience, and qualifications. Each section is well-organized, making it easy for hiring managers to quickly locate pertinent information, such as key achievements and professional history.
- Demonstrates Career Growth and Adaptability - The candidate's career trajectory reflects significant growth and a clear ascent within the HR and compensation fields. Progressing from a Compensation Specialist to a Compensation Analyst at major corporations indicates an expanding skill set and dedication to career development in a dynamic industry.
- Emphasizes Unique Tools and Technical Expertise - A standout feature is the candidate's proficiency in industry-specific tools like PeopleSoft HRMS, which is crucial for roles involving compensation analysis and HR data management. This technical depth highlights the candidate's capability to leverage technology for enhancing HR processes.
Formatting your payroll CV to meet the role expectations
Staring at the blank page for hours on end, you still have no idea how you should start your professional payroll CV. Should you include more colours, two columns, and which sections? What you should remember about your CV format is this - ensure it's minimalistic and doesn't go over the top with fancy fonts and many colours. Instead, focus on writing consistent content that actually answers the job requirements. But, how about the design itself :
- Use the reverse chronological order to showcase your experience, starting with your most recent role;
- Include your contact details (email address, phone number, and location) - and potentially your professional photo - in the header;
- Must-have CV sections include summary or objective, experience, education, and skills: curate the ones that fit your profile;
- Your professional payroll CV should be between one-to-two pages long: select the longer format if you have more experience.
A little bit more about your actual CV design, ensure you're using:
- plenty of serif or sans serif font (e.g. Montserrat, Exo 2, Volkhov) as they are Applicant Tracker System (ATS) compliant. Avoid the likes of Arial and Times New Roman because most candidates' CVs are in this typography.
When submitting your CV, are you still not sure what format it should be? Despite the myth that has been circling around, most modern ATS systems are perfectly capable of reading PDFs. This format is an excellent choice as it keeps all of your information intact.
PRO TIP
Be mindful of white space; too much can make the CV look sparse, too little can make it look cluttered. Strive for a balance that makes the document easy on the eyes.
The top sections on a payroll CV
- Contact Information to enable recruiters to reach out.
- Professional Summary to provide a snapshot of qualifications.
- Payroll Skills section to highlight relevant competencies.
- Work Experience to showcase past payroll roles and duties.
- Education and Certifications to show foundational knowledge and specialisations.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Highlight your proficiency with payroll software and systems such as Sage, Xero, or QuickBooks; employers value candidates who can seamlessly integrate with their existing infrastructure.
- Detail your experience with various payroll processes such as PAYE, National Insurance contributions, pension schemes, and statutory payments to demonstrate your comprehensive knowledge.
- Emphasise any qualifications specific to payroll such as the CIPP's Certificate in Payroll or any HMRC payroll training to establish your credibility and commitment to the role.
- Showcase your ability to handle confidential information with discretion and integrity as trustworthiness is paramount in roles handling sensitive employee data.
- Document your experience with reporting, compliance, and resolving payroll discrepancies as this shows your capability to maintain accuracy and adhere to regulations.
Recommended reads:
Making a good first impression with your payroll CV header
Your typical CV header consists of Your typical CV header consists of contact details and a headline. Make sure to list your professional phone number, email address, and a link to your professional portfolio (or, alternatively, your LinkedIn profile). When writing your CV headline , ensure it's:
- tailored to the job you're applying for;
- highlights your unique value as a professional;
- concise, yet matches relevant job ad keywords.
You can, for examples, list your current job title or a particular skill as part of your headline. Now, if you decide on including your photo in your CV header, ensure it's a professional one, rather than one from your graduation or night out. You may happen to have plenty more questions on how to make best the use of your CV headline. We'll help you with some real-world examples, below.
