Finding top payroll talent can be challenging. You want someone with the education and experience needed to handle all aspects of payroll processing, maintain compliance with applicable laws, and deliver exceptional customer service. Here are some tips to identify top payroll talent.
How You you Spot Solid Payroll Talent?
1. Payroll Certifications
Look for a candidate with payroll certifications. For instance, a certified Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) has the knowledge and skills needed to be successful. The candidate has a demonstrated in-depth understanding and application of the legal requirements needed to maintain company compliance throughout the payroll cycle. They also have access to the resources necessary to remain current and compliant. Also, a Certified Payroll Manager (CPM) has the expertise to oversee a team. Certification requires two or more years’ weighted experience being responsible for a company’s payroll function, including being accountable to management for the accuracy of employees’ pay and government statutory remittances, or equivalent experience obtained within the last five years. As a result, the candidate is well qualified to hold a variety of positions.
2. Payroll Software Experience
Find a candidate with payroll software experience. For instance, the candidate should be knowledgeable about industry software platforms such as ADP, Ceridian, Payworks and in-house programs.. They also should be aware of which platform the company uses so they can discuss the platform’s capabilities, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.
3. Understanding of Compliance
Determine whether the candidate understands compliance requirements. For instance, they need in-depth knowledge of achieving and observing ongoing compliance with tax and legal regulations. The candidate also should be able to manage normal elements of payroll such as deducting Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributions, employment insurance (EI) premiums, and income tax from employees’ earned income. Additionally, the candidate needs to comply with statutory and voluntary deductions. Further, the candidate should know current pension maximums, exemption amounts, and employer and employee contribution rates along with EI contributions and maximums as well asthe progressive tax rate system.
4. Attention to Detail
You want a candidate who pays attention to detail. For instance, they should pay special attention to record keeping, data handling, and other small but important details that affect payroll processing and compliance. For example, the candidate should be able to verify accurate and timely wage calculations, overtime by province, and termination pay. Even the smallest mistake may have substantially damaging results.
5. Customer Service Skills
Find a candidate with excellent customer service skills. For instance, they need to professionally answer questions about taxes, and other paycheque deductions. Also, the candidate must efficiently process payroll and deliver paycheques on time to make providing customer service easier. Further, the candidate needs to resolve payroll issues as they arise so that employees have the proper deductions and take-home pay, the correct amount of tax is reported and paid, and smaller issues do not become bigger issues.
Hire Top Payroll Talent with a Leading Recruiting Firm in Western Canada
At Mercer Bradley, we offer staffing and recruiting options for Western Canada employers. As an accounting staffing and recruitment agency, we focus on digging into each employer’s needs to create matches that work in both the long and short term. We approach every interaction ethically, honestly and transparently. Together, we’ll find the best solutions for your accounting and finance staffing needs. Contact us today to find the talent you need!