Where Are All the Payroll Candidates? The Growing Talent Gap in Payroll.
In recent months, employers across Ireland are facing a recurring question when it comes to recruitment: Where are all the payroll candidates? From SMEs to large multinational corporations, the demand for skilled payroll professionals has sharply increased — and supply simply isn’t keeping pace.
Why the Shortage?
- Increased Compliance and Complexity
The payroll function has become significantly more complex. Navigating Revenue requirements, remote work tax implications, auto-enrolment preparations, and evolving labour laws means employers need more than just someone who can run a payslip. They need compliance-savvy, detail-oriented professionals — and fast.
- Low Turnover in Payroll Roles
Payroll professionals tend to stay put. Once in a secure, trusted role, they’re less likely to actively seek a move. This leads to a limited candidate pool that doesn’t rotate frequently, making the talent harder to access.
- Retirements and Career Shifts
We’re seeing long-standing payroll staff retire or shift into broader finance or HR roles, often leaving behind knowledge gaps that are tough to fill — especially in smaller teams where payroll may be managed by just one person.
- Demand for Hybrid and Remote Work
Some employers still expect payroll staff to be fully onsite due to the sensitive nature of the role. However, many candidates now expect flexibility and hybrid models. Employers unwilling to offer this may find themselves excluded from the talent market altogether.
- Undervaluing the Role
Too often, payroll is seen as an administrative necessity rather than a strategic part of the business. But getting payroll wrong is one of the fastest ways to damage employee trust. Talented payroll professionals know their value — and they’re choosing employers who recognise it too.
What Can Employers Do?
Upskill Internally
Invest in training for junior finance or HR staff to develop payroll skills in-house. Long-term, this helps you build your own talent pipeline.
Be Competitive
Benchmark salaries and offer flexibility. Candidates often receive multiple offers — yours needs to stand out not just on pay but on working environment and career development too.
Use Specialist Recruiters
A targeted search by recruiters who understand the payroll market can help surface passive candidates who aren’t actively applying, but would consider a strategic move. Contact Niamh Flynn on 045 881888 or email niamh@clark.ie Niamh has candidates readily available for Payroll positions – request your copy of some candidate profiles today!
Invest in Technology
Modern payroll software can reduce admin load, but you still need skilled professionals who understand the data. Highlighting a tech-forward payroll environment can be a draw for candidates.
Consider Payroll Outsourcing
If finding and retaining payroll talent feels like an uphill battle, outsourcing may be a practical and cost-effective solution. At Clark, we offer comprehensive payroll outsourcing services — taking the pressure off your internal team while ensuring complete accuracy, compliance, and confidentiality. Whether you’re looking for a short-term payroll solution or a fully managed service, our expert team can handle the process end-to-end. From processing payslips and managing Revenue submissions to dealing with contractor payments and compliance, we’ve got it covered. Click the link below for more info!
Payroll & Payment Management Services – June 2024
Let’s Partner!
Whether you need help sourcing exceptional payroll talent or you’re ready to outsource the function entirely, Clark is here to support you. We understand the evolving payroll landscape and partner with organisations across Ireland to ensure they have the right people — or solutions — in place.
Call Clark on 045 881888 or email payroll@clark.ie
