Payroll Manager Resume:
Guide Expert & IA 2026
Updated on February 8, 2026.
Build a resume for payroll specialists with a payroll specialist resume example, quantified wins, ATS keywords, and a practical template.
Payroll Manager Resume Templates
8 Templates available
Payroll Manager Junior
Payroll Manager resume template for Junior profile
Payroll Manager Senior
Payroll Manager resume template for Senior profile
Payroll Manager Confirmé
Payroll Manager resume template for Confirmé profile
Payroll Manager Confirmé
Payroll Manager resume template for Confirmé profile
Payroll Manager Confirmé
Payroll Manager resume template for Confirmé profile
Payroll Manager Confirmé
Payroll Manager resume template for Confirmé profile
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Payroll Manager Resume Examples
James Richardson
Senior Payroll Specialist
james.richardson@email.co.uk
+44 20 7456 7890
Manchester, GB
CIPP-qualified Payroll Specialist with 6 years of experience managing end-to-end payroll operations for medium to large organisations. Proven track record in processing high-volume payrolls, implementing process improvements, and ensuring full HMRC compliance. Skilled in multiple payroll systems including ADP, Workday, and Sage.
Work Experience
Senior Payroll Specialist
Unilever UK
- â—ŹProcessing monthly payroll for 800+ employees using Workday Payroll
- â—ŹReconciling payroll accounts and preparing month-end journals for Finance
- â—ŹLeading the transition from legacy system to Workday (6-month project)
Payroll Administrator
BDO LLP - Payroll Services
- â—ŹManaged payroll for 35 client accounts totalling 450 employees monthly
- â—ŹProcessed statutory payments: SSP, SMP, SPP with accurate calculations
- â—ŹPrepared and submitted RTI returns, ensuring 100% compliance rate
Payroll Assistant
Marks & Spencer - HR Shared Services
- â—ŹInputted weekly and monthly variable data for 300 store employees
- â—ŹResolved employee pay queries via HR helpdesk system
- â—ŹAssisted with pension auto-enrolment re-declaration processes
Education
Foundation Degree in Payroll Management
Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals
BA (Hons) Business Management
Manchester Metropolitan University
Skills
Languages
English — Native Speaker
Spanish — Intermediate
Certifications
CIPP Foundation Degree in Payroll ManagementChartered Institute of Payroll Professionals
Workday Payroll Certified ProfessionalWorkday
GDPR Practitioner CertificateBCS
Further reading:
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Start with scope: headcount, pay frequency, and jurisdictions. Then add a resume summary with one quantified improvement (accuracy, timeliness, reduction in payroll errors). In experience, show end-to-end payroll steps, reconciliations, and compliance touchpoints. Name the payroll system (ADP, Workday, UKG) and tie each tool to outcomes.
Prioritize payroll processing, reconciliations, payroll tax basics, garnishments, time and attendance workflows, and audit documentation. Add payroll software proficiency (ADP Workforce Now, Workday Payroll, UKG Pro) plus Excel skills used for variance checks. Keep soft skills specific: confidentiality, deadline discipline, and structured issue resolution.
Use a reverse-chronological resume format in most cases: it makes your recent payroll cycles, systems, and compliance exposure easy to verify. Keep one page if you have under 7 years of experience; two pages is acceptable for senior payroll specialist profiles with implementations, audits, or multi-state complexity.
Extract the posting’s keywords: payroll system, pay frequency, states, benefits deductions, and reporting needs. Then swap in 2–3 bullets that match those exact requirements, using the same phrasing where accurate. Keep metrics consistent with your scope, and ensure your resume templates don’t hide key terms in graphics.
Not always, but certified payroll credentials strongly help when roles include payroll tax, audit support, or complex deductions. FPC is a strong early-career signal; CPP is a credible standard for experienced payroll specialists. If you’re not certified yet, list it as “In progress” with an expected exam date.
Use related experience: timekeeping, HR coordination, accounting support, data entry with controls, or customer service handling sensitive records. Add a skills section focused on Excel and process discipline, and include coursework or projects (mock payroll reconciliations). If possible, pursue FPC to show commitment and baseline payroll knowledge.
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