Thank you very much for your in-depth reply. Your expertise is very informative and helpful.
One can obtain a degree in Human Resources or in Accounting but sadly there is no specialized degree for Payroll and IMO there should be as most HR folks and Accountants have little idea. I’ve known many Sr. HR executives and even CPA’s who were clueless when it came to taxation of fringe benefits or even how overtime works.
That and we experienced and knowledgeable payroll folks are often underpaid and underappreciated. One can get a CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) certificate through the American Payroll Assoc. but it is very expensive and not one of the employers I’ve worked for over the years was willing to pay or partially compensate me for it.