Payroll Manager

Payroll Manager interview questions

Your ideal candidate will be qualified (think: HR/Accounting degree), experienced and organized with an awesome attention to detail. They’ll handle sensitive info with confidentiality, stay calm in any situation and be up-to-date with the latest labor law changes.

Top tip: Diversity is key for a thriving workplace. Keep an eye out for management and exec-level candidates from varying backgrounds and aim to eliminate bias from your hiring process.

Problem solving interview questions

• How would you deal with a payroll complaint? 
• If you accidentally underpaid an employee, would you compensate the difference ASAP or add it to next month’s payroll?
• How would you forecast for next year’s payroll expenses?
• What would you do if an employee claimed a coworker in the same role had a higher salary?
• How would you explain the payroll process to your team?
• If you identified a departmental gender pay gap, would you notify HR? Why?

Role-specific interview questions

• What payroll software do you use?
• Are you familiar with any HRIS systems? 
• How do you ensure accuracy in the payroll?
• What’s the best way to timekeep for shift workers?
• What’s included in local taxes withholdings?
• What’s the overtime pay rate for nonexempt employees according to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)?

Behavioral interview questions

• How do you cope with tight deadlines? 
• How do you keep up-to-date with new labor regulations?
• Have you ever introduced a new system to help streamline payroll? 
• How do you explain financial and insurance details in simple terms?