Payroll Clerk

Job Duties

Payroll clerks collect, check and process payroll information and calculate the amount of pay and benefits for employees of company. You may work for a payroll administration company that provides payroll services for different companies. Or, you may work in the payroll department of many different types of companies and organizations.

Generally, payroll clerks use computerized and manual systems to:

• Keep records of employee attendance, leave and overtime.
• Prepare and check statements of earnings for employees, including gross and net salaries and deductions (such as taxes, union dues, and contributions to insurance and pension plans).
• Prepare employee payments by cheque or direct transfer to employees' bank accounts.
• Complete, check and process forms and documents for employment benefits (such as pension plans, leaves, share savings, and employment and medical insurance).
• Prepare income tax and other statements.
• Answer employees' questions and solve payroll problems.
• Create reports, statements and summaries related to pay and benefits.

Source: HRSDC

Job Requirements

Education

This job requires: High School

Comparison with other jobs in this profession

Job	Level of Education Required
Accounting Clerk	High School
Bank Clerk	High School
Bookkeeper	College or University
Loan Officer	College or University
Payroll Clerk	High School

Source: HRSDC

Experience

This job requires 0 - 2 years of work experience.

Comparison with other jobs in this profession

Job	Years of Work Experience Required
Accounting Clerk	0 - 2
Bank Clerk	0 - 2
Bookkeeper	2 - 5
Loan Officer	2 - 5
Payroll Clerk	0 - 2

Source: HRSDC

Essential Skills

As a payroll clerk, you need to:

• Speak, read and write English.
• Understand and follow standard accounting procedures.
• Be very accurate in your work.
• Use word processing, spreadsheet, database, and email software.
• Use accounting software such as QuickBooks, MYOB, ACCPAC, and Simply Accounting.
• Work well with other people and on your own.

Source: Ontario Skills Passport

Language Skills

You need to communicate in person, on the phone and in writing with supervisors and co-workers. You need to communicate with employees to answer their questions about their pay and benefits and solve problems.

Labour Market Information

Trends

Now, most payroll clerks use computerized systems including accounting and spreadsheet software. Good computer skills are essential. Also, many payroll clerks are expected to also handle related human resources and other clerical work (such as answering the phone, filing, typing).

Prospects

The work prospects for this job are: FAIR

Comparison with other jobs in this profession

Job	Work Prospects
Accounting Clerk	Good
Bank Clerk	Fair
Bookkeeper	Good
Loan Officer	Good
Payroll Clerk	Fair

Wages

The average hourly wage for this job is: C$24.79/hour.

Comparison with other jobs in this profession

Job	Average Wage/Hour
Accounting Clerk	$20.00
Bank Clerk	$19.00
Bookkeeper	$19.23
Loan Officer	$24.00
Payroll Clerk	$24.79

Source: HRSDC

Retraining

Educational Programs

These links will give you a list of related educational programs or where you can search for them. There may be other schools that have similar programs, such as private career colleges. You may be able to get advanced standing.

• Related programs at Ontario colleges
• Search for related programs at Canadian universities

Bridging Programs

Here is a list of some bridging programs. These programs can help you assess your education and skills, get practical training or improve your language skills so that you can work in your field.

• International Accounting and Finance Professionals (IAFP) Program - Ryerson University
• Bridging for Business – York University
• See more bridging programs for accountants

Language Training

Here is a list of some language training programs, such as Occupation-Specific Language Training (OSLT).

• Workplace Communication Skills for Business
• Bridge Training Programs in Financial Services

Work Experience Programs

Many college programs and bridging programs in this field include co-operative (co-op) work experience.

Voluntary Membership Opportunities

• The Canadian Payroll Association (CPA)

Helpful Links

• Career Maps for Accountants
• Information for Internationally-Trained Accountants and Auditors
• Chartered Professional Accountants
• Canadian Bankers Association (CBA)
• Financial Services Career Advisor

The data in this profile is provided for informational purposes only. Some of the information may have changed since this profile was written. Please check the source for the most up-to-date information.