Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
Timely and accurate paychecks are the direct result of payroll and timekeeping clerks. These clerks often research any vacation or hourly disputes and make necessary corrections. Due to technological advances, their responsibilities continue to increase.
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Companies that have not yet computerized time and paycheck functions continue to employ timekeeping clerks. These clerks distribute and collect time sheets. Responsibilities include ensuring that all documents have appropriate signatures, that timecards and time sheets are filled out properly, and that hours are recorded to the correct job (this is especially important in law firms or other such companies where billable hours are utilized). Any problems are relayed to the employee or supervisor for resolution. Payroll clerks are also referred to as payroll technicians. These clerks review time cards to determine paycheck amounts. They deduct necessary allotments for federal and state income taxes, retirement, health insurance, or other expenses. Most businesses use a software program to make calculations. However, a few still make these calculations manually. Other duties they perform are closing out files for employees who have left the company and preparing and mailing out W-2 forms for income tax returns. Small offices often give the above responsibilities to secretaries or accountants. However, large organizations rely heavily on payroll and timekeeping clerks. Companies that have implemented computerized timekeeping programs depend on clerks to perform more analytical tasks, like analyzing payroll trends or working directly with employees on payroll questions.
Necessary Qualifications
Payroll and timekeeping clerks must hold a high school diploma to seek employment in this field. Some employers prefer candidates who have a few college courses under their belts. Training is typically done on the job. Skills are obtained under the guidance of a supervisor or senior clerk. Payroll and timekeeping clerks should be detail-oriented and good with numbers. Trustworthy and discreet clerks are vital to every organization because they have access to employees’ payroll information. Certification as a payroll clerk is recommended. The American Payroll Association offers certification to new payroll clerks who demonstrate fundamental payroll knowledge. Another certification is available to senior payroll clerks. Both options require courses and a passing score on an examination.
Earnings and Advancement
Payroll and timekeeping clerks earn about $14.00 and hour. Most work a regular forty-hour week. Advancement is limited in this field. Some take on more responsibilities while others transfer to other companies to receive higher pay. Many individuals with bachelor’s degrees use this job as a steppingstone to a management position. Their starting salaries are usually higher and advancement is more likely.
*This is a summarized article created to allow for a quick career review. For the most accurate and up-to-date information visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor website to learn more about Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks.
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copyright 2005
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