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If you’ve Googled “Payroll Manager job description,” you’ve probably seen the same thing over and over again:
Bullet points. Buzzwords. Boilerplate.
But here’s the problem—those generic job posts don’t help you attract great Payroll Managers. They just tick boxes.
And when your job post looks like everyone else’s, the best candidates won’t even stop to read it. They’ll scroll right past—because it doesn’t speak to them.
Most job descriptions fail because they treat hiring like a checklist, not a conversation. But if you want to attract top-tier professionals who can truly manage your company’s payroll processes with accuracy, leadership, and discretion, you need more than just a template.
You need a job post that connects.
Before we dive in, I highly recommend reading our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ . It breaks down what most job descriptions get wrong—and how to fix them with clarity, warmth, and strategy.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to write a Payroll Manager job description that actually attracts the right candidates—whether you’re hiring someone experienced or open to training someone with potential.
We’ll break it down piece by piece—so you can stop sifting through low-effort applications and start building a payroll team that actually delivers.
Hiring doesn’t have to be hard.
If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.
What Does a Payroll Manager Actually Do?
A Payroll Manager isn’t just someone who “processes paychecks.”
They’re the person who ensures your employees are paid accurately, on time, and in full compliance with local, state, and federal laws. But beyond that—they bring order to chaos. They create systems, manage sensitive data, and often lead payroll teams that keep your business running smoothly behind the scenes.
They’re the bridge between HR, finance, and compliance—and their job touches nearly every employee in your company.
A great Payroll Manager has strong attention to detail, but they also need people skills. Why? Because when something goes wrong with payroll, it’s personal. They’ll need to answer questions, handle issues with discretion, and keep everyone calm while fixing the problem.
In short:
A Payroll Manager owns the systems, people, and processes that make sure your team gets paid right—every single time.
Two Great Payroll Manager Job Description Templates
We’ll provide two tailored job description options:
1.✅ Option 1: For employers looking to hire an experienced candidates with prior experience.
2.Option 2: For employers open to hiring entry-level candidates or those willing to train someone with potential.
✅ Job Description for an Experienced Payroll Manager
📌 Job Title: Payroll Manager – Help Scale Payroll Operations at Finovo Solutions
💼 Location: Remote (U.S. only)
💰 Salary: $80,000–$95,000 per year (based on experience)
📅 Type: Full-Time
🎥 Watch this short video from our People Ops Lead to learn about the role and team culture:
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube video link]
Who We Are
Finovo Solutions is a fast-growing financial tech company helping small businesses simplify accounting, payroll, and compliance. Since launching in 2018, we’ve served over 7,000 clients across the U.S. and processed more than $2 billion in payroll volume.
We’re a remote-first team of 80+ people who believe that operational excellence creates freedom. As our team grows, so does the need for someone to own, streamline, and scale our payroll systems—ensuring every teammate gets paid accurately and on time, every time.
We’re hiring a Payroll Manager who’s excited by clean processes, audit-ready compliance, and building something scalable from the inside out.
What You’ll Do
- Manage end-to-end payroll processing for 80+ U.S.-based employees
- Own our payroll software (Gusto) and serve as the internal SME
- Lead biweekly payroll runs, bonuses, adjustments, and off-cycle payments
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of tax and labor laws across multiple states
- Collaborate with HR and Finance on compensation, benefits, and audits
- Troubleshoot errors, manage reconciliations, and resolve discrepancies
- Document and continuously improve payroll workflows and policies
- Prepare year-end reports including W-2s and 1099s
- Support due diligence during fundraising and finance reviews
What We’re Looking For
- 3+ years of payroll experience, including multi-state processing
- Strong working knowledge of Gusto, ADP, or equivalent platforms
- Detail-obsessed with excellent data accuracy and problem-solving skills
- Effective communicator, especially around confidential or sensitive issues
- Bonus: experience at a remote-first company or scaling environment
💡 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
If you’re someone who thrives on structure and loves making things run smoothly behind the scenes, you’ll love this role. You’ll own a critical function in a growing company and have room to innovate, lead, and build scalable systems that affect every employee’s experience.
We move quickly, care deeply about operational excellence, and value people who take initiative. If you’re looking for a role where your precision, process thinking, and reliability actually matter—this is it.
🎁 Perks & Benefits
- Remote-first team (U.S.-based only)
- Health, dental, and vision insurance (100% covered for employees)
- 401(k) with 3% company match
- 15 days PTO + all major U.S. holidays
- $1,000 annual learning stipend
- Monthly wellness budget
- Paid parental leave (12 weeks)
📥 How to Apply
We respect your time. That’s why we use WorkScreen—so you’re evaluated based on strengths, not buzzwords.
