How do I become a payroll manager and payroll expert? What educational paths and degrees are available in payroll accounting?

There is no federally recognized continuing education program in the field of payroll accounting/payroll management. Some schools award their own diplomas. Others teach according to the Edupool concept, and their courses culminate in an Edupool certificate.

The Edupool further training program in payroll management is structured in two levels and leads to certifications as a Payroll Manager (Level 1) and a Payroll Expert (Level 2). The courses are conducted by accredited business training centers according to a standardized curriculum. The certificates are co-signed by the Swiss Business Association. They are recognized throughout Switzerland as proof of qualification in the business world.

Payroll Accounting Level 1: Payroll Manager with Edupool Certification

To be admitted to the “Payroll Manager” courses, you must have a good command of written and spoken German (Level C1) and meet one of the following requirements:

  • Completion of an apprenticeship with a Federal VET Diploma and at least 2 years of general professional experience in the business sector
  • Completed continuing education, further training program “HRSE Personnel Assistant”
  • At least 2 years of professional experience in payroll accounting or human resources.

If you do not have any of the required degrees, you can apply for admission “sur dossier,” that is, based on an individual assessment of your skills. If you have at least 4 years of professional experience in the business field, you have a chance of being admitted.

Payroll Accounting, Level 2: Payroll Specialist with Edupool Certification

You will be admitted to the expert training programs if you have at least 2 years of general professional experience in the business sector, good written and spoken German skills (C1 level), and meet one of the following requirements:

  • Certificate in Payroll Management from edupool.ch
  • Certified Administrative Assistant (edupool.ch) in Human Resources, Social Security, Trust Services, or Accounting
  • Federal Diploma of Higher Education as an HR Specialist, Finance and Accounting Specialist, Financial Planner, Social Security Specialist, or Trust Administrator.
  • Proof of at least 5 years of professional experience in human resources, with a focus on payroll accounting and payroll administration.

Providers of courses in payroll accounting / payroll management