Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
Overview
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks handle all the behind-the-scenes work that ensures employees get paid correctly and on time. They use specialized payroll software to track hours worked, calculate wages and deductions, process paychecks, and maintain detailed records of employee information like vacation time and benefits. This role requires strong attention to detail, math skills, and proficiency with computer systems, making it perfect for people who enjoy working with numbers and data. Many clerks work in collaborative office environments and can enter the field with a high school diploma plus on-the-job training in payroll systems.
Did you know?
Payroll specialists must stay current with frequently changing federal and state tax laws, labor regulations, and compliance requirements that vary significantly across different states.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$54,453.53 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Management of Personnel Resources
Key Responsibilities
- Provide information to employees and managers on payroll matters, tax issues, benefit plans, and collective agreement provisions.
- Prepare and file payroll tax returns.
- Record employee information, such as exemptions, transfers, and resignations, to maintain and update payroll records.
- Keep track of leave time, such as vacation, personal, and sick leave, for employees.
- Compile employee time, production, and payroll data from time sheets and other records.
- Verify attendance, hours worked, and pay adjustments, and post information onto designated records.
- Train employees on organizations' timekeeping systems.
- Prepare and balance period-end reports, and reconcile issued payrolls to bank statements.
- Conduct verifications of employment.
- Compile statistical reports, statements, and summaries related to pay and benefits accounts, and submit them to appropriate departments.
- Complete, verify, and process forms and documentation for administration of benefits, such as pension plans, and unemployment and medical insurance.
- Complete time sheets showing employees' arrival and departure times.
- Balance cash and payroll accounts.
- Process and issue employee paychecks and statements of earnings and deductions.
- Keep informed about changes in tax and deduction laws that apply to the payroll process.
- Coordinate special programs, such as United Way campaigns, that involve payroll deductions.
- Review time sheets, work charts, wage computation, and other information to detect and reconcile payroll discrepancies.
- Compute wages and deductions, and enter data into computers.
- Process paperwork for new employees and enter employee information into the payroll system.
- Distribute and collect timecards each pay period.
- Issue and record adjustments to pay related to previous errors or retroactive increases.
Career Considerations
Regulatory Compliance Expertise
Payroll specialists must stay current with frequently changing federal and state tax laws, labor regulations, and compliance requirements that vary significantly across different states.
Technology Proficiency
Modern payroll roles require proficiency in specialized software systems like ADP, Paychex, or QuickBooks, as well as advanced Excel skills for data analysis and reporting.
Professional Certification Opportunities
Pursuing certifications such as Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) can significantly enhance career advancement prospects and earning potential.