Click the link below to complete your short, structured evaluation:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen application link]
🌱 Job Description for an Entry-Level Payroll Coordinator (Willing to Train)
📌 Job Title: Payroll Coordinator – Learn & Grow with the Finovo People Ops Team
💼 Location: Remote (U.S. only)
💰 Salary: $50,000–$60,000 per year
📅 Type: Full-Time
🎥 Watch this short video from our Payroll Manager on what it’s like to join the team:
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube video link]
Who We Are
Finovo Solutions helps small businesses across the U.S. simplify payroll, accounting, and compliance. We’ve supported over 7,000 business owners and are scaling fast—with a fully remote team and a culture that values precision, trust, and progress.
Our People Ops team is looking for someone who’s excited to build a career in payroll operations. No experience? No problem. If you’re detail-oriented, good with numbers, and eager to learn, we’ll train you.
What You’ll Do
- Support payroll processing for our U.S.-based employees
- Enter and verify timecard data, PTO, and bonuses
- Assist with benefits tracking and compliance tasks
- Help maintain clean records and payroll files
- Learn how to use Gusto (our payroll platform)
- Collaborate with the HR team to resolve pay-related issues
- Help improve our documentation and workflows over time
What We’re Looking For
- Strong attention to detail and accountability
- Comfortable working with spreadsheets and numbers
- Good communication skills, especially over email and Slack
- Able to handle confidential info with care
- Growth mindset and willingness to learn on the job
- Bonus: background in accounting, business, or HR coursework
💡 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
This is the perfect role if you’re early in your career and want to break into the world of People Ops, HR, or finance. We’ll teach you the ins and outs of payroll, compliance, and systems—and give you the support to grow into a leadership role.
You’ll work with a kind, high-performing team that values ownership and initiative. If you’re the kind of person who takes pride in making things run smoothly—this could be your launchpad.
🎁 Perks & Benefits
- Fully remote (U.S.-based)
- Full health, dental, and vision insurance
- $1,000/year learning & development budget
- 15 PTO days + company holidays
- Monthly wellness allowance
- Growth path into Payroll Manager or HR Ops roles
- Optional mentorship with senior team members
📥 How to Apply
We believe potential matters more than experience. That’s why we use WorkScreen to assess your skills in a fair, transparent way.
Click below to start your short evaluation:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen link]
Don’t let bad hires slow you down.
WorkScreen helps you find the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
Why These Payroll Manager Job Descriptions Work
Let’s break down why these two job descriptions (experienced and entry-level) are so much more effective than the generic ones you see online:
1. ✅ The Job Titles Are Clear, Specific, and Human
- Instead of just “Payroll Manager” or “Coordinator,” we included context:
- “Help Scale Payroll Operations at Finovo Solutions”
- “Learn & Grow with the Finovo People Ops Team”
- “Help Scale Payroll Operations at Finovo Solutions”
- These phrases speak directly to what the candidate will actually be doing—and they signal that this is a real opportunity with growth potential.
2. 💬 The Intros Build Context and Connection
- Each post opens with a short, specific intro that paints a picture of the company’s mission, team size, and growth stage.
- This helps applicants immediately understand where they’d fit in.
- Bonus: The language feels human, not robotic—so it builds trust and interest from the first sentence.
3. 🎥 The Video Elements Build Trust
- A short Loom or YouTube video from the hiring manager adds a personal touch and sets your job post apart.
- It also gives applicants a feel for the company culture and leadership tone—making them more likely to apply if they resonate with what they see.
4. 👁️ Each Job Post Is Transparent and Respectful
- We clearly show:
- Salary range
- Benefits
- Remote status
- What the actual responsibilities look like day-to-day
- Salary range
- This kind of transparency shows respect for the applicant’s time—and builds instant credibility.
5. 🧠 They Explain the “Why,” Not Just the “What”
- Instead of dumping a list of tasks, each section explains the purpose behind the role:
- “Keep our payroll processes running smoothly”
- “Build scalable systems from the inside out”
- “Learn the ins and outs of compliance, reporting, and finance”
- “Keep our payroll processes running smoothly”
- When people see impact, they feel more motivated to apply.
6. 🤝 The Hiring Process Feels Modern and Fair
- By using WorkScreen, the application process becomes skill-based, not résumé-based.
- This reduces friction and bias, and signals that your company is serious about hiring the right people—not just the ones who look good on paper.
