The job of payroll clerk is one in which you will enter the information regarding employees' hours of work into the system so that they will get paid on time. Some of the specific duties involved in this job include compiling the information, computing and posting wages, maintaining payroll records and correcting any errors or inconsistencies that may occur. In compiling the data for payroll and preparing the pay checks, you will have to calculate the amount of taxes that have to be deducted from the gross pay for the hours worked, as well as any union dues, and other deductions such as health benefits. All of this work is now done using computer software, so you do need computer skills for this position.
A payroll clerk is responsible for maintaining employee records and providing statements for termination of employment and retirement. In addition, you will have to handle issues relating to promotions that reflect an increase in salary and transfers of employees between departments if you work with a large firm. Each pay check also has to be accompanied by a statement of earnings that explains the various deductions and computes the earnings and deductions to date to give employees a view of their earnings. The preparation of earnings statements for income tax purposes also falls into the scope of responsibilities associated with this job.
You can obtain an associate’s degree from a technical or vocational college in order to obtain the position of payroll clerk. It is also possible that you will perform the duties of this position with a degree in accounting when you first start your job with a private business. In this way you get to experience all facets of working in the accounting industry, which is necessary when you obtain higher positions where you are in a supervisory role responsible for the training and supervision of staff.
Obtaining certification as a payroll officer will go a long way toward helping you obtain a position as a payroll clerk and help you advance in the accounting industry. There are two levels of certification: Fundamental Payroll Certification and Certified Payroll Professional. There are specific courses that you have to take for each of these certificate levels and you do have to pass a comprehensive exam. Many of the technical and vocational colleges that offer courses for payroll positions also offer the courses you need for certification.
There are additional skills you need to have to perform your role as a payroll clerk. These include proficiency in the use of spreadsheets and computer programs related to your work. You do need to be familiar with the usual office equipment, such as copiers and fax machines, so that you can use them in your job and do simple repairs when necessary. Good keyboarding skills are data entry speed are required and you must be able to work independently with very little supervision. Since you will be dealing with just about all the employees you will also need to have good interpersonal skills to extablish good working relationships.
