Career Details

43-3051.00 - 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.

Key Facts

Bright Outlook

Career Details

Green Job

Career Details

Current Employment

172,800

Estimate

Forecasted Employment

166,900

Estimate

Change in Employment

-5,900

Estimate

Change in Employment %

-3.4%

Estimate

Tasks

The tasks listed below can be performed to prepare you for a career in this field.

Core

Process and issue employee paychecks and statements of earnings and deductions.
Compute wages and deductions, and enter data into computers.
Compile employee time, production, and payroll data from time sheets and other records.
Review time sheets, work charts, wage computation, and other information to detect and reconcile payroll discrepancies.
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.
Provide information to employees and managers on payroll matters, tax issues, benefit plans, and collective agreement provisions.
Process paperwork for new employees and enter employee information into the payroll system.
Keep track of leave time, such as vacation, personal, and sick leave, for employees.
Conduct verifications of employment.

Supplemental

Keep informed about changes in tax and deduction laws that apply to the payroll process.
Complete time sheets showing employees' arrival and departure times.
Post relevant work hours to client files to bill clients properly.
Distribute and collect timecards each pay period.
Complete, verify, and process forms and documentation for administration of benefits, such as pension plans, and unemployment and medical insurance.
Prepare and balance period-end reports, and reconcile issued payrolls to bank statements.
Compile statistical reports, statements, and summaries related to pay and benefits accounts, and submit them to appropriate departments.
Coordinate special programs, such as United Way campaigns, that involve payroll deductions.
Balance cash and payroll accounts.
Train employees on organizations' timekeeping systems.

All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.

Knowledge

The items listed below are organized into sections that contain knowledge useful for pursuing a career in this field. Each section also contains a "Percentage of Importance" statistic that shows how relevant an item is to the occupation.

Clerical

English Language

Mathematics

Customer and Personal Service

Personnel and Human Resources

Computers and Electronics

Economics and Accounting

Public Safety and Security

All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.

Tools

The tools listed below include machines, equipment, tools, and software that is useful for individuals who are interested in this career.

Calculating machines and accessories

Computers

All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.

Technology

The technologies listed below include machines, equipment, tools, and software that is useful for individuals who are interested in this career.

Business function specific software

Finance accounting and enterprise resource planning ERP software

Data management and query software

Industry specific software

Information exchange software

Content authoring and editing software

Network applications software

All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.

Certifications

The certifications listed below are useful to pursue if you are interested in a career in this field.

Product/Equipment

Core

All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.

Licensing

The licensing information below is organized into sections and is useful for pursuing if you are interested in a career in this field.

No specific licensing information is listed for this occupation in the area you have selected.

All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.

Related Programs

Online Programs related to this career, offered by participating institution(s), are listed below.

Clicking on the Degree programs in the list below will take you away from the Careers page.

INSTITUTION

PROGRAMS

Brightpoint Community College

Programs

Germanna Community College

Programs

J Sargeant Reynolds Community College

Programs

Associate of Applied Science in Accounting

Associate of Applied Science

The rapid expansion of business and industry in Virginia has created a large, steady demand for qualified personnel to assist in the preparation and interpretation of accounting and financial information. The AAS degree in Accounting is designed for persons who are seeking their first full-time employment in the accounting field immediately upon completion of the curriculum. In addition, the program is designed for persons presently employed in accounting who desire to increase their knowledge and update their skills.

Associate of Science in Business Administration

Associate of Science

With the rapid development of business and industry in Virginia, there is a great demand for qualified personnel in business administration to provide leadership for this economic growth. The Associate of Science degree with a major in Business Administration is designed for persons who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a baccalaureate degree in business administration.

Associate of Applied Science in Management - Small Business Management Specialization

Associate of Applied Science

The Management degree program is designed to serve the needs of individuals presently employed in businesses and those who are interested in ownership or management of businesses. Additionally, the program is designed for those who may be seeking a promotion and have the potential for supervisory and management positions. Students will gain a solid foundation in key business areas and management. Students will develop critical thinking skills and practices to address business issues and skills in strategic management.

Laurel Ridge Community College

Programs

Mountain Gateway Community College

Programs

New River Community College

Programs

Northern Virginia Community College

Programs

Paul D. Camp Community College

Programs

Rappahannock Community College

Programs

Southside Virginia Community College

Programs

Tidewater Community College

Programs

Associate of Applied Science - Accounting

Associate of Applied Science

The Accounting programs prepare students for careers in the accounting field or assist students in updating their skills if they are working in the accounting field. Graduates may seek employment as a bookkeeper or as an accounting or auditing clerk.

Students with a baccalaureate degree who wish to pursue the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination may use specific course work toward fulfillment of accounting educational requirements. Some course work also meets federal government guidelines for those interested in qualifying for positions or promotions in the federal government. Students should consult an accounting instructor to determine the courses that meet the educational requirements.

The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree provides students with a strong foundation in accounting and business, along with general education requirements, enabling students to seek entry-level employment in accounting. In addition, the course work prepares students for certification exams.

The certificate programs provide course work that gives students the skills to sit for one or more certification exams administered by the Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation (ACAT).

Associate of Applied Science - Management

Associate of Applied Science

The programs in Management are designed for those interested in entering or advancing in business and industry as supervisor trainees, managers, department heads, or administrative assistants. The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Management offers broad theoretical and practical perspectives that include accounting, marketing, business law, statistics, economics, and human resource management. Students may also choose a cooperative education option in which they earn academic credit while gaining work experience at local sites.

Students completing the A.A.S. in Management have opportunities to transfer to four-year universities to pursue B.S. degrees in Business Administration, Management, and related areas. See https://www.tcc.edu/programs/transfer/transfer-agreements/ for agreements.

Associate of Science - Business Administration

Associate of Science

The Associate of Science (A.S.) degree program in Business Administration is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in business administration. Typical majors include accounting, economics, information systems, international business, finance, management, marketing, and public administration.

Courses required for the Business Administration degree are available on all four campuses.

Virginia Peninsula Community College

Programs

Virginia Western Community College

Programs

Wytheville Community College

Programs