A Payroll Coordinator deals with all payroll-related functions in an organization on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. Typically working in a team and reporting to a Payroll Supervisor, the Payroll Coordinator requires the following skills and attributes:
- Accounting background
- Excellent computer literacy
- Knowledge of all major payroll software packages
- Knowledge of tax requirements and deduction policies
- Total attention to detail
- Expert numerical literacy
- Ability to work to deadlines
As well as running the payroll function in an organization, the Payroll Coordinator will often have to answer payroll-related queries, handle discrepancies, manage leave allocations and remain abreast of any legislative changes.
While not a management position, the Payroll Coordinator’s job is of vital importance in an organization, given the level of detail focus required and the financial amounts involved.
Similar Job Titles:
Payroll Specialist, Departmental Payroll Clerk, Payroll Clerk,Payroll Processor
What Does a Payroll Coordinator Typically Do?
A Payroll Coordinator runs the entire payroll process in a department or organization. This involves all aspects of remuneration for staff, whether casual, part-time or full-time, and typically involves the following tasks:
- Creating, maintaining and updating employee records
- Collecting timesheets and work records
- Tracking leave taken and remaining
- Calculating benefits, commission, bonuses and other emoluments
- Calculating the payroll
- Preparing payslips or statements of earnings, taxes and deductions
- Distributing the payroll
- Reviewing payroll actuals versus budget
- Ensuring compliance with company policy and legislation
- Preparing payroll reports for audits and for management
Creating, maintaining and updating employee records
All employees, whether casual, part-time, or full-time must be recorded on the system, together with contact details, payment methods, tax details, and any other information required by legislation.
Collecting timesheets and work records
This involves the collection and filing of all work records for all employees as physical verification of work done. Often, the Payroll Coordinator will be tasked with chasing missing documentation.
Tracking leave taken and remaining
All leave taken and remaining, including paid, unpaid, sickness, and emergency leave, must be tracked and kept up to date on the payroll system. Similarly, any long-service leave increments must be captured and maintained.
Calculating benefits, overtime, commission, bonuses and other emoluments
All monies due other than standard wages or salaries must be calculated and inputted timeously into the payroll system.
Calculating the payroll
This will, in most cases, be automatic, but must be cross-checked and verified before payment.
Preparing payslips or statements of earnings, taxes and deductions
All employee payment records for each payment period must be prepared and verified.
Distributing the payroll
The Payroll Coordinator must ensure and verify the correct payments are made to the correct recipients at the correct time. This will mostly be by electronic transfer but some employees may also require checks to be delivered.
Reviewing payroll actuals versus budget
This cross-checks that payroll actuals are in line with budgets and ensures the Finance Department can track cash flow accurately.
Ensuring compliance with company policy and legislation
This involves regular checking that systems for calculating payments, as well as the payments themselves, comply with company policy and with the relevant legislation. It is also periodically necessary to check for changes in the legislative environment and update processes accordingly.
Preparing payroll reports for audits and for management
Weekly and monthly payroll tracking must be collated and presented to management to allow management reports to accurately reflect actuals. In addition, these reports must be formatted in such a way as to satisfy auditing requirements.
The role of Payroll Coordinator demands perfectionism, dedication and a love of detailed process.
Roles a Payroll Coordinator typically collaborates with
| Sales Manager | Marketing Manager | Managing Director |
| HR Manager | Finance Manager | Payroll Manager |
| Production Manager | Accountant | Operations Manager |
Payroll Coordinator Salary
How much does a Payroll Coordinator typically make?
The national average salary for a Payroll Coordinator will typically be between $53,000 and $65,000 per annum in the US. The median is around $56,000
What is the Payroll Coordinator pay difference by location?
Average salaries for a Payroll Coordinator differ by location as follows:
| City | Average Salary |
| San Francisco, CA | $70,000 |
| Seattle, WA | $61,200 |
| Denver, CO | $56,700 |
| Austin, TX | $55,100 |
| Washington, DC | $62,400 |
| Milwaukee, WI | $55,400 |
| Boston, MA | $63,100 |
| New York, NY | $67,400 |
What is the Payroll Coordinator pay difference by experience level?
Depending on experience, pay will vary as follows:
| Experience Level | Average Salary |
| < 1 year | $55,873 |
| 1-4 years | $56,878 |
| 5-9 years | $56,878 |
| 10-19 years | $56,878 |
| 20+ years | $56,878 |
Payroll Coordinator Job Description Template
[Company Name] is looking for a tenacious, dedicated and reliable Payroll Coordinator with an accounting background to assist us with payroll duties.
As a Payroll Coordinator with [Company Name] you will be responsible for the end-to-end running of our payroll. Reporting to the Payroll Manager, you will ensure all remuneration is calculated correctly and paid timeously.
Your role is critical to the smooth running of [Company Name], which prides itself on maintaining a happy team.
Key Responsibilities
The Payroll Coordinator’s tasks will include, but are not limited to:
- Maintaining accurate and complete employee records across the organization
- Collating electronic timesheets and work records
- Maintaining accurate leave taken and remaining records
- Calculating weekly and monthly payroll
- Preparing payment records and distribution payments
- Preparing weekly and monthly payroll reports for management
- Ensuring all payroll activities are and remain fully compliant with company policy and relevant legislation
Required Skill Set
The Payroll Coordinator should possess the following qualifications, skills and attributes:
- Accounting diploma or equivalent experience
- Certified expert knowledge of all major payroll software packages
- Proven track record of detail focus and accuracy
- Expert computer literacy
- Ability to work under deadline pressure
- Excellent administrative skills
- Working knowledge of tax law, labor law and other relevant legislation