Payroll administrators who wish to advance their careers can veer in two different directions:
Payroll data analyst. Becoming an analyst requires an in-depth knowledge of payroll systems and legal regulations, which you acquire during the course of your career as a payroll administrator. This role steps back from daily payroll processing duties and focuses more on data mining, identifying trends and suggesting improvements.
Payroll manager/supervisor. With about five years' experience in payroll, you may consider using your knowledge and leadership skills to move into a management position. This role focuses more on the management aspect than hands-on payroll processing. This position can transition to the role of payroll director after several years of management experience, depending on the specific company.