Human Resources

Payroll Management and Controls

Payroll errors damage employee trust and can create legal and tax exposure. This course covers payroll management: payroll cycles, gross-to-net calculations, statutory deductions, payroll data management, controls and reconciliations, outsourcing considerations, audits and preventing payroll fraud.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Payroll must be right every time. You will learn processes and controls that make payroll accurate, secure and compliant.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Calculation exercises, control design workshops, reconciliation practice and fraud case studies.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Explain the payroll cycle and responsibilities
Perform gross-to-net calculations
Manage payroll data and changes securely
Design payroll controls and reconciliations
Prepare for payroll audits
Prevent and detect payroll fraud

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Payroll officers and managers
HR administrators
Finance and accounts staff
Internal auditors
Shared service staff

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Payroll processing
Calculation accuracy
Control design
Reconciliation
Fraud prevention

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Payroll Fundamentals

09:00–10:08Payroll cycle
10:08–11:00Roles and responsibilities
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Roles and responsibilities (continued)
11:45–12:53Legal requirements
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Calculations

09:00–10:08Gross pay elements
10:08–11:00Statutory deductions
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Statutory deductions (continued)
11:45–12:53Net pay
12:53–14:00Calculation practice

Day 3Data and Changes

09:00–10:08Starters, leavers and changes
10:08–11:00Data security
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Data security (continued)
11:45–12:53Approvals
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 4Controls

09:00–10:08Reconciliations
10:08–11:00Segregation of duties
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Segregation of duties (continued)
11:45–12:53Exception reports
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 5Audit and Fraud

09:00–10:08Payroll audits
10:08–11:00Fraud schemes
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Fraud schemes (continued)
11:45–12:53Outsourcing oversight
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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