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Payroll Clerks
What they do?
Payroll clerks perform some or all of the following duties:
A. Maintain records of employee attendance, leave and overtime to calculate pay and benefit entitlements, in Canadian and other currencies, using manual or computerized systems
B. Prepare and verify statements of earnings for employees, indicating gross and net salaries and deductions such as taxes, union dues, garnishments and insurance and pension plans
C. Prepare employee payments and benefