Job Descriptions

Payroll Clerk Job Description

What is the job description of a Payroll Clerk? What are the duties and responsibilities of a Payroll Clerk? What does a Payroll Clerk do?

Job description of a Payroll Clerk

Payroll Clerks are responsible for all tasks relating to payroll processing as well as a variety of routine clerical tasks in support of the business office such as collecting employees' timesheets and payroll data, calculating wages, issuing statements, detailing earnings, and preparing paychecks.

This Payroll Clerk job description example includes the list of most important Payroll Clerk duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Payroll Clerk profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Payroll Clerk Duties and Responsibilities

Payroll Clerk job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Plan and manage compensations plans
  • Use payroll software such as HRIS to manage payroll
  • Work with accounting department to monitor labor expenses
  • Assist in budget planning
  • Collect and verify timekeeping information for all employees
  • Calculate regular pay for all employees
  • Calculate special bonuses and benefits 
  • Prepare and process taxes and deductions documents
  • Initiate payments on a bi-weekly basis
  • Issue and manage statements and invoices 
  • Calculate unemployment and severance payments
  • Determine KPIs for HR department
  • Track KPIs and produce reports
  • Communicate payroll updates to employees and answer questions
  • Find and resolve any issues or discrepancies in payroll on a timely basis
  • Provide information to supervisors and assist in presentation planning
  • Suggest solutions for improvement

Payroll Clerk Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Payroll Clerk job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • BSc/BA in accounting or similar business field
  • x years of experience as a Payroll Clerk or similar role
  • In-depth knowledge of GAP
  • x years of experience with relevant payroll computer programs (such as Payforce)
  • x years of experience in data collection, entry and reporting 
  • Great attention to detail 
  • Computer savvy 
  • Outstanding organizational and time management skills
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Problem solver and critical thinker

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Payroll Clerk starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Payroll Clerk job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Payroll Clerk may also reference it in preparation for the interview.