Payroll Clerk Jobs

Payroll Clerk Job Description

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What is a Payroll Clerk?

A payroll clerk is responsible for ensuring that employees of the organization are paid accurately and on time. Other duties include managing backend data relating to the hours worked by an employee matched with their pay periods and hourly wages, salaries, overtime, sick days and vacation days. A payroll clerk can advance their career by becoming a certified payroll clerk attained by the American Payroll Association (APA). Other certifications offered by the APA include Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or a Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC).

A payroll clerk is not subject to any formal education requirements beyond a high school diploma or a general education diploma although holding an associate's degree and additional certifications issued by the APA are desirable. Computer technology and software skills are required as part of the job requirements together with strong calculation and organizational skills. Due to the nature of the job, candidates must be physically able to sit in front of a computer for long hours at a time.

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Payroll Clerk Job Description Template

Job Overview

Come work at Example Co., a leading firm in our industry in the metro area. We're pleased to have a 4.0 Glassdoor rating. We are looking to hire an experienced Payroll Clerk to help us keep growing. If you're hard-working and dedicated, Example Co. is an ideal place to get ahead. Apply today!

Responsibilities for Payroll Clerk

Distribute employee salary paychecks on time and accurately
Maintain accurate records of payments made to employees
Keep track of pay periods, hourly wages, salaries, overtime, sick days and vacation days of employees
Liaise with the HR department and accounts department to ensure accurate information for payment
Utilize computer software for data entry and accounts management
File relevant reports and documents as needed
Verify employee records and consult departments in the event of a discrepancy
Alter tax status of employees where required

Qualifications for Payroll Clerk

Administrative technology certificate or an associate's degree is preferred
Additional certification issued by the American Payroll Association is desired
Proven experience working as a payroll clerk in a fast-paced organization
Highly proficient in computer skills and technology
Accurate and meticulous in data entry
Strong clerical, administrative and general office skills
Exceptional calculation and memory skills
Good organizational and time-management skills
Able to sit in front of a computer for long hours at a time

Employers: How to Write Great Job Descriptions

Be sure to mention requisite years of experience and educational requirements
Tell job seekers what's unique about your company and job
Ideal length is a few paragraphs or about 200 words
Make sure to use appropriate paragraph breaks and bullet points so it’s easy on the eyes.

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