7. ❤️ Culture and Benefits Are Cleanly Separated
- We separated:
- Why This Role Is a Great Fit – focused on the emotional and career benefits
- Perks & Benefits – focused on the tangible offerings (insurance, PTO, stipends)
- Why This Role Is a Great Fit – focused on the emotional and career benefits
- This makes each section easier to scan, and ensures both logic and emotion are covered.
8. 🌱 The Entry-Level Version Encourages Emerging Talent
- It explicitly welcomes candidates without experience.
- It uses soft language (“you’ll learn,” “we’ll support you”) to encourage applications from smart, driven people who just need a shot.
- That widens your talent pool without lowering your hiring standards.
Bottom Line:
These job descriptions don’t just check boxes—they sell the opportunity, connect with real people, and filter out mismatched applicants before you even open your inbox.
Example of a Bad Payroll Manager Job Description (And Why It Fails)
Job Title: Payroll Manager
Company: Confidential
Location: Remote
Type: Full-Time
Salary: Not disclosed
Job Summary
We are looking to hire a Payroll Manager to oversee all aspects of payroll processing. The ideal candidate will have previous experience managing payroll operations and ensure accuracy and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
Responsibilities
- Process biweekly payroll
- Maintain employee payroll records
- Ensure compliance with tax regulations
- Prepare payroll reports
- Coordinate with HR and Finance
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field
- 3–5 years of payroll experience
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Experience with payroll software preferred
How to Apply
Please send your resume and cover letter to payrolljobs@confidential.com by October 15. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
🟥 Why This Job Description Fails
1. 💤 The Job Title Is Generic and Uninspiring
- Just “Payroll Manager.” No mention of what industry, what kind of team, or why this role exists.
- Nothing here helps the post stand out in a sea of similar listings.
2. 🧊 The Introduction Is Cold and Vague
- “We are looking to hire…” is the most overused phrase in hiring. It adds nothing.
- No background about the company, team, or mission. Candidates don’t know who they’d be working for or why this role matters.
3. ❓ No Company Identity
- “Company: Confidential” instantly kills trust and curiosity.
- Top candidates want to know who you are, what you do, and what kind of environment they’re walking into. This post hides all of that.
4. 💸 No Salary Transparency
- Not listing a salary (even a range) creates friction.
- It wastes candidates’ time and filters out high-quality applicants who expect transparency and respect.
5. 📝 Responsibilities Are Too Broad
- Tasks like “process payroll” and “prepare payroll reports” are vague and could apply to 10,000 other jobs.
- There’s no context about how often payroll runs, what tools are used, or how many employees are involved.
6. 🚫 The Hiring Process Feels Dismissive
- “Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” sends the message that most people will be ghosted.
- There’s no mention of what the process looks like, how long it takes, or what candidates can expect.
7. 🧱 No Culture, No Benefits, No Reason to Care
- There’s no section on what makes this company a good place to work.
- No perks, no values, no growth opportunities.
- The tone is transactional and dull—so it attracts applicants who are just as unmotivated.
Summary:
This kind of job post may technically “get the job done,” but it misses the whole point of why you’re writing a job description: to attract the right candidates.
When there’s no story, no clarity, no trust, and no humanity—you end up with the wrong applicants (or none at all).
Bonus Tips to Make Your Payroll Job Description Stand Out
Even if you’ve nailed the structure, title, and tone—there are a few advanced touches that can take your job post from good to great. These are the small, strategic details that help you stand out in a crowded hiring market and earn more trust from top candidates.
🛑 1. Add an IMPORTANT NOTICE for Security and Privacy
Online hiring scams are real—and candidates are wary. Show them you care about their safety by including a short message like:
IMPORTANT: We take your privacy and security seriously. We will never ask for payment, banking details, or any personal financial information during the hiring process.
This instantly builds trust and reassures serious applicants.
🧘♀️ 2. Mention Flex Days or Leave Policies
Candidates want to know they’re joining a company that values rest and balance. Even a simple line like:
“Enjoy up to 20 paid days off per year—including flexible mental health days and company-wide breaks.”
…can signal that your team respects downtime.
📈 3. Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities
Even senior payroll professionals want to feel like they’re growing—not just executing.
Consider including a line like:
“You’ll get access to a $1,000 annual L&D budget, mentorship from senior finance leaders, and a clear pathway to leadership roles.”
This helps your post attract ambitious, driven candidates who want a long-term fit.
📹 4. Include a Video from the Hiring Manager or CEO
A short, friendly Loom or YouTube video gives your job post real personality—and sets it apart from the 100 others that feel like corporate PDFs.
