intro

docs/source/introduction.rst

@@ -109,4 +109,57 @@ their duties:
   government agencies, insurance companies, unions and other third parties. 
   In addition, payroll reporting includes accounting for payroll expenses 
   and accruals to internal financial systems and federal and 
-  provincial/territorial year-end reporting.
+  provincial/territorial year-end reporting.
+
+Technical Skills
+----------------
+
+The technical skills required by payroll professionals include proficiency in computer
+programs such as payroll software and financial systems, spreadsheets, databases and word
+processing.
+Organizations often change their payroll and business systems to meet new technology
+requirements and corporate reporting needs. It is important for payroll personnel to have the
+ability to be adaptable to changing systems. As a payroll practitioner, you must be prepared
+and willing to embrace continuous learning.
+© The Canadian Payroll Association – Payroll Compliance Legislation
+1-7Chapter 1
+Payroll and Its Compliance Environment
+Personal and Professional Skills
+The following personal and professional skills will assist payroll practitioners in dealing with
+the various stakeholders involved in the payroll process:
+
+
+
+
+
+written communication skills, such as preparing employee emails and memos,
+management reports, policies and procedures and correspondence with various levels
+of government
+verbal communication skills, to be able to respond to internal and external
+stakeholder inquiries
+the ability to read, understand and interpret legal terminology found in documents
+such as collective agreements, benefit contracts and government regulations
+excellent mathematical skills to perform various calculations
+problem solving, decision-making, time management and organizational skills
+Behavioural and Ethical Standards
+Behaviour and ethics are two areas that build on the skills that an effective payroll practitioner
+must have. Effective payroll professionals should be:
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+trustworthy, as the potential for fraud is ever present
+conscientious, with a keen attention to detail
+discreet, due to the confidential nature of information being handled
+tactful in dealing with employees who can be very sensitive when discussing their
+financial issues
+perceptive, able to understand all sides of an issue
+able to work under the pressures of absolute deadlines
+able to use common sense in order to recognize problems quickly and apply sound
+solutions
+able to remain objective and maintain a factual perspective when dealing with
+questions and inquiries