Examples of good CV headlines for payroll:
- Senior Payroll Specialist | CIPP-Certified | Regulatory Compliance Expert | 10+ Years in Industry
- Payroll Manager | Strategic Payroll Operations | Staff Leadership | CPP | 15-Year Track Record
- Payroll Administrator | Payroll Software Proficiency | Accurate Processing | 3 Years' Practical Experience
- Payroll Officer | Employee Benefits Management | Excel & Payroll Systems Adept | 5 Years in Role
- Payroll Coordinator | HMRC Reporting | Payroll Auditing | AAT Qualified | 8 Years' Experience
- Lead Payroll Consultant | International Payroll Integration | Process Optimization | CIPD | 12+ Years Expertise
Opting between a payroll CV summary or objective
Within the top one third of your payroll CV, you have the opportunity to briefly summarise your best achievements or present your professional goals and dreams. Those two functions are met by either the CV summary or the objective.
- The summary is three-to-five sentences long and should narrate your best successes, while answering key requirements for the role. Select up to three skills which you can feature in your summary. Always aim to present what the actual outcomes were of using your particular skill set. The summary is an excellent choice for more experienced professionals.
- The objective is more focused on showcasing your unique value as a candidate and defining your dreams and ambitions. Think about highlighting how this current opportunity would answer your career vision. Also, about how you could help your potential employers grow. The objective matches the needs of less experienced candidates, who need to prove their skill set and, in particular, their soft skills.
Still not sure about how to write your CV opening statement? Use some best industry examples as inspiration:
CV summaries for a payroll job:
- Dedicated Payroll Specialist with over 6 years of experience in the financial services sector, providing comprehensive payroll management, including setting up payroll systems and ensuring compliance with regional tax laws. Key achievement includes the consolidation and automation of payroll processes, resulting in a 30% reduction in processing time for ABC Financial Ltd.
- Seasoned Human Resources Manager transitioning into Payroll Management, bringing more than 8 years of HR experience with a strong focus on compensation and employee relations. Recognised for designing and implementing an employee benefits program that increased staff retention by 25% at XYZ Corp.
- Driven professional with a strong background in accounting and a passion for numbers, seeking to leverage 10 years of experience in financial data analysis and reporting to transition into a payroll management role. Proven ability to manage complex financial data, having successfully led a project to overhaul the financial reporting system at DEF Global.
- Accomplished Finance Director aiming to pivot into payroll management, offering 12 years of experience in strategic financial planning, budget management, and team leadership. Instrumental in increasing profit margins by 15% through the implementation of cost-saving initiatives at GHI Industries.
- Highly motivated graduate with a BSc in Business Administration, eager to begin a career in payroll management. Committed to gaining hands-on experience, with a strong interest in understanding payroll systems and keen attention to detail, looking to contribute positively to a fast-paced payroll department.
- Aspiring payroll professional currently completing an MSc in Human Resource Management, with a profound interest in compensation and benefits. Seeking an entry-level opportunity to develop practical payroll skills while contributing to the efficiency and accuracy of payroll administration in a dynamic organisation.
The best formula for your payroll CV experience section
The CV experience section is the space where many candidates go wrong by merely listing their work history and duties. Don't do that. Instead, use the job description to better understand what matters most for the role and integrate these keywords across your CV. Thus, you should focus on:
- showcasing your accomplishments to hint that you're results-oriented;
- highlighting your skill set by integrating job keywords, technologies, and transferrable skills in your experience bullets;
- listing your roles in reverse chronological order, starting with the latest and most senior, to hint at how you have grown your career;
- featuring metrics, in the form of percentage, numbers, etc. to make your success more tangible.
When writing each experience bullet, start with a strong, actionable verb, then follow it up with a skill, accomplishment, or metric. Use these professional examples to perfect your CV experience section:
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
- Expertly managed payroll processing for over 300 employees, ensuring accurate and timely salary payments in compliance with company policies and statutory requirements.
- Implemented a new payroll system that improved efficiency by 25%, reducing processing errors and achieving a 99.8% accuracy rate in salary calculations.
- Consistently met deadlines for payroll tax submissions, including PAYE and National Insurance, maintaining a perfect track record with HM Revenue & Customs.
