CPA Practice Advisor - 32

A YEAR IN THE LIFE: PAYROLL

ACCOUNTANT

WAYS TO SHINE AS A
PAYROLL ACCOUNTANT
By Jodi Chavez

JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR accountants are
generally expected to grow 10 percent by
2026, and that extends to payroll accountants
too. With unemployment low and businesses
bringing on new hires at a faster rate, the need for payroll
accountants to manage and organize accounting systems and
employee payment schedules is rapidly growing. Whether you're
searching for a new payroll gig or just looking to bone up on
your existing skills, the slow summer months can be a great
time to invest in yourself as a payroll professional.
As the pace of business eases up and
your workload lightens, use some of your
newfound extra time to hit the books -
not just the beach. Here are five areas you
can focus on this summer to help you
shine as a standout payroll accountant.

UP WITH
COMPLIANCE
#1: KEEP

A Year in the Life of a
PAYROLL Accountant
is sponsored by

How well do you understand all the
controls, tax requirements and relevant
regulations that apply to your business?
Payroll departments are put under a
constant microscope by regulatory
agencies, so familiarity with the latest
protocols is a must in order to ensure
compliance - especially if you work for
a larger organization where risk is even
greater.
Stay on top of any changes to regulations that may pertain to your business.
Employees who can keep up with the
latest amendments will make a positive
impression on fresh clients. If you're
looking to get a leg up, visit the American
Payroll Association for courses you can
take to help you stay compliant.

SERIOUS ABOUT
SECURITY
#2: GET

Cyber attacks and data breaches are

32

AUGUST 2019 ■

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on the rise, so organizations will
look more favorably on candidates
who can practice discretion and are
up-to-date on the latest safety and
security protocols. Between bank
account information, social security
numbers and home addresses, there's
a lot of sensitive client and employee
information stored on business servers.
Much of this can be counteracted by
installing proper data security software, but many breaches still occur as
a result of human error. Assuage your
employer's concerns by demonstrating
that you're an employee who knows
how to properly handle confidential
information and reassures your boss
staying abreast of the latest changes to
security procedures are a breeze.

THE RESIDENT
TECH WHIZ
#3: BECOME

As we mentioned, there's a whole slew
of digital tools that have been integrated
into the payroll workflow to improve
efficiency. Microsoft Excel, perhaps the
best-known and most relied-upon tool
in the accountant's toolkit, is a powerful
program with tons of untapped capabilities. The more you study it and master
its functionalities, the more you'll be

able to provide assistance to both your
manager and team.
The same goes for whatever payroll
management systems your business uses
the most. Many programs offer training
on their websites (like Excel, for instance)
or come with tutorials you can take right
out of the box to help you gain mastery
of a new skill.

THE RIGHT
CERTIFICATION
#4: SECURE

Perhaps the best way to demonstrate
your payrolling prowess is by getting an
official piece of paper that proves it. While
you don't need a certification in order to
work as a payroll accountant, it can help
you stand out on the job market. And if
you're already employed, it can provide
leverage when it comes time to negotiate
a pay increase or secure a new promotion.
If you're a beginner, shoot for a Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC), then
graduate to a Certified Payroll Professional
(CPP) as you gain more knowledge and
experience.
Focusing on these five areas and
doing a little summer schooling of your
own will have you on your way to becoming a standout payroll accountant in no
time. Concentrate on turning the heat
up on training now while you have some
time, so you can hit the ground running
in the fall when business picks back up. ■
Jodi Chavez is group president of Randstad
Professionals, Randstad Life Sciences and
Tatum. With more than 20 years' experience
in the staffing industry, Jodi's entrepreneurial drive and strong business acumen have
enabled her to consistently increase revenues,
grow profits and deliver ROI. Her breadth of
expertise spans team building, strategic planning and execution, M&A, branding, social
media and multi-generational leadership.
http://www.CPAPracticeAdvisor.com
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