PathFinderPathFinder — Career Explorer by StudioQ
Explorer
CommerceFinance & HR

Payroll Manager

Payroll Managers run salary processing, tax deductions (TDS), PF/ESI contributions and ensure statutory compliance for Indian organisations. They coordinate with HR and finance, maintain payroll systems and handle audits and employee queries. Growing adoption of payroll software and changing labour laws makes this a steady, in-demand finance-HR role in India.

Salary range
₹4.5–25 LPA
Job growth
high
Work type
Hybrid
Paths to entry
3 routes

Actions for your grade

  • Take electives that build numerical and business sense if available
  • Learn intermediate Excel functions (formulas, tables) through online tutorials
  • Practice communication and basic accounting concepts

Your complete path from Grade 10 to Payroll Manager

Every step you need — from now to your first job.

B.Com / BBA undergraduate
Commerce

Common entry route; follow with internships in payroll/finance and short payroll courses.

  1. Now
    Commerce Stream
  2. Exams
    CUET UG or MHT CET
  3. Degree
    B.Com / BBA (3 years)
  4. Colleges
    Shri Ram College of Commerce · Hans Raj College · St Xaviers College Mumbai
  5. Career
    Payroll Manager
Professional accounting route
Commerce

CA provides strong taxation and payroll compliance expertise but is a longer path.

  1. Now
    Commerce Stream
  2. Exams
    CA Foundation
  3. Degree
    Chartered Accountant (ICAI) – CA Foundation → Intermediate → Articleship
  4. Colleges
    Institute of Chartered Accountants of India
  5. Career
    Payroll Manager
MBA (HR / Finance) for managerial roles
Any Stream

MBA helps fast-track to managerial payroll, compensation & benefits leadership roles.

  1. Now
    Any Stream Stream
  2. Exams
    CAT
  3. Degree
    MBA / PGDM in HR or Finance (2 years)
  4. Colleges
    IIM Ahmedabad · IIM Bangalore · IIM Calcutta
  5. Career
    Payroll Manager

Entrance exams

ExamEligibilityDifficultyWindow
MHT CET
Maharashtra State CET Cell
Class 12 PCM (Maharashtra domicile preferred)MediumApr-May
CUET UG
NTA
Class 12 (any stream)MediumMay-Jun
CAT
IIMs
Bachelor's degree 50%+Very HardNov
CA Foundation
ICAI
Class 12 passHardJun & Dec

Where to Study

Institutes known to offer this career pathway in India.

SRCC
Shri Ram College of Commerce
Central GovtNew Delhi, Delhi
CUET UGMerit-based
HRC
Hans Raj College
Central GovtDelhi, Delhi
CUET UG
St. Xavier's College
St. Xavier's College, Mumbai
AutonomousMumbai, Maharashtra
Merit-basedInstitute entrance
Christ University
Christ University
Deemed UniversityBengaluru, Karnataka
Christ University Entrance TestCUET
ICAI
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India
AutonomousNew Delhi, Delhi
CA Foundation
IIM-A
Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad
AutonomousAhmedabad, Gujarat
CATGMAT
IIM Bangalore
Indian Institute of Management Bangalore
Central GovtBengaluru, Karnataka
CATGMAT
IIM Calcutta
Indian Institute of Management Calcutta
Central GovtKolkata, West Bengal
CATGMAT
Top Non IIM Bschools
Recommendations only — verify eligibility, seat availability, and admission rules from official portals before applying.