Describe a typical payroll day in your current position.

"I have a monthly checklist with different due dates. I split tasks from the start, middle, and end of the month. Then, I put all of these tasks in my Google calendar and set up alerts. Using these organizational tools, I never miss a deadline and focus on efficiency rather than waste time trying to remember what tasks are next. Missing even a single pointer can mean a delay in employee salary distribution which is unacceptable. This importance is why I am sure to remain diligent and pay attention to every deadline and detail."

"One of the things I love most about my work as a Payroll Specialist is there is no such thing as a 'typical' day. I am always managing an aspect of the payroll cycle, whether in preparation, inputting, processing or auditing. As always, things will come up that my team and I address, such as payroll inquiries from business leaders or employee compensation questions. This variety keeps my role interesting since I love to problem-solve. I'd love it if you could take me through an average day in this position with Company XYZ."

It depends on the day. On a payroll processing day, I have a list of tasks that I perform and each task is completed at a certain time. For example, reviewing timesheets and sending reminders for anything that is incomplete, reviewing and recent payroll or benefit changes in the system to ensure accuracy, then the final timesheet upload, and payroll processing.

The day after payroll is processed, I focus on creating xx number of payroll reports and transmitting and validating the 401(K) information.