payroll-clerk/references/tasks.md

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.