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.
Common Job Titles
- Payroll Assistant
- Payroll Clerk
- Payroll Coordinator
- Payroll Specialist
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeEvaluate employee time records, production data, and commission calculations for accuracy and compliance using payroll software systems (ADP, Kronos, Workday) and following regulatory requirements.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate payroll and timekeeping software systems including ADP Workforce Now, Oracle PeopleSoft, Microsoft Excel, and 10-key calculators for data entry and processing.Proficient
- KnowledgeApply federal and state payroll tax regulations and labor laws when processing employee compensation and maintaining compliance records.Proficient
- Hands-onExecute end-to-end payroll processing cycles from data compilation through paycheck preparation and distribution, meeting strict deadlines.Proficient
- KnowledgeOrganize payroll documentation, employee records, and reporting schedules in compliance with organizational policies and audit requirements.Proficient
- KnowledgeCompute employee wages, deductions, and net pay amounts applying knowledge of mathematics, accounting principles, and tax regulations.Developing
- KnowledgeAnalyze payroll data discrepancies and processing errors by comparing records across multiple systems and identifying patterns requiring correction.Developing
- MindsetRespond to employee inquiries regarding pay, deductions, and time records demonstrating service orientation and maintaining confidentiality of sensitive personnel information.Developing
- MindsetEngage with HR staff, supervisors, and finance personnel to resolve payroll issues and coordinate information flow across departments.Developing
- KnowledgeExplain payroll policies, deduction calculations, and time reporting procedures to employees and supervisors through written and verbal communication.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
156,950
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $36,670. 25th percentile: U.S. $45,440. 50th percentile: U.S. $55,290. 75th percentile: U.S. $65,750. 90th percentile: U.S. $78,830. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $36,670 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $78,830 |
| Workers on average earn | $56,870 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Administrative4.5/5
- Mathematics4.2/5
- English Language4.2/5
- Economics and Accounting4.1/5
- Personnel and Human Resources3.9/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Kronos Workforce Timekeeper
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- Oracle PeopleSoft
- SAP software
- Workday software
Technology Skills
- ADP Enterprise HR
- ADP PC/Payroll
- ADP Workforce Now
- ADP eTIME
- API Navigator
- Accounting software
- Asure Software HCM
- Automated payroll software
Tools & Equipment
- 10-key calculators
- Computer terminals
- Desktop computers
- Personal computers