Payroll Administrator

On a payroll administrator apprenticeship course, you’ll help set up and operate payroll within an organisation.

In medium and large organisations, payroll administrators may work as part of a team and report to a team leader, supervisor, or manager.

In smaller organisations, you may also be responsible for the accurate and timely completion of regular and non-routine payroll-related calculations and other information.

You’ll learn the primary duties, including gathering, producing, and processing essential information to ensure employees are paid on time and correctly.

This task will be done using software, but it will also need the ability to be done manually.

You’ll also learn how to fulfil statutory and contractual obligations and submit material internally and externally to meet a range of deadlines, some of which are very tight.

What you’ll learn

On a payroll administrator apprenticeship course, you’ll learn to:

• Plan, organise, and prioritise your workload and time to complete results within deadlines.
• Perform well in high-pressure situations, adjusting to changes as required.
• Use the Knowledge criteria in ‘Payroll’, and correctly analyse and interpret information to make effective data processing decisions.
• Assume responsibility for an issue until it is addressed, intensifying tense situations as necessary.
• Demonstrate the ability to identify and use appropriate workplace procedures and processes to complete tasks. For example, writing letters, sending an e-mail, analysing, inputting, and reporting on payroll data. Systems include Microsoft Office or a comparable programme, as well as payroll software utilised in the office.
• Use your expertise to provide high-quality, accurate data and information on time consistently. Provides outstanding support to customers with various payroll-related issues and requirements by demonstrating proper usage of agreed-upon workplace processes and procedures.
• Recognise and show your position within the team and the impact your actions have on others that work there throughout the organisation.
• While still able to work alone, consistently collaborates with and assists team members in achieving their objectives. Establish and maintain positive relationships both inside and outside of their team.
• Recognise external stakeholders and employ appropriate professional communication and engagement methods.
• Interact with payroll-related organisations and stakeholders, such as HMRC and The Pensions Regulator. Respond to enquiries promptly and professionally, allowing for the growth and maintenance of positive relationships.

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship.
• Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this before taking the end-point assessment.

Assessment methods

The End Point Assessment comprises of three assessment methods:  

• Multiple-Choice questions 
• Role Simulation 
• Professional Discussion

Duration, level, subjects and potential salary upon completion

Apprenticeship standard

More information about the Level 3 Payroll Administrator Apprenticeship standard can be found here.

Apprenticeship end point assessment

For more information about the End Point Assessment Process, please read the Institute of Apprenticeships’ information page.