Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks: Who They Are and What They Do

Payroll and timekeeping clerks are essential to the smooth operation of businesses and organizations. They are responsible for accurately recording the number of hours worked by employees, calculating wages or salaries, and distributing payment. This occupation also involves the administration of employee benefits and payroll taxes.

Examples of the Job

Payroll and timekeeping clerks can work in various industries and organizations, including hospitals, retail stores, and government agencies. Some examples of the tasks they perform include:

• Recording and processing payroll information for new hires and terminations
• Calculating and communicating employee benefits, such as vacation and sick leave
• Keeping track of employee attendance and hours worked
• Distributing paychecks or depositing funds directly into employee bank accounts
• Preparing reports and taxes related to payroll

Education and Training

Most employers require that payroll and timekeeping clerks have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. However, some organizations may prefer or require a postsecondary degree in accounting or a related field. Employers also look for candidates with strong computer skills, proficiency in relevant software, and attention to detail.

Payroll and timekeeping clerks can also pursue certification from organizations like the American Payroll Association, which offers certification for payroll professionals at different levels. These certifications require a certain amount of education, work experience, and the passing of an exam.

Progression and Entry into the Field

Payroll and timekeeping clerks can progress in their careers to become payroll supervisors or managers, human resources managers, or financial analysts.

If you’re new to the field, you can start by looking for entry-level positions like payroll clerk or data entry specialist. Some organizations may offer on-the-job training or mentoring programs to help new employees develop the necessary skills. Additionally, you can seek out relevant coursework or certification programs to enhance your knowledge and make yourself a more competitive candidate.

Conclusion

Payroll and timekeeping clerks are critical to the functioning of businesses and organizations. They help ensure that employees are paid accurately and on time, and that tax and benefit obligations are fulfilled. Pursuing education and certification can help professionals in this field advance their careers and increase their earning potential.

Payroll and timekeeping clerks are responsible for keeping track of employee hours, calculating wages, and making sure employees are paid correctly and on time. The job level for this occupation varies, but the US national average salary for level 04 is $43,076.80 per year, while the national average salary for level 07 is $73,548.80 per year.

Unionization can have an effect on this occupation. Unionized payroll and timekeeping clerks earn on average $65,062.40 per year, while nonunion workers earn an average of $51,604.80 per year.

On average, San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA, is the highest paying region for payroll and timekeeping clerks with an average salary of $69,513.60 per year. Brownsville-Harlingen, TX, is the region with the lowest average salary for this occupation, at $37,148.80 per year.