Occupation AtlasPayroll and Timekeeping Clerks
O*NET · 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.
Also called Accounting Assistant · Attendance Clerk · Bonus Clerk · Checkman · Commissions Clerk · Finance Specialist · Flight Crew Scheduler · Flight Crew Time Clerk
35 more
HR Administrative Assistant · HR and Payroll Admin · HR and Payroll Admin (Human Resources and Payroll Administrator) · HR Coordinator · HR Specialist · Human Resources Administrative Assistant (HR Administrative Assistant) · Human Resources Coordinator (HR Coordinator) · Human Resources Specialist (HR Specialist) · Payroll Admin · Payroll Administrator (Payroll Admin) · Payroll Analyst · Payroll and Benefits Specialist · Payroll Assistant · Payroll Associate · Payroll Bookkeeper · Payroll Clerk · Payroll Coordinator · Payroll Officer · Payroll Processor · Payroll Representative · Payroll Secretary · Payroll Specialist · Payroll Tax Specialist · Payroll Technician · Personnel Assistant · Personnel Clerk · Personnel Scheduler · Personnel Technician · Sign Out Clerk · Time and Attendance Clerk · Time Checker · Time Clerk · Time Recorder · Timekeeper · Wanigan Clerk
Compare with another occupationCompare with Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed
Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
CESConventional · Enterprising · Social — the three strongest interests, in order
- C Conventional7.00
- E Enterprising3.32
- S Social1.91
- R Realistic1.85
- I Investigative1.05
- A Artistic1.00
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (50%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (38%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (32%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- MathematicsbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- WritingbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
- Service OrientationImportance 3.0Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- Time ManagementImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
Show the other 23
- Active LearningbasicImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
- CoordinationImportance 2.8Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.3Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- InstructingImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- NegotiationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- PersuasionImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- ProgrammingImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Technology DesignImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.3Level —
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.3Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.0Level —
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
- SciencebasicImportance 1.0Level —
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
15 core · 6 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Process and issue employee paychecks and statements of earnings and deductions.Importance 4.7
- Compute wages and deductions, and enter data into computers.Importance 4.7
- Verify attendance, hours worked, and pay adjustments, and post information onto designated records.Importance 4.7
- Process paperwork for new employees and enter employee information into the payroll system.Importance 4.7
- Review time sheets, work charts, wage computation, and other information to detect and reconcile payroll discrepancies.Importance 4.6
- Record employee information, such as exemptions, transfers, and resignations, to maintain and update payroll records.Importance 4.6
- Issue and record adjustments to pay related to previous errors or retroactive increases.Importance 4.6
- Distribute and collect timecards each pay period.Importance 4.6
- Prepare and balance period-end reports, and reconcile issued payrolls to bank statements.Importance 4.6
- Compile employee time, production, and payroll data from time sheets and other records.Importance 4.4
- Keep track of leave time, such as vacation, personal, and sick leave, for employees.Importance 4.4
- Keep informed about changes in tax and deduction laws that apply to the payroll process.Importance 4.3
Show the other 9
- Complete time sheets showing employees' arrival and departure times.Importance 4.3
- Provide information to employees and managers on payroll matters, tax issues, benefit plans, and collective agreement provisions.Importance 4.0
- Conduct verifications of employment.Importance 3.5
- Prepare and file payroll tax returns.Importance 4.7
- Compile statistical reports, statements, and summaries related to pay and benefits accounts, and submit them to appropriate departments.Importance 4.5
- Balance cash and payroll accounts.Importance 4.4
- Complete, verify, and process forms and documentation for administration of benefits, such as pension plans, and unemployment and medical insurance.Importance 4.1
- Train employees on organizations' timekeeping systems.Importance 3.8
- Coordinate special programs, such as United Way campaigns, that involve payroll deductions.Importance 3.1
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- AdministrativeImportance 4.5Level 6.0Level 7 looks like: Organize a digital storage system for company forms
- English LanguageImportance 4.2Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- MathematicsImportance 4.2Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
- Economics and AccountingImportance 4.1Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Develop financial investment programs for individual clients
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 3.9Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
- Administration and ManagementImportance 3.8Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.2Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.2Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
Show all 33
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.6Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.2Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
- Law and GovernmentImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- PsychologyImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.5Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.5Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.4Level —
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.4Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.4Level —
- Sales and MarketingImportance 1.4Level —
- TelecommunicationsImportance 1.4Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- GeographyImportance 1.3Level —
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.3Level —
- DesignImportance 1.1Level —
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.1Level —
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.1Level —
- TransportationImportance 1.1Level —
- BiologyImportance 1.0Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.0Level —
- ChemistryImportance 1.0Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.0Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.0Level —
- MechanicalImportance 1.0Level —
- PhysicsImportance 1.0Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Written ComprehensionImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Near VisionImportance 3.8Level 3.8
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.8Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Oral ExpressionImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 3.5Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
- Information OrderingImportance 3.4Level 3.1Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Number FacilityImportance 3.4Level 3.4Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
Show all 52
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Category FlexibilityImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.9Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Far VisionImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- MemorizationImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- OriginalityImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Finger DexterityImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Manual DexterityImportance 2.0Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Time SharingImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- Trunk StrengthImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- VisualizationImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.9Level 0.9
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
- Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.4Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Getting InformationImportance 4.3Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Processing InformationImportance 4.3Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 4.2Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.0Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.9Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.7Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.7Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
Show all 41
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.7Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.6Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.5Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.0Level 2.8
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.9Level 2.7
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 2.8Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Give coworkers brief instructions on a simple procedural change
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.7Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 2.7Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 2.7Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Determine whether to remove a tree that has been damaged
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 2.3Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.2Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.8Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 1.7Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 1.7Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.7Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 1.7Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.4Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.4Level —
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
64 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (8)
- Kronos Workforce Timekeeperhot
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
- Microsoft Outlookhot
- Workday softwarehot
- ADP Workforce Now
- Oracle HRIS
- Payroll software
Hot (6; 5 more marked hot above)
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- Oracle PeopleSoft
- SAP software
Other tools (50)
- ADP Enterprise HR
- ADP eTIME
- ADP PC/Payroll
- API Navigator
- Asure Software HCM
- Automated payroll software
- Automated timekeeping software
- BMH Open4 Payroll
- BSI ComplianceFactory
- CyberShift Workforce Management 3G Time and Attendance
- Data entry software
- EBS On Line InstaPay
- Email software
- Fund accounting software
- Galaxy Technologies TimeStar Enterprise
- Human resource management software HRMS
- Human Resource MicroSystems HR Entre
- IBM Cognos Impromptu
- IBM Notes
- isolved Time
- Jantek Jupiter Time Attendance
- Kronos Workforce Payroll
- MicroFocus GroupWise
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Microsoft Dynamics GP
- Microsoft Great Plains Personal Data Keeper
- Netscape Navigator
- NetSuite ERP
- NuView EBS
- Oracle E-Business Suite Financials
- Oracle Fusion Applications
- Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne
- Oracle PeopleSoft Payroll for North America
- Paychex payroll software
- PayData Advanced HR
- PDS Vista
- Penta software
- Quicken
- RSM McGladrey Clear Pay
- Sage 50 Accounting
- Sage HRMS
- SAP Americas mySAP ERP Human Capital Management HCM
- SAP Crystal Reports
- Tax software
- TimePlus Payroll
- Ultimate Software UltiPro Workplace
- UNITIME
- Virtual Software Virtual Timecard
- Web browser software
- WorkForce Software EmpCenter Time and Attendance
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics −1.2, Writing +0.8
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Material Resources +0.8, Management of Financial Resources +0.7
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Tax Preparers
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Monitoring −0.8, Persuasion +0.6
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Billing and Posting Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Active Listening −0.8, Operation and Control +0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
New Accounts Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Persuasion +1.0, Speaking +0.9
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics −1.3, Writing +0.9
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Court, Municipal, and License Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics −1.2, Management of Material Resources +0.9
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Correspondence Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Writing +0.9, Persuasion +0.8
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.