Ryan Yannetta, CPP, PHR, SHRM-CP, doesn’t care that it took him three times—three times!—to pass his CPP. In fact, the Vice President, Implementation at ExtensisHR believes it is an indication of his passion for payroll, his chosen profession. 

“I love numbers. Numbers don’t lie,” Yannetta told the audience during the Closing General Session for the 42nd Payroll Congress. “They can be your secret weapon.”

Yannetta, recipient of a Citation of Merit in 2023, has nearly 16 years of experience within the payroll and human resources industry. His career spans years of implementation and training, customer service, hiring and talent management, curriculum development, human resources, and project and account management experience. He prides himself as a cultivator of key relationships with all levels of personnel, clients, businesses, and executive managers.

Yanetta—who gets up every day at 5 a.m. to run—said consistency, education, and his skillset have allowed him to flourish and love his job in New Jersey. He said he wouldn’t be where he was now without his perseverance to keep going after his goals. 

“When I started my undergrad, my mom reinforced education,” he said. “Education at any age will give you any advantage.”

Yannetta said those who continue to work and grow their payroll skills should add everything they can to their resumes and make sure that it’s on their LinkedIn profiles. He said to focus on education and leadership skills to thrive in the payroll realm. 

“Understanding numbers can be your secret weapon,” Yannetta said. “So can letters after your last name. If you don’t toot your own horn, no music is going to come out. As a nerd with personality, I wanted to share my experience.” 

Emily R. West is a freelance writer and reporter based in Nashville, Tennessee.