An Accounting and Payroll Specialist carries out a variety of duties to ensure the maintenance and accuracy of payroll records. This in-demand position can find careers with payroll administration companies or public or private sector organizations. Learn more about an Accounting Specialist’s job description and the day-to-day duties and responsibilities.

An Accounting Specialist’s job description can range from maintaining and updating employee information to preparing supporting documents.

Accounting Specialist Job Description

Accounting and Payroll Specialists primarily collect, verify, and process employee payroll statements and maintain accurate payroll records. They also carry out a variety of day-to-day duties that can range from maintaining and updating employee information to preparing supporting documentation such as year-end tax statements and Records of Employment. Often, an Accounting and Payroll Specialist will be tasked with compiling and monitoring reports and summaries related to pay and benefits accounts.

Many of the duties of an Accounting and Payroll Specialist require good attention to detail as well as problem solving skills because they must identify and accurately and efficiently resolve any payroll discrepancies. In some workplaces, an Accounting and Payroll Specialist will also be responsible for developing and implementing new payroll policies and procedures.

What Skills Does an Accounting and Payroll Specialist Need?

The skills of an Accounting and Payroll Specialist go beyond being good with numbers. An Accounting and Payroll Specialist must have good attention to detail to ensure that they can successfully carry out their job-related duties. They also have strong problem-solving skills and the ability to analyze and process information quickly to resolve any issue or discrepancy.

According to triOS College’s Accounting and Payroll Specialist Faculty Head Amy Pytlowany, “Accounting and Payroll Specialists have the opportunity to work with employees throughout the company, making sure they are paid accurately and on time, as well as helping the employees understand their payroll. This requires a balance of technical skills and knowledge, along with excellent communications skills.” Collaboration and teamwork are important aspects of this job.

“Accounting and Payroll Specialists have the opportunity to work with employees throughout the company, making sure they are paid accurately and on time, as well as helping the employees understand their payroll. This requires a balance of technical skills and knowledge, along with excellent communications skills.” – Amy Pytlowany, Accounting and Payroll Specialist Faculty Head at triOS College

Accounting Specialist Salary in Canada

The Business Accounting Specialist salary depends on where they are employed and how much experience they have. Across Canada, an Accounting and Payroll Specialist can expect to earn an average of $26.71/hour, with more experienced workers earning up to $38/hour. In Ontario, they earn $26.44/hour but can still go up to $38/hour with experience.

How Do I Become an Accounting and Payroll Specialist?

To become an Accounting and Payroll Specialist, a college diploma is usually required. This will teach you the fundamentals of accounting and payroll so that you’ll understand how apply payroll legislation, calculate pay, and use industry-standard administrative software to ensure the accuracy of employee hours and pay.

At triOS College, our Accounting and Payroll Specialist diploma program will teach you not only the fundamentals of accounting and payroll but also also other concepts such as Advanced Accounting, Payroll Compliance Legislation, and Business Communication. In addition, you can take advantage of an 8-week internship, so you can apply in the field what you’ve learned in the classroom and gain the valuable hands-on experience that employers want. Upon graduation, you will be able to pursue the National Payroll Institute’s Payroll Compliance Professional designation to access resources and a supportive and welcoming professional community.