How would you familiarize yourself with our payroll system?

How to Answer
1st Answer Example
2nd Answer Example
3rd Answer Example

The interviewer wants to see that you are a go-getter and a self-starter. Tell the interviewer that you would start with independent learning, perhaps by clicking through the system to understand what it looks like or taking in some online tutorials. Perhaps you would visit the vendor's website to see if any how-to lessons are offered. Whatever your approach, show the hiring company that you are an enthusiastic go-getter who will jump on board, ready to learn.

"I have always believed in learning by doing. Being tech-savvy certainly helps a lot. I plan to familiarize myself with the company's system by watching online tutorials before my first day. I will also absorb the training I receive once hired. I will be sure to find solutions to any obstacles that I come across and I will ask questions of my more experienced co-workers or my supervisor, when appropriate."

"Utilizing my 12 years of experience in payroll pricing, testing, and evaluation of many major payroll providers, it will be a seamless transition to familiarize myself with your payroll system. I understand that companies typically customize their payroll system, so it will only be a matter of clicking around to learn how the system works for this organization. I am familiar with many payroll systems such as Workday, ADP, Paychex, Jupiter, and Quickbooks. Could you share with me some details of the systems you use and how they have been customized to suit Company XYZ?"

I have xx years of experience with your payroll system. Ideally, I would like to watch someone run the payroll here while I take notes. This will help me to understand the nuances and pay codes associated with your company. If you use any tools that I am not familiar with, I can take the appropriate trainings within the system. I would also like to meet with some of the managers and understand the payroll process from their perspective including expectations on deadlines.

I will type all of my notes into one document so it can become a manual. The existing/previous payroll admin could review those notes for accuracy. Then I could run the next payroll while they watch, if they are available.

If there is no one on site to train me, I would review your previous payroll reports and connect with the Payroll Rep to see if they have any guidance on training that is specific to your system. I can also ask them to review a prepared payroll before it is processed.