Payroll vs. Talent Acquisition: Which HR Career Is Best for You?

HR offers multiple career paths, but two of the most essential roles are payroll and talent acquisition. While one focuses on numbers and compliance, the other is all about people and hiring strategies. Which path is right for you? Let’s break it down.

By Matt Khoo on 2025-03-20 at 3:08 AM

Updated on 2025-03-28 at 6:46 AM

Payroll vs. Talent Acquisition: What’s the Difference?

Human resources is a broad field with different specializations, and payroll and talent acquisition (TA) are two of the most in-demand HR functions. But they couldn’t be more different:

✔ Payroll specialists ensure employees are paid accurately and on time, handling salaries, tax deductions, and compliance.
✔ Talent acquisition specialists focus on hiring and employer branding, working to attract and recruit top talent for the company.

If you’re trying to decide which HR career is best for you, here’s a closer look at both roles.

What Does a Payroll Specialist Do?

A payroll specialist is responsible for managing employee salaries, bonuses, deductions, and tax compliance. They work closely with finance and HR teams to ensure employees receive their wages correctly and on time.

Key Responsibilities:

✔ Processing salaries – Calculating wages, overtime, bonuses, and allowances.
✔ Tax compliance – Ensuring EPF, SOCSO, and PCB deductions are correctly applied.
✔ Maintaining payroll records – Tracking employee salary history, benefits, and compensation changes.
✔ Resolving payroll discrepancies – Handling salary disputes and employee concerns.
✔ Staying updated on labor laws – Ensuring payroll policies comply with Malaysian employment laws.

Skills Required:

✔ Strong numerical and analytical skills
✔ Attention to detail and accuracy
✔ Knowledge of HR software and payroll systems (e.g., SAP, QuickBooks)
✔ Understanding of tax and labor laws in Malaysia
✔ Ability to handle confidential employee data

Who Should Consider Payroll?

If you enjoy working with numbers, problem-solving, and ensuring financial accuracy, payroll is a great HR career path for you.

What Does a Talent Acquisition Specialist Do?

A talent acquisition (TA) specialist focuses on finding and hiring the right people for the company. They work closely with hiring managers to source, interview, and onboard top talent.

Key Responsibilities:

✔ Recruiting candidates – Sourcing talent through job portals, LinkedIn, and networking.
✔ Conducting interviews – Screening candidates and assessing cultural fit.
✔ Employer branding – Showcasing the company as an attractive place to work.
✔ Managing the hiring process – Coordinating job offers, contracts, and onboarding.
✔ Developing hiring strategies – Planning long-term talent acquisition goals.

Skills Required:

✔ Strong interpersonal and communication skills
✔ Ability to assess candidate potential
✔ Knowledge of job market trends and recruitment tools
✔ Creativity in developing employer branding campaigns
✔ Problem-solving and negotiation skills

Who Should Consider Talent Acquisition?

If you enjoy meeting new people, networking, and building relationships, a career in talent acquisition is a great choice.

📖 Related Read: How to Approach Passive Candidates in Malaysia

Payroll vs. Talent Acquisition: Career Prospects & Salary in Malaysia

Salary Comparison

Role	Entry-Level Salary (RM)	Mid-Level Salary (RM)	Senior-Level Salary (RM)
Payroll Specialist	RM3,000 – RM5,000	RM5,500 – RM8,000	RM10,000+
Talent Acquisition Specialist	RM3,000 – RM5,500	RM6,000 – RM9,000	RM12,000+

Both payroll and talent acquisition offer strong career growth, but TA specialists tend to earn higher salaries in senior roles, especially in fast-growing industries like tech and finance.

📖 Related Read: HR Salaries in Malaysia: What to Expect in 2025

How to Choose the Right HR Career Path

Still unsure whether payroll or talent acquisition is right for you? Here are some questions to help:

✔ Do you prefer working with numbers and financial accuracy? → Payroll
✔ Do you enjoy networking and recruiting talent? → Talent Acquisition
✔ Are you more detail-oriented and process-driven? → Payroll
✔ Do you like interacting with people and building relationships? → Talent Acquisition

Both career paths offer stability, career growth, and job security, so the right choice depends on your interests and skills.

Whether you choose payroll or talent acquisition, both roles are essential to a company’s success. Payroll ensures employees are paid correctly, while talent acquisition helps companies find the right talent to grow. The best way to decide is to consider your strengths, interests, and career goals. Looking for HR job opportunities? Explore roles on Hiredly, join the Hiredly Young Talent Community, and take the Hiredly Work Personality Test to find the best HR career path for you!

By Matt Khoo on 2025-03-20 at 3:08 AM