What studies are required to b...

What studies are required to become a Payroll Manager?
Payroll Manager Job Profile

This payroll manager job profile provides all useful information about the position: salary, studies, training, role, job description, as well as the qualities and skills required to work as a payroll manager. The payroll manager profession belongs to the Human Resources field.

The payroll manager (ROME code M1501) is responsible for all elements related to employee remuneration for one or more companies. They ensure payroll processing within the organization. Their duties include administrative formalities related to hiring, collecting the data required to prepare payroll, issuing payslips, handling social security declarations, and maintaining relations with pension funds. The payroll accountant also records these payroll charges in the accounting system.

Main tasks:

• Preparing and entering payslips using an ERP or dedicated payroll information system

• Making payments to social organizations (Assedic, Urssaf, etc.)

• Managing and monitoring the payroll mass

• Issuing standard certificates (sick leave, work stoppages, paid leave, etc.)

To learn more, consult the ROME job profile “Payroll Manager” (code M1203) on the Pôle Emploi website.

Synonym

Other job titles for Payroll Manager

There is no widely used synonym for the payroll manager position, although it is sometimes spelled “gestionnaire de paye”.

Payroll Manager Salary

Why and how to work as a Payroll Manager?

Advantages

• A role combining financial and social responsibilities

• A valued profession, as qualified profiles are scarce and in demand

• A constantly evolving job due to frequent changes in social regulations

Disadvantages

• Heavy workloads during cyclical periods (beginning and end of the month), generating stress and increased workload

Required qualities and skills

What qualities and skills are needed to be hired as a Payroll Manager?

• High level of rigor and accuracy, as any error can have significant consequences (e.g., payslips)

• Regular updating of legal and social knowledge

• Discretion, responsiveness, logical thinking, and stress resistance

Studies and training

What training is required to become a Payroll Manager?

It is recommended to pursue training in accounting and/or human resources to access a payroll manager position. Recommended programs include:

• BTS CG (Accounting and Management)

• DUT GEA (Business and Administration Management)

It is also possible to continue higher education at university in this field. In addition, training centers offer payroll manager training programs, either in-person or online, with personalized support. Training duration varies by institution, ranging from several weeks to several months. This pathway allows candidates to obtain the professional title of Payroll Manager.

Career development

What can you do after becoming a Payroll Manager?

With experience, a payroll manager can move into roles such as:

• Payroll Department Manager

• Financial Manager

• Positions within Human Resources

Main employers

Which companies recruit Payroll Managers?

Payroll managers work in companies across various sectors, including IT, logistics, and large-scale retail.

Degree

What degrees are required to become a Payroll Manager?

Payroll managers are generally qualified in accounting, human resources, business management, and sometimes law. Degrees commonly valued by employers include:

• BTS CG (Accounting and Management)

• DUT GEA (Business and Administration Management)

It is also possible to pursue a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in AES (Economic and Social Administration) at university. Specialized training centers also offer payroll-focused programs, available on-site or remotely. These programs allow flexible learning and often lead to a professional qualification in payroll management.

Duties

What missions can you carry out as a Payroll Manager?

As the title suggests, the payroll manager prepares and checks employee payslips. Additional responsibilities include:

• Managing paid leave, pensions, absences, and various administrative employee activities

• Handling company social security declarations

• Preparing dashboards using appropriate software to ensure accurate salary monitoring

• Providing legal advice

• Conducting legal and social monitoring (regulatory watch)