A Rewarding Day in the Life of an Accounting and Payroll Admin

Behind every lucrative business where people are getting paid for a job well done there is an accounting and payroll administrator (APA) supporting a finance team. If you’ve ever considered taking a financial accounting course/payroll administrator course or even getting a diploma in accounting, then you’ll want to know the future you’re in for.

As an APA you work under the general supervision of accountants within established procedures, regulatory requirements, and corporate policies. If you enrol in a leading-edge program, you’ll also be skilled and set to achieve the National Payroll Institute’s payroll compliance practitioner (PCP) designation. At Anderson College, these designation fees are included in tuition because we want to ensure you have the competitive advantage you deserve.

So, once you’ve graduated, what can you expect? Here’s what you need to know.

A Rewarding Day in the Life of an Accounting and Payroll Admin

1. Setting the Tone with Organization

To ensure you’re on task and on target throughout the day, you’ll want to get organized for success. Whether you’re in a large company or helping with finances and payroll for a small business, attention to detail and streamlining your day will help you be effective and efficient.

• Perhaps you work within a company’s designated task management software, or you use your own. Keep it up to date.
• Make note of your deliverables and deadlines.
• Review appointments for the day.
• Check emails and voicemails.

2. Meeting with the Team

As an administrator you keep your finger on the pulse of what your team needs, the lead accountant and others who require your daily support. Kicking the day off by meshing your to-dos with that is needed by others, will allow you to gain a big-picture vision of tasks and empower you to blend your responsibilities with the team’s top priorities.

3. Engaging in the Typical Responsibilities of a Day

These responsibilities may include:

• Processing of accounts receivable and accounts payable.
• Customer invoicing and various accounts reconciliation.
• Management of government remittances including GST, QST, HST, WSIB, and source deductions.
• Coordinating office administrative procedures, delegating work and deadlines.
• Developing and communicating to team and clients regarding operating budgets.
• Calculating, preparing and distributing wages, calculating overtime and deductions. (Covered in payroll accounting in your program).
• Preparing and receiving invoices and arranging payments.
• Preparing reports related to the business’ accounting activities.

4. Assisting in Tax Preparation During the Busy Season

In addition to your regular duties, during times of a large influx of work, like tax periods, you will engage with and support the team. In your accounting classes you will come to understand the full scale of what’s required, and you will gain a strong grasp of accounting software, and the computer skills, as well as the communication skills, required to be a vital part of the team, particularly during this busy period.

5. Attending to Accuracy and Improvement

You may be the first eyes on documents or the last check before they’re presented but, in all situations, you have an attention to detail that adds to the professionalism of your company. In addition, as you move through processes and learn systems, you are often required to survey what works, make suggestions for what can be improved and be constantly working to keep up to date on best practices and enhancing systems for efficiency.

6. Meeting with Current Clients, Networking with New

Your day may consist of either meeting with clients directly or sitting in on meetings that your accountant has. Working with them to support their needs, always delivering your best support and service, helps your team maintain quality client relationships. And on lunch hours or by signing up for events, you can play a pivotal role in networking with potential and new clients, helping expand business.

7. Wrapping Up and Planning Ahead

Essential to consistent progress is being able to review what worked during the day and what needs improvement. Particularly when you first begin your career, you’re going to want to assess your works processes critically and look for ways that you can enhance your performance day by day. And the last bit before you head home? Planning and preparing for the next day. This can be catching up on industry news so you’re in the know, updating your to-do list based on what was accomplished but in it all you’re setting yourself up for success right out of the gate the next morning.

While every position in accounting and payroll administration varies, this outlines a variety of responsibilities you may encounter. And as you advance or specialize your career, you’ll streamline or expand your duties accordingly. If you’re considering whether this career may be for you, you can take the “Accounting & Payroll Administrator Career Discovery Quiz” or check out our popular blog posts, that can give you further insight:

• Private or Public Accounting? Your Guide to Choosing a Career Path,
• Top 7 Reasons to Choose Accounting as Your Ticket to an Empowering Career.

But when you’re ready to leap into your Accounting & Payroll Administration career, we’re here to help you navigate every step along the way. Book a virtual appointment with one of our administration advisors to discuss next steps.

Quick Links to Fuel Your Success!

We want to make sure you have what you need to succeed! Check out these reference links:

• Anderson College- Accounting & Payroll Administration program
• National Payroll Institute
• PCP Designations – Accelerate Your Career – National Payroll Institute
• Top 10 Skills Needed to work in Accounting & Payroll
• How CPA Certification Can Catapult Your Career as an Accountant