It doesn’t need to be perfect. Just 60–90 seconds explaining:
- Who you are
- Why this role matters
- What kind of person would thrive in it
People connect with people—not bullet points.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
🧠 5. Avoid Robotic Buzzwords
Every job post says things like “detail-oriented,” “self-starter,” or “fast-paced environment.” These mean nothing without context.
Instead:
- Show what “detail-oriented” looks like in action (“triple-checking every payroll run across 4 states”)
- Replace “fast-paced” with “we move quickly and trust our team to take ownership from day one”
Your wording should reflect how your team actually works—not just what sounds impressive.
Should You Use AI to Write Job Descriptions?
Let’s be real—AI tools are everywhere right now. Platforms like Manatal, Workable, and even ChatGPT can generate a full job description in seconds.
But here’s the truth:
🤖 The fastest way to write a job description is also the fastest way to scare away great candidates.
Why?
Because when you let AI write your job post without any context, you end up with something generic, lifeless, and disconnected from your company’s actual values, team, and mission.
❌ Here’s What Happens When You Rely on AI Alone:
- You get vague, templated language that fails to stand out
- You attract the wrong kind of candidates (or none at all)
- You give off a lazy or impersonal brand image—which top-tier talent can spot instantly
Your job post is often a candidate’s first impression of your business. So ask yourself:
Would you trust a company that couldn’t write a thoughtful job description?
✅ The Right Way to Use AI (Yes, There Is One)
AI isn’t the enemy—it’s a tool. And like any tool, it’s only useful if you give it the right input.
Instead of asking:
“Write me a job post for a Payroll Manager.”
Try this:
Prompt:
“Help me write a Payroll Manager job post for our company, Finovo Solutions.
We’re a remote-first fintech company helping small businesses simplify payroll and accounting.
This role will support 80+ employees across 10 states, using Gusto.
Our culture is ownership-driven, remote-friendly, and fast-paced, but kind.
We want to attract someone who’s process-oriented, loves structure, and cares deeply about accuracy.
Benefits include full medical coverage, 15 PTO days, a wellness stipend, and a $1K learning budget.
Here’s our hiring process: 1) WorkScreen skills evaluation, 2) async interview, 3) offer.”
Then paste in any extra notes or bullet points you’ve drafted yourself.
Let AI organize your ideas, refine the tone, and help with formatting—but don’t let it replace your voice, your culture, or your clarity.
✏️ Final Advice:
- Use AI to enhance, not replace, your thinking
- Always review and customize what it generates
- Let your culture, team, and values shape the final product
That’s how you write job descriptions that connect—and attract people who truly belong on your team.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache.
WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
Need a Quick Copy-Paste Payroll Job Description?
We get it—sometimes you just need something fast.
Maybe you’ve already gone through this guide and understand what a strong job post looks like. But you also want a solid starting point you can copy, paste, and tailor to your company in just a few minutes.
That’s what this is.
✏️ Important Reminder:
Don’t copy this word-for-word and expect magic.
This is a foundation, not a final draft.
Add a Loom video, inject your team culture, and edit the details to reflect your actual company.
In this section, you’ll find two ready-to-use job description templates for quick copy-paste use — but please remember, like we mentioned above, don’t just copy them word-for-word and expect results.
Think of these as starting points, not final drafts.
- Option 1: A more conversational, culture-first job description that highlights personality and team fit.
- Option 2: A more structured format, including a Job Brief, Responsibilities, and Requirements for a traditional approach.
✅ Option 1: Conversational, Culture-First Job Description Template
📌 Job Title: Payroll Manager – Help Us Scale Payroll Operations at [Company Name]
💼 Location: [Location or Remote]
💰 Salary: [Insert Salary Range]
📅 Job Type: [Full-Time or Part-Time]
🎥 Watch a short video from our team about the role:
👉 [Insert Video Link]
Who We Are
At [Company Name], we help [insert what your company does in plain language]. We’re growing fast and building the kind of internal systems that keep things running smoothly behind the scenes—including payroll.
That’s why we’re looking for a Payroll Manager who can bring structure, accuracy, and care to the way we pay our team—every cycle, every time.
What You’ll Do
- Manage payroll operations for [number] employees across [states or regions]
- Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing (biweekly, semi-monthly, etc.)
- Maintain compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations
- Oversee tax filings, adjustments, and benefit integrations
- Work closely with Finance and HR teams
- Support year-end reporting and audits
- Optimize systems and documentation for scale
What We’re Looking For
- [X]+ years of payroll experience (multi-state preferred)
- Knowledge of [Insert Payroll Software: Gusto, ADP, etc.]
