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Payroll Specialist Mock Interview

Question 18 of 34 for our Payroll Specialist Mock Interview

Payroll Specialist was updated by on October 28th, 2022. Learn more here.

Question 18 of 34

How did you get started in a payroll-related career?

"I started my career as a cashier in a big department store. Over time, I was promoted to Floor Manager, then Assistant Store Manager, and finally - Store Manager. I earned these promotions based on my dedication to the job and my keen attention to detail. My cash counts were always accurate, and I helped other cashiers balance their registers at the end of the day. As the Store Manager, I grew a strong interest in payroll responsibilities. From this interest, I decided to pursue an education in accounting, which my company helped fund since their tuition program extended to those in management roles. Once I completed my accounting education, the same department store hired me to work in their payroll processing department. I have been with this employer for 10 years now, and they have provided me with so much opportunity. Now, I am ready to move forward into a payroll position that encompasses an industry outside of retail where I can learn more complex payroll runs and related accounting duties."

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How to Answer: How did you get started in a payroll-related career?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Payroll Specialist job interview.

  • 18. How did you get started in a payroll-related career?

      How to Answer

      The interviewer wants to know more about your interest in payroll and why you chose a career in payroll.

      - Maybe you took a payroll class in high school, and it intrigued you.
      - Perhaps your parent or guardian worked in a similar function, and you found interest in what they did for a living.
      - Maybe you had a teacher who encouraged you to pursue a career in accounting or payroll because of your detail-oriented nature and keenness in numbers and problem-solving.

      Whatever your path, be excited to share it! Discuss any related education and training you have completed along the way. This information will solidify your interest and commitment to your payroll career.

      Written by Christine Pasqueretta

      1st Experienced Example

      "I started my career as a cashier in a big department store. Over time, I was promoted to Floor Manager, then Assistant Store Manager, and finally - Store Manager. I earned these promotions based on my dedication to the job and my keen attention to detail. My cash counts were always accurate, and I helped other cashiers balance their registers at the end of the day. As the Store Manager, I grew a strong interest in payroll responsibilities. From this interest, I decided to pursue an education in accounting, which my company helped fund since their tuition program extended to those in management roles. Once I completed my accounting education, the same department store hired me to work in their payroll processing department. I have been with this employer for 10 years now, and they have provided me with so much opportunity. Now, I am ready to move forward into a payroll position that encompasses an industry outside of retail where I can learn more complex payroll runs and related accounting duties."

      Written by Christine Pasqueretta

      2nd Experienced Example

      "My initial career interests were in Accounting and Human Resources. In my first professional role as an HR Coordinator, I was responsible for daily payroll management. I found the responsibilities to be fascinating and a great combination of the two areas of business that interested me; HR and finance. I've continued my career in payroll for the past nine years and enjoy adding value to my employer by delivering a smooth process each payroll cycle."

      Written by Rachelle Enns on March 6th, 2021

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, but I always had an aptitude for numbers and high attention to detail. I got hired by a payroll provider, and that was when I realized my passion for ensuring accuracy in payment processing. I thought about the criticality of timely and accurate processing and how people's livelihoods depended on it, which was what cemented my love for payroll."

      Rachelle's Feedback

      Well done! It's apparent that you care about your work and the people who are impacted positively by your accuracy. Your overview is straightforward and focuses on the highlights, which is great!

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