- Conducted regular payroll audits to ensure data integrity, leading to a reduction in discrepancies and an increase in compliance with financial regulations.
- Successfully integrated payroll functions following a company merger, harmonising systems and avoiding any disruption to employee salary payments.
- Liaised with HR to update employee records, accurately reflecting changes such as promotions, salary increases, and leavers, ensuring payroll aligns with HR documentation.
- Provided exceptional support during annual salary reviews and bonus allocations, facilitating clear communication and smooth payroll updates company-wide.
- Led a series of payroll-related training sessions for managers and staff, improving organisational understanding and ensuring strict adherence to payroll procedures.
- Resolved complex employee payroll queries with discretion and professionalism, maintaining confidentiality and fostering trust within the workforce.
Work Experience
Payroll Administrator
HSBC UK
01/2017-12/2019
- Managed payroll functions for over 500 employees, enhancing payroll processing efficiency by 30% through the implementation of new software.
- Ensured compliance with HM Revenue & Customs regulations and updated the payroll system to reflect the latest tax codes, resulting in zero penalty fees.
- Led the transition team for a payroll conversion project, which was completed two weeks ahead of schedule, without disruption to employee payments.
Work Experience
Payroll Specialist
Tesco PLC
06/2012-05/2016
- Designed and implemented a bespoke payroll processing system to accommodate the complexities of 800+ staff, reducing payroll discrepancies by 50%.
- Conducted thorough audits of payroll accounts, identifying and correcting errors that saved the company over £20,000 annually.
- Spearheaded a training initiative for payroll department staff to strengthen their understanding of payroll legislation and best practices.
Work Experience
Senior Payroll Coordinator
Barclays
11/2019-Ongoing
- Develop and maintain harmonious relationships with employees by addressing and resolving payroll queries for a workforce of 1,200.
- Coordinated with the HR department to ensure accurate and timely processing of payroll adjustments for new hires, terminations, and benefits changes.
- Presented quarterly payroll budget reports to the finance team, aiding in more precise forecasting and strategic financial planning.
Work Experience
Payroll Operations Officer
Lloyds Banking Group
04/2009-03/2013
- Optimised payroll operations for 300 employees by integrating an automated time-tracking system with payroll software, slashing payroll processing time by 40%.
- Collaborated with the IT department to debug and enhance the payroll module within the company's ERP system, ensuring greater reliability and user satisfaction.
- Managed end-of-year payroll reconciliation and reporting, effectively meeting all deadlines and assisting with swift closure of the fiscal year accounts.
Work Experience
Payroll Manager
BP plc
02/2014-01/2020
- Directed the bi-weekly disbursement of multi-million-pound payroll, including garnishments, benefits, and taxes for 2,000 employees across varied departments.
- Successfully negotiated with payroll software vendors to secure a 10% cost reduction for yearly subscriptions, translating to significant savings.
- Planned and executed a company-wide switch to paperless pay stubs, which increased employee engagement and reduced paper waste by 90%.
Work Experience
Global Payroll Consultant
Unilever
07/2016-06/2021
- Pioneered a real-time payroll dashboard providing executives with instant access to payroll analytics, aiding in strategic workforce cost management.
- Developed a rewards program in conjunction with payroll, which raised employee retention rates by 20% within the first year of implementation.
- Facilitated migration to a global payroll vendor, streamlining payroll processes across subsidiaries in 5 countries and improving payroll accuracy.
Work Experience
Payroll Team Leader
GlaxoSmithKline
08/2013-07/2018
- Revamped payroll reporting procedures to track overtime spending, revealing opportunities for a 15% reduction in unwarranted labour costs.
- Acted as the primary point of contact for expatriate payroll issues, ensuring full regulatory compliance and timely tax submissions.
- Organized payroll department participation in cross-training with accounting, resulting in a more versatile and knowledgeable in-house team.
