A profession with a future: payroll administration is full of opportunities

Payroll administration: it is rarely mentioned as a dream job. And yet, the demand for new talent is enormous. The UWV (Dutch unemployment agency) now designates the profession as a profession of opportunity. Summa lecturer Linda Oostenrijk developed a new course together with accounting firms and other regional companies. The need was clear: a practice-oriented training program with real guidance, not just theory. The first group starts in September.

The course lasts 30 weeks. You attend classes at Summa for half a day a week, and for the rest of the week, you work at one of the affiliated organizations. If you successfully complete the course, you will obtain the PDL certificate. This Payroll Administration Practical Diploma is nationally recognized and is a minimum requirement in virtually every payroll administration vacancy. The certificate comprises three components: employment law, payroll taxes, and personnel, organization & communication.

That final module says a lot about the breadth of the profession. “Salary affects everyone,” says Linda. “It has to be right, and people are counting on you. That makes the profession relevant and responsible.” Moreover, as a resource for colleagues and a point of contact within the HR department, you go much further than just administration. Conversation skills, Excel, responsible handling of AI and privacy-sensitive data… it is all included in the course. “So, truly a different ball game than bookkeeping.”

What distinguishes this course from private training providers is the personal guidance alongside the subject matter. Every lesson starts with a check-in: what has occurred at work, what challenges did you encounter? “Companies indicated that they missed this reflection in other training programs. These are often purely focused on theory, whereas it is precisely the interaction that is so valuable. Students learn from each other: how do you approach things? What do you do differently?” The affiliated companies are also involved in the content: they provide practical case studies and can give guest lectures.

If you successfully complete the course, you will be in a strong position. Due to the nationwide shortage of payroll administrators, the chance of finding a job after obtaining the PDL certificate is high. So, if you are looking for a course with real guidance, practice-oriented education, and immediate employability, do not hesitate any longer.

The course deliberately starts small so that every student receives the attention he or she deserves. Several companies have already committed and the first registrations have come in, but there is still room for additional participants. Want to know more or sign up? Check out this course page.