How do you remain up-to-date on payroll rules and techniques?
The interviewer wants to know that you are diligent with remaining in-the-know of payroll rules, laws, and techniques to optimize your time and efficiency. Perhaps you receive email updates from an HR governing body that shares updates, tips, and tricks. Maybe your payroll vendor keeps you in tune with new rules and techniques on their homepage or your dashboard. Or, perhaps you attend payroll-related conferences, seminars, and webinars. Be sure to mention any professional payroll organizations you regularly participate in or hold a membership with. Finally, mention that you network with other payroll professionals in or outside of your company to see what new techniques they are using.
"I read a few reputable blogs related to payroll, HR, and compensation law. I also follow a few forums online that hosts people in the payroll industry that I trust. Once per year, my current employer arranges for me to attend a payroll-related conference. When I return from these conferences, I hold a weeks' worth of lunch 'n learns to pass my knowledge on to the department. It's very important to me that I remain in-the-know of payroll-related law and strategies so that I am as accurate and efficient as possible for my employer."
"Remaining in-the-know is a critical part of maintaining compliance and staying current on industry changes and news. I am an active member of multiple payroll associations such as A, B, and C. I read the news every day and am connected with the IRS/DOL on any changes that may impact my work and the efforts of my team."
The payroll provider is actually excellent at keeping the Payroll Admins informed of payroll rules and techniques. This includes the various federal and state payroll laws and policies that are always sweeping the nation. But it also includes information about the payroll system itself and the upgrades they are continually making to enhance the program.
I am also a member of xx association and receive their weekly updates and attend their quarterly meetings. During the meetings, there is open dialog between the Payroll Admin from dozens of companies and we learn tips from each other. We also have a chat page on the website to share ideas or questions.
In my current job, I am responsible for processing payroll in xx number of states so I block xx minutes in my schedule per week to spend time reading the articles and/or program upgrades to see if the information is valuable for my position. I am always looking for ways to improve and do my job even better.
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Anonymous Answer
Receiving daily emails from different agencies regarding updates on payroll regulations definitely help. Attending payroll-related seminars and conferences is another good way of staying in tune with regulatory developments. Furthermore, consistently checking IRS/DOL websites, doing online research, and networking with other payroll professionals prove to be good supplementary practices.
Rachelle's Feedback
Good answer! You are clearly diligent in remaining updated on payroll rules and techniques. It's terrific that you rely on a range of helpful and reputable sources for your information.
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