Work Experience
Payroll Officer
AstraZeneca UK
05/2020-Ongoing
- Orchestrated the successful implementation of a cloud-based payroll system for over 700 employees, ensuring business continuity during the remote work transition.
- Leveraged expertise in payroll analytics to deliver detailed cost reports, influencing the executive decision-making process for budget allocations.
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement by initiating regular payroll process reviews which highlighted areas for streamlining and automation.
Swapping your professional experience (when you have none) with skills and more
Never underestimate the importance of relevancе when it comes to your payroll CV. Even if you don't happen to have much or any standard (full-time contract) professional experience, this doesn't mean you shouldn't apply for the role. Instead of a bespoke CV experience section:
- Showcase more prominently any internships, part-time roles, and volunteer experience that are applicable to the role and have taught you job-crucial skills;
- Feature a strengths or achievements section with your transferrable skills or talents you've obtained thanks to your work or life experience;
- Write an objective statement that clearly outlines your values as a candidate and defines your career ambitions;
- List your education or certificates that match the job profile closer to the top of your CV.
Recommended reads:
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If applicable, briefly mention a situation where things didn’t go as planned and what you learned from it, demonstrating your ability to learn and adapt.
The CV skills' divide: between hard and soft skills
Of course, you may have read the job requirements plenty of times now, but it's key to note that there is a difference between technical and personal skills. Both are equally relevant to your job application. When writing about your skill set, ensure you've copy-pasted the precise skill from the job requirement. This would not only help you ensure you have the correct spelling, but also pass any Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessments.
- Hard skills show your technological capabilities. Or whether you'll be a good technical fit to the organisation. Ensure you've spotlighted your hard skills in various sections of your CV (e.g. skills section, projects, experience) by including the technology and what you've attained;
- Soft skills pinpoint your personality and people or communication skills, hinting at if you'll easily accomodate into the team or organisation. Quantify your soft skills in your CV achievements, strengths, summary/objective, and experience sections. Always support your soft skills with how they've helped you grow as a professional.
Top skills for your payroll CV:
HARD SKILLS
Payroll Processing
Knowledge of Tax Procedures
Familiarity with Payroll Software
Data Entry
Numeracy Skills
Attention to Detail
Understanding of Employment Laws
Benefits Administration
MS Excel Proficiency
Accounting Principles
SOFT SKILLS
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving
Teamwork
Discretion and Confidentiality
Time Management
Organisational Skills
Adaptability
Interpersonal Skills
Integrity
Analytical Skills
PRO TIP
Use mini case studies or success stories in your CV to demonstrate how your skills have positively impacted previous roles or projects.
Further professional qualifications for your payroll CV: education and certificates
As you're nearing the end of your payroll CV, you may wonder what else will be relevant to the role. Recruiters are keen on understanding your academic background, as it teaches you an array of hard and soft skills. Create a dedicated education section that lists your:
- applicable higher education diplomas or ones that are at a postgraduate level;
- diploma, followed up with your higher education institution and start-graduation dates;
- extracurricular activities and honours, only if you deem that recruiters will find them impressive.
Follow a similar logic when presenting your certificates. Always select ones that will support your niche expertise and hint at what it's like to work with you. Balance both technical certification with soft skills courses to answer job requirements and company values. Wondering what the most sought out certificates are for the industry? Look no further:
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If you have received professional endorsements or recommendations for certain skills, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, mention these to add credibility.
Recommended reads:
Key takeaways
Impressing recruiters with your experience, skill set, and values starts with your professional payroll CV. Write concisely and always aim to answer job requirements with what you've achieved; furthermore:
- Select a simple design that complements your experience and ensures your profile is presentable;
- Include an opening statement that either spotlights your key achievements (summary) or showcases your career ambitions (objective);
- Curate your experience bullets, so that each one commences with a strong, action verb and is followed up by your skill and accomplishment;
- List your hard and soft skills all across different sections of your CV to ensure your application meets the requirements;
- Dedicate space to your relevant higher education diplomas and your certificates to show recruiters you have the necessary industry background.