- Strong attention to detail and data accuracy
- Ability to handle confidential information professionally
- Great communication skills (especially around sensitive topics)
💡 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
This isn’t just about processing numbers—it’s about building trust with every employee who counts on us to get paid correctly and on time. You’ll have the freedom to build systems, solve problems, and create a real impact in a team that values ownership and precision.
🎁 Perks & Benefits
- [Insert number] paid time off days
- [Health / dental / vision] insurance
- [Wellness, learning, or technology stipends]
- [401(k) or retirement match, if applicable]
- [Remote flexibility or hybrid options]
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to evaluate candidates based on strengths—not just résumés.
Click the link below to complete your short evaluation:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
🧱 Option 2: Structured Format (Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements)
Job Title: Payroll Manager
Company: [Company Name]
Location: [Location or Remote]
Salary: [Insert Salary Range]
Job Type: [Full-Time or Part-Time]
🎥 Watch a short intro video about the role:
👉 [Insert Video Link]
Who We Are
[Company Name] is a [type of company] that helps [what your company does]. We’re expanding our operations and looking for a Payroll Manager to ensure everything runs smoothly and compliantly behind the scenes.
Job Brief
We’re hiring a Payroll Manager to oversee all aspects of payroll—from processing and compliance to year-end reporting and audits. This is a high-impact role within our Finance or People team.
Responsibilities
- Process payroll on a regular schedule for [number] employees
- Handle payroll changes, deductions, and bonus payouts
- Manage federal/state/local tax filings
- Maintain accurate employee records and payroll systems
- Ensure compliance with wage and hour laws
- Support audits and generate reports as needed
Requirements
- Minimum [X] years of payroll experience
- Familiarity with [Gusto / ADP / Paycom / etc.]
- Excellent attention to detail and time management
- Strong problem-solving and communication skills
- [Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance preferred, if applicable]
🎁 Perks & Benefits
- [Insert PTO, holidays, and time-off policy]
- [Health / dental / vision] insurance
- [Remote flexibility or work-from-home allowance]
- [Professional development budget or training access]
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to ensure every candidate gets a fair shot based on real skills—not just buzzwords.
Click the link below to apply:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
Let WorkScreen Handle the Next Step of Your Hiring Process
Writing a great job post is only half the battle. Once the applications start rolling in, the real challenge begins:
- Who’s actually qualified?
- Who’s just good at writing résumés?
- And how do you avoid wasting hours reviewing low-effort submissions?
That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
✅ WorkScreen helps you:
● Quickly identify your most promising candidates
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
● Easily run one-click skill assessments
With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
● Eliminate low-effort applicants (including AI-generated ones)
WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
The result?
You save time, avoid costly hiring mistakes, and confidently choose someone who can actually do the job.
👉 Click here to get started with WorkScreen.io
💡 Whether you’re hiring a senior Payroll Manager or an entry-level Coordinator, WorkScreen gives you the data and clarity to make faster, smarter hiring decisions.
Payroll Manager Job Description - Frequently Asked Questions
While both roles work closely together, their core responsibilities are quite different.
- HR Managers focus on the people side of the business—hiring, onboarding, employee relations, training, and compliance with labor laws.
- Payroll Managers focus on the financial side of employment—making sure employees are paid correctly and on time, managing tax compliance, and overseeing payroll software and reporting.
Think of HR as building and supporting the team, while payroll ensures every team member is compensated accurately and compliantly.
Here are the most important skills to prioritize:
- Attention to detail – Payroll errors can lead to legal issues and lost trust.
- Multi-state compliance knowledge – Especially if you have a remote or distributed team.
- Confidentiality and integrity – Payroll managers handle sensitive personal and financial data.
- Tech fluency – Familiarity with tools like Gusto, ADP, Paycom, and Excel.
- Problem-solving – Payroll issues can be complex; the best candidates troubleshoot calmly.
- Clear communication – Especially when working with HR, finance, or explaining payroll changes to employees.
In the U.S., the average salary for a Payroll Manager ranges between $75,000 and $95,000 per year, depending on experience, company size, and location.
- In large cities or regulated industries, salaries can exceed $100,000+.
- Entry-level payroll coordinators usually earn $50,000–$65,000
- Offering transparent salary ranges in your job description helps attract serious applicants and builds trust early in the hiring process.
It depends on the structure of your company.
- In smaller companies, Payroll often sits under HR since it’s closely tied to employee management.
- In larger or compliance-heavy organizations, Payroll may report to Finance due to its connection to budgeting, accounting, and audits.
- Some modern companies create a People Operations team where HR and payroll collaborate closely with shared systems.
The key is clear ownership and cross-team collaboration.
