Where can I work as a payroll clerk?
Many employers recognize the need for well-trained, detail-oriented payroll clerks to help their businesses be successful. The largest employers of payroll clerks include those in the professional services, retail and wholesale trade, and finance and insurance industries.
How do I become a certified payroll clerk?
In order to become a certified payroll clerk, you need education, on-the-job training, and successful completion of an industry-recognized certification exam. Through Penn Foster's Payroll Clerk Program, you'll get online training and learn essential skills relevant to the job. Upon graduation, you will be eligible to sit for the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB) Payroll certification exam.
What are the job duties and responsibilities of a payroll clerk?
Payroll clerks compile and process employee payroll and timecard data, ensuring that workers are paid appropriately. Responsibilities include:
- Calculating wages and deductions for paychecks.
- Reviewing timesheets, work charts, wage computation, and other information to detect and reconcile payroll discrepancies.
- Compiling employee time, production, and payroll data from timesheets and other records.
- Processing paperwork for new employees and entering employee information into the payroll system.
What skills do you need to work as a payroll clerk?
Successful payroll clerks have a variety of skills. They should be detail-oriented, analytical, and organized in order to complete their daily tasks accurately and efficiently.
What is the difference between a payroll clerk and a bookkeeper?
Payroll clerks most often work in an accounting department, focusing on processing employee pay and paperwork. Bookkeepers, on the other hand, are responsible for the overall finances of a business, ensuring that revenue, spend, and more are recorded for accurate financial record-keeping.