Payroll Clerk

General Overview

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation and processing of weekly and biweekly payroll, ensuring employee hours, earnings, deductions, and other payroll information are accurately entered and maintained.
• Review employee timesheets for completeness, accuracy, appropriate approvals, and compliance with established timekeeping procedures.
• Identify and communicate discrepancies, missing information, or unusual payroll entries for resolution prior to payroll processing.
• Enter employee payroll changes, including new hires, terminations, pay rate changes, direct deposit updates, tax withholding changes, and benefit deductions.
• Maintain accurate and confidential payroll records, employee information, and supporting documentation.
• Assist with processing payroll adjustments, corrections, reimbursements, and other payroll-related transactions.
• Respond to routine employee inquiries regarding pay statements, payroll deductions, direct deposit, and timekeeping procedures.
• Escalate discrepancies, errors, or non-routine issues to senior payroll staff.
• Assist with reconciling payroll reports and reviewing payroll registers for accuracy.
• Support the administration of garnishments, wage attachments, tax levies, and other required payroll deductions.
• Assist with year-end payroll activities, including W-2 preparation, reconciliation, and employee tax documentation.
• Maintain familiarity with applicable federal, state, and local payroll requirements and company policies.
• Provide general administrative support to the payroll function and assist with special projects as assigned.
• All other duties as assigned.

Skills/Knowledge

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.

• Basic understanding of payroll processes and willingness to learn payroll regulations.
• Ability to learn and navigate payroll and timekeeping systems.
• Previous experience with payroll or timekeeping software is a plus.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Excel and standard office tools.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Ability to follow established procedures and work effectively in a team environment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to meet strict payroll deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to identify and escalate discrepancies.

Physical Requirements – Work Environment

• Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to use a computer, keyboard, telephone, and other standard office equipment.
• Occasionally lift or move office materials weighing up to 15 pounds.
• This position primarily operates in a professional office environment.
• This role requires regular interaction with employees and internal departments and adherence to established payroll processing schedules and deadlines.
• Fast-paced, deadline-driven setting with peak workload during payroll cycles and year-end processing.