Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

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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.

Sample of reported job titles: Accounting Technician, Human Resources Assistant (HR Assistant), Payroll Administrator, Payroll Assistant, Payroll Clerk, Payroll Coordinator, Payroll Representative, Payroll Specialist, Payroll Technician

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Tasks

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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.

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Technology Skills

All 15 displayed Show 4 tools used

Accounting software — Fund accounting software; Intuit QuickBooks ; Sage 50 Accounting; Tax software (see all 6 examples)
Business intelligence and data analysis software — IBM Cognos Impromptu
Compliance software — BSI ComplianceFactory
Data base reporting software — SAP Crystal Reports
Data base user interface and query software — ADP Workforce Now ; Data entry software; Microsoft Access
Electronic mail software — Email software; IBM Notes ; MicroFocus GroupWise; Microsoft Outlook
Enterprise resource planning ERP software — Microsoft Dynamics GP ; NetSuite ERP ; Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne ; Oracle PeopleSoft (see all 7 examples)
Financial analysis software — Oracle E-Business Suite Financials
Human resources software — API Navigator; Human Resource MicroSystems HR Entre; Sage Abra HRMS; Ultimate Software UltiPro Workplace (see all 6 examples)
Internet browser software — Netscape Navigator; Web browser software
Office suite software — Microsoft Office
Presentation software — Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel
Time accounting software — Kronos Workforce Payroll; Microsoft Great Plains Personal Data Keeper; UNITIME; Virtual Software Virtual Timecard (see all 24 examples)
Word processing software — Microsoft Word

Hot Technology — a technology requirement frequently included in employer job postings.

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Knowledge

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Administrative — Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace 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.
Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Personnel and Human Resources — Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

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Skills

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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.
Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Mathematics — Using mathematics to solve problems.
Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Time Management — Managing one’s own time and the time of others.

Abilities

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Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Mathematical Reasoning — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Number Facility — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Perceptual Speed — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Selective Attention — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

Work Activities

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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.
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.
Working with Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Detailed Work Activities

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Enter information into databases or software programs.
Calculate financial data.
Execute sales or other financial transactions.
Verify employee information.
Compile data or documentation.
Record personnel information.
Distribute materials to employees or customers.
Maintain current knowledge related to work activities.
Reconcile records of sales or other financial transactions.
Check data for recording errors.
Prepare documentation for contracts, transactions, or regulatory compliance.
Prepare research or technical reports.
Provide information to coworkers.
Train others in operational procedures.
Coordinate operational activities.

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Work Context

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Electronic Mail — 90% responded “Every day.”
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — 96% responded “Extremely important.”
Telephone — 93% responded “Every day.”
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 87% responded “Extremely important.”
Face-to-Face Discussions — 62% responded “Every day.”
Structured versus Unstructured Work — 66% responded “A lot of freedom.”
Contact With Others — 58% responded “Constant contact with others.”
Spend Time Sitting — 48% responded “Continually or almost continually.”
Time Pressure — 48% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 76% responded “Every day.”
Frequency of Decision Making — 47% responded “Every day.”
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 37% responded “Very important results.”
Work With Work Group or Team — 45% responded “Extremely important.”
Coordinate or Lead Others — 43% responded “Extremely important.”
Freedom to Make Decisions — 42% responded “Some freedom.”
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions — 46% responded “Continually or almost continually.”
Duration of Typical Work Week — 44% responded “More than 40 hours.”
Letters and Memos — 41% responded “Once a month or more but not every week.”
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable — 29% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
Frequency of Conflict Situations — 31% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results — 31% responded “Very high responsibility.”
Deal With External Customers — 36% responded “Extremely important.”
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People — 39% responded “Once a year or more but not every month.”
Degree of Automation — 36% responded “Highly automated.”

Job Zone

Title	Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education	These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Related Experience	Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Job Training	Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Job Zone Examples	These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, and tellers.
SVP Range	(4.0 to < 6.0)

Education

Percentage of Respondents	Education Level Required
39	High school diploma or equivalent
21	Some college, no degree
17	Associate’s degree

Credentials

Interests

All 2 displayed

Interest code: CE Want to discover your interests? Take the O*NET Interest Profiler at My Next Move.

Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Work Styles

All 16 displayed

Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.
Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others’ needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Independence — Job requires developing one’s own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Self-Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Innovation — Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
Leadership — Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
Social Orientation — Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.

Work Values

All 3 displayed

Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Related Occupations

All 9 displayed

43-3011.00	Bill and Account Collectors
43-3021.00	Billing and Posting Clerks
43-3031.00	Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
43-4171.00	Receptionists and Information Clerks
43-6014.00	Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
43-9021.00	Data Entry Keyers
43-9022.00	Word Processors and Typists
43-9041.00	Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks
43-9061.00	Office Clerks, General Bright Outlook

Wages & Employment Trends

Median wages (2020)	$22.61 hourly, $47,020 annual
State wages
Local wages	ZIP Code:

Employment (2020)	137,300 employees
Projected growth (2020-2030)	Decline (-1% or lower)
Projected job openings (2020-2030)	11,400
State trends

Top industries (2020)	Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services Administrative and Support Services

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2020 wage data external site and 2020-2030 employment projections . “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2020-2030). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.

Job Openings on the Web

Sources of Additional Information

All 7 displayed

Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.

American Bankers Association
American Payroll Association
Government Finance Officers Association
Mortgage Bankers Association
National Bookkeepers Association
Occupational Outlook Handbook: Financial clerks
Society for Human Resource Management

This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.