Payroll and timekeeping clerks 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.

  • Process and issue employee paychecks and statements of earnings and deductions.
  • Compute wages and deductions, and enter data into computers.
  • Review time sheets, work charts, wage computation, and other information to detect and reconcile payroll discrepancies.
  • Compile employee time, production, and payroll data from time sheets and other records.
  • Process paperwork for new employees and enter employee information into the payroll system.
  • Verify attendance, hours worked, and pay adjustments, and post information onto designated records.
  • 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.
  • Provide information to employees and managers on payroll matters, tax issues, benefit plans, and collective agreement provisions.
  • Conduct verifications of employment.
  • Distribute and collect timecards each pay period.
  • Keep informed about changes in tax and deduction laws that apply to the payroll process.
  • 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.
  • Complete time sheets showing employees' arrival and departure times.
  • Prepare and balance period-end reports, and reconcile issued payrolls to bank statements.
  • Post relevant work hours to client files to bill clients properly.
  • Compile statistical reports, statements, and summaries related to pay and benefits accounts, and submit them to appropriate departments.
  • Train employees on organizations' timekeeping systems.
  • Coordinate special programs, such as United Way campaigns, that involve payroll deductions.
Work Context
  • Telephone — 94% responded "Every day".
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — 96% responded "Extremely important".
  • Electronic Mail — 90% responded "Every day".
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 88% responded "Extremely important".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 63% responded "Every day".
  • Structured versus Unstructured Work — 66% responded "A lot of freedom".
  • Contact With Others — 58% responded "Constant contact with others".
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Work Activities
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  • Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Enter information into databases or software programs.
  • Record personnel information.
  • Record personnel information.
  • Verify employee information.
  • Reconcile records of sales or other financial transactions.
  • Train others in operational procedures.
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Knowledge

Clerical
  • Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
English Language
  • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Mathematics
  • Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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Skills

Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening
  • Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking
  • Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing
  • Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
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Abilities

Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Near Vision
  • The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Written Comprehension
  • The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Oral Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Enterprise resource planning ERP software
  • Oracle Fusion Applications Hot Technology
  • Microsoft Dynamics Hot Technology
  • Microsoft Dynamics GP Hot Technology
  • NetSuite ERP Hot Technology
  • Oracle PeopleSoft Hot Technology
  • Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne Hot Technology
  • SAP Hot Technology
Business intelligence and data analysis software
  • IBM Cognos Impromptu Hot Technology
Electronic mail software
  • IBM Notes Hot Technology
  • Microsoft Outlook Hot Technology
  • Email software
  • Novell GroupWise
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