Payroll Directors

There are no certification or licensing requirements for payroll directors. However, some positions are held by Certified Public Accountants.

Voluntary certification is available through PayrollOrg (PAYO). The most widespread and commonly recognized certifications for those in the payroll field are the Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) and the Certified Payroll Professional (CPP). To be eligible to take the Certified Payroll Professional exam, a candidate needs to have between 18 months and three years of payroll experience, and depending on experience, needs a certain number of APA approved and sponsored courses. The Fundamental Payroll Certification exam, also administered by PAYO, is for entry-level payroll professionals and does not require previous experience. The PAYO certifications evidences certain levels of competency and expertise in the payroll area, and are frequently considered by employers, and sometimes required. There are other certifications available, but they are primarily granted by private educational facilities, and are granted after a specific program, rather than being considered as industry-wide standards.