# Tasks & work activities — payroll clerk

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 43-3051.00 (Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks).

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Process paperwork for new employees and enter employee information into the payroll system.
- **[Core]** Keep track of leave time, such as vacation, personal, and sick leave, for employees.
- **[Core]** Conduct verifications of employment.
- **[Core]** Process and issue employee paychecks and statements of earnings and deductions.
- **[Core]** Compute wages and deductions, and enter data into computers.
- **[Core]** Compile employee time, production, and payroll data from time sheets and other records.
- **[Core]** Review time sheets, work charts, wage computation, and other information to detect and reconcile payroll discrepancies.
- **[Core]** Verify attendance, hours worked, and pay adjustments, and post information onto designated records.
- **[Core]** Record employee information, such as exemptions, transfers, and resignations, to maintain and update payroll records.
- **[Core]** Issue and record adjustments to pay related to previous errors or retroactive increases.
- **[Core]** Keep informed about changes in tax and deduction laws that apply to the payroll process.
- **[Core]** Provide information to employees and managers on payroll matters, tax issues, benefit plans, and collective agreement provisions.
- **[Core]** Complete time sheets showing employees' arrival and departure times.
- **[Core]** Distribute and collect timecards each pay period.
- **[Core]** Prepare and balance period-end reports, and reconcile issued payrolls to bank statements.
- **[Supplemental]** Balance cash and payroll accounts.
- **[Supplemental]** Train employees on organizations' timekeeping systems.
- **[Supplemental]** Prepare and file payroll tax returns.
- **[Supplemental]** Complete, verify, and process forms and documentation for administration of benefits, such as pension plans, and unemployment and medical insurance.
- **[Supplemental]** Compile statistical reports, statements, and summaries related to pay and benefits accounts, and submit them to appropriate departments.
- **[Supplemental]** Coordinate special programs, such as United Way campaigns, that involve payroll deductions.

## Detailed work activities

- Calculate financial data.
- Check data for recording errors.
- Compile data or documentation.
- Coordinate operational activities.
- Distribute materials to employees or customers.
- Enter information into databases or software programs.
- Execute sales or other financial transactions.
- File documents or records.
- Maintain current knowledge related to work activities.
- Prepare documentation for contracts, transactions, or regulatory compliance.
- Prepare financial documents.
- Prepare research or technical reports.
- Provide information to coworkers.
- Reconcile records of sales or other financial transactions.
- Record personnel information.
- Train others in operational procedures.
- Verify employee information.