Positions in payroll are not standard, off the shelf, or the same from payroll to payroll. NZPPA Certification takes this into account and understands what you do as a payroll practitioner can be a mixture of various payroll levels.
How we have included this in certification by ensuring that the level selected includes an assessment from the levels below so the applicant is assessed across a range of areas not just at the one defined area.
To aid you in selecting the certification levels that best suit the range of skills and experience you have as a payroll practitioner we have provided a range of payroll job descriptions aligned to the NZPPA certification levels. If you log on to the NZPPA Certification Portal you can assess the range of payroll job descriptions.
If you want any assistance please email: [email protected] with any questions.
NZPPA Certification Levels:
| Label |
Certification Level |
Certification Type |
Certification Description |
Qualifying Period
|
| CPT |
Entry |
Certified Payroll Technician |
- Can run basic payroll processing steps, under supervision or within their prescribed authority OR:
- Performs part of the payroll process, or other payroll tasks, under supervision or within their prescribed authority.
- Understanding of Payroll Legislation
|
|
| CPP |
Intermediate |
Certified Payroll Practitioner |
- Can run a payroll end-to-end at an intermediate level under supervision or within their prescribed authority.
- Excellent Understanding of Payroll Legislation
|
|
| CPS |
Advanced |
Certified Payroll Specialist |
- Senior Practitioner who manages payroll, end to end at an advanced level
- Proficient Understanding of Payroll Legislation
- Interacts at a senior level within the business
|
- 3+ years at a CPP level
- More than 6 months in the role
- No direct reports
|
| CPC |
Advanced |
Certified Payroll Consultant |
- Can implement & configure payroll processes and payroll system criteria and resolve complex payroll issues.
- Sound knowledge of audit and review processes to mitigate errors and risk
- Proficient Understanding of Payroll Legislation
|
- 3 + years at a CPS level
- More than 6 months in the role
- Payroll Provider Consultant, Payroll Bureau Consultant Payroll Team Projects or System Compliance role
|
| CPL |
Leadership |
Certified Payroll Leader |
- Meets all the requirements set at the previous certification levels (CPT, CPP, CPS) and may have consulting experience under CPC (optional)
- Leads and manages staff in a payroll environment.
- Sound payroll knowledge and experience that enables complex payroll issue resolution
- Experience with implementing audit and review processes to mitigate errors and risk
- Proficient Understanding of Payroll Legislation
|
- 3 + years at a CPS level
- 1 or more direct reports
- More than 12 months in a leadership role
|