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What does a Payroll Clerk do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A payroll clerk is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of an organization's payroll. This may include maintaining employee records, calculating wages, and preparing paychecks. The payroll clerk may also be responsible for preparing payroll tax reports and ensuring that all withholdings are properly remitted to the appropriate agencies.

Payroll Clerk job duties include:

  • Maintain payroll information by collecting, calculating, and entering data
  • Update payroll records by entering changes in exemptions, insurance coverage, savings deductions, and job title and department/division transfers
  • Compile payroll data such as garnishments, vacation time, insurance and 401(k) deductions
  • Process payroll by verifying timekeeping records and calculating employees' net pay
  • Distribute paychecks on payday
  • Resolve payroll discrepancies by collecting and analyzing information
  • Provide payroll information by answering questions and requests
  • Prepare reports (e.g. vacation accruals, sick leave usage)
  • Maintain employee confidence and protect payroll operations by keeping information confidential
  • Comply with federal, state, and local legal requirements by studying existing and new legislation

Payroll Clerk Job Requirements

Payroll clerks typically need at least a high school diploma, although some jobs may require postsecondary education, and most employers provide on-the-job training. Payroll clerks typically need experience with accounting, bookkeeping, and office software. Some jobs may require certification, such as the Certified Payroll Professional credential offered by the American Payroll Association.

Payroll Clerk Skills

  • Communication
  • Organization
  • Payroll
  • Benefits
  • Human Resources
  • Employee Relations
  • Recruiting
  • Training
  • Onboarding
  • Time Management
  • Compliance

Related: Top Payroll Clerk Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Payroll Clerk

A payroll clerk is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of employee payroll. This involves maintaining employee records, calculating wages, and preparing and issuing paychecks. Payroll clerks may also be responsible for preparing payroll tax reports and filing payroll taxes.

To become a payroll clerk, you will need to have strong math skills and experience with accounting software. You should also be detail-oriented and organized, with the ability to handle confidential information discreetly. If you have previous experience working in human resources or accounting, this will be beneficial.

There are many online courses available that can teach you the necessary skills to become a payroll clerk. Once you have completed your training, you can search for entry-level positions with businesses of all sizes. With experience, you may eventually move into a management role or become a certified payroll professional.

Related: Payroll Clerk Resume Example

Related: Payroll Clerk Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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