Payroll and timekeeping clerks check employee time records and issue paychecks.

Payroll and timekeeping clerks distribute and collect timecards for each pay period. They review employee work charts or timecards to be sure they are complete. In companies that bill for staff time, timekeeping clerks make sure the hours recorded are charged to the correct job.

Payroll and timekeeping clerks screen timecards for any errors and resolve issues with the employee or supervisor. They compute paycheck amounts by subtracting deductions, such as for federal and state taxes. Many use computer software to calculate payroll. They also issue employee paychecks. 

Clerks keep track of changes in tax and deduction laws. They advise employees on tax deductions and other required withholdings. In addition, they inform managers and employees about changes in payroll policies.

They sometimes gather data from timesheets and other records to prepare reports for managers or other departments. Payroll clerks also prepare wage and tax statements at the end of the year. They mail these to employees for filing their tax returns.