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Occupation Description

Compile and post employee time and payroll data. May compute employees' time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions. May prepare paychecks.

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State and National Wages

Wage Table

Hourly Wage Chart

Yearly Wage Chart

Location	Pay Period	2008
		10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
United States	Hourly	$11.17	$13.67	$16.74	$20.08	$23.83
	Yearly	$23,200	$28,400	$34,800	$41,800	$49,600
South Carolina	Hourly	$10.31	$12.17	$15.06	$18.03	$20.39
	Yearly	$21,400	$25,300	$31,300	$37,500	$42,400

Wage Table

Hourly Wage Chart

Yearly Wage Chart

• High is the wage at which 90% of workers earn less and 10% earn more.
• Middle is the wage at which 50% of workers earn less and 50% earn more.
• Low is the wage at which 10% of workers earn less and 90% earn more.

Wage Table

Hourly Wage Chart

Yearly Wage Chart

• High is the wage at which 90% of workers earn less and 10% earn more.
• Middle is the wage at which 50% of workers earn less and 50% earn more.
• Low is the wage at which 10% of workers earn less and 90% earn more.

Occupation Wages FAQs

Median Wage by Occupation Across States
Compare Wages by Occupation and Local Area
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National Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics Survey
State Data Source: South Carolina Wage Information

State and National Trends

Note: The data for the State Employment Trends and the National Employment Trends are not directly comparable. The projections period for state data is 2006-2016, while the projections period for national data is 2008-2018.

Occupation Trends FAQs

Employment Trends by Occupation Across States
Compare Employment Trends by Occupation
Employment Trends by Industry and Occupation

National Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections
State Data Source: South Carolina Employment Security Commission

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The most important knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) are listed for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks.

Knowledge:

• Clerical - Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
• Personnel and Human Resources - Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
• Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
• English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Skills:

• Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
• Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
• Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Abilities:

• Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
• Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Source: Occupational Information Network: Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks.

Tasks and Activities

Occupation specific tasks and the most important generalized work activities are listed for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks.

Occupation Specific Tasks:

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

Generalized Work Activities:

• Interacting With Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Detailed Work Activities:

• compile data for financial reports
• compute financial data
• compute taxes
• enter time sheet information
• fill out business or government forms
• maintain balance sheets
• maintain records, reports, or files
• prepare reports
• prepare tax reports
• process payroll documents, records, or checks
• reconcile or balance financial records
• use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
• use oral or written communication techniques

Source: Occupational Information Network: Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks.

Tools and Technology

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks  View Detailed Report

Tools:

• Calculators or accessories - 10-key calculators
• Desktop computers - Desktop computers
• Mainframe console or dumb terminals - Computer terminals
• Personal computers - Personal computers

Technology:

• Electronic mail software - Email software, Microsoft Outlook, Novell GroupWise
• Human resources software - ADP Enterprise HRMS, API Navigator, Human Resource MicroSystems HR Entre, Sage Software Abra HRMS
• Internet browser software - Netscape Navigator, Web browser software
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel, Spreadsheet software
• Time accounting software - ADP PC/Payroll, ADP eTIME, Automated payroll software, Automated timekeeping software, BMH Open4 Payroll

Source: Occupational Information Network: Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks.

Education and Training

Occupation: Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
Most Common Educational/Training Level: Moderate-term on-the-job training
Related Instructional Programs: Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping

WIA Eligible Training Provider List: http://www.workforcesouthcarolina.com/provider/

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections (Education/Training Level, Educational Attainment); National Center for Education Statistics (Typical Instructional Programs)

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