Payroll Essentials

Performs a variety of routine office/clerical duties such as filing, coding, posting, and typing. May require keyboard skills and elementary knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, or database programs. Generally requires 6 months to 1 year of office experience. Does not require payroll or accounting knowledge. Works under close supervision.

Performs a variety of accounting clerical tasks involving the preparation and maintenance of financial and related records. Duties may include auditing and reconciling bank statements, clearing payroll accounts and maintaining payroll general ledger accounts, and remitting taxes, levies, and garnishments. This is generally an intermediate position requiring knowledge of accounting terminology and methods, standard office procedures, and 1 to 2 years of related experience.

Maintains payroll and related records recording the accumulation and use of vacations, holidays, sick days, and miscellaneous leaves of absence. May calculate deductions for group health, life, and disability insurance premiums and communicate to employees and payroll staff. May prepare premium reports and communicate with insurance carriers and other program vendors. May administer a variety of voluntary deductions such as United Way contributions, U.S. government bond purchases, and stock purchase plans. May administer pension benefits, retirement programs, 401(k) plan contributions and disbursements, and contributions to various thrift plans. This is the most senior position in which the primary responsibility is payroll-related leave and benefit records administration. Generally requires 2 to 4 years of related experience. May require a related degree or equivalent technical training. FPC or CPP designation preferred.

Uses computer terminal to input payroll data. Deciphers, translates, and codes complex alpha numeric payroll data and verifies input for accuracy and completeness. Does not require knowledge of payroll processing. Generally requires 1 to 2 years of related data entry experience.

In addition to coding complex alpha numeric payroll data and verifying data input, may direct the work of subordinate or less experienced operators. Follows standard procedures to balance and control payroll system input and output. May set up coding procedures or format source documents for coding. Generally requires 2 to 3 years of related experience.