Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
Human Advantage 71%
Significant human skills needed
AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
4.3 / 10
Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.
Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees' time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks.
Also Known As: Accounting Assistant, Attendance Clerk, Bonus Clerk, Checkman, Commissions Clerk, Finance Specialist, Flight Crew Scheduler, Flight Crew Time Clerk +27 more
Core Tasks
- Verify attendance, hours worked, and pay adjustments, and post information onto designated records.
- Process and issue employee paychecks and statements of earnings and deductions.
- Compute wages and deductions, and enter data into computers.
- Process paperwork for new employees and enter employee information into the payroll system.
- Prepare and balance period-end reports, and reconcile issued payrolls to bank statements.
- Review time sheets, work charts, wage computation, and other information to detect and reconcile payroll discrepancies.
- Distribute and collect timecards each pay period.
- Record employee information, such as exemptions, transfers, and resignations, to maintain and update payroll records.
- Issue and record adjustments to pay related to previous errors or retroactive increases.
- 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.
- Keep informed about changes in tax and deduction laws that apply to the payroll process.
- Complete time sheets showing employees' arrival and departure times.
- Provide information to employees and managers on payroll matters, tax issues, benefit plans, and collective agreement provisions.
- Conduct verifications of employment.
Supplemental Tasks (6)
- Prepare and file payroll tax returns.
- Compile statistical reports, statements, and summaries related to pay and benefits accounts, and submit them to appropriate departments.
- Balance cash and payroll accounts.
- Complete, verify, and process forms and documentation for administration of benefits, such as pension plans, and unemployment and medical insurance.
- Train employees on organizations' timekeeping systems.
- Coordinate special programs, such as United Way campaigns, that involve payroll deductions.
Education & Training
Job Zone 3 Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
Hot Technologies
Software (67)
Tools & Equipment (4)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Leadership & Operations Advanced Manufacturing
Zone 3
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks You are here
Zone 4
Human Resources Managers 79% match
Zone 5
Economists 77% match
Entrepreneurship & Small Business Construction
Zone 2
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria 74% match
Zone 3
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks You are here
Zone 4
Human Resources Managers 79% match
Zone 5
Chief Executives 77% match
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