Payroll Directors

Employers

As company payrolls and systems become increasingly complex and sophisticated, more and more businesses and companies have or will develop a position as a payroll director. However, increasingly, companies are moving towards outsourcing payroll functions as a cost saving strategy. In those companies where payroll is outsourced, there is likely still an individual within the organization designated as payroll director to assure the proper implementation of the payroll service. As such, the prospects for employment as a payroll director is good, though limited by the number of operating businesses, organizations, and companies. Thus, when the business economy is prosperous, there are more available jobs as a payroll director. Employment prospects are best for those who have more extensive experience, and an advanced degree in business or finance. As payroll directors serve at the executive level, there is likely only one position in each company, making the directorship a highly sought after job, with strong competition and many applicants for a somewhat limited number of positions.

Starting Out

Those starting out with a career goal of becoming a payroll director may seek opportunities in larger companies with payroll departments and tiered levels of payroll management, learning different aspects of the workings of the corporate payroll structure. Many payroll directors get their start in lower level positions, gaining necessary skills to climb the corporate ladder. Alternatively, an individual may start out working in a smaller company where they gain knowledge of the overall working of the payroll system. Entering in the field in either manner will provide experience and lead to opportunities and available positions as a director or manager of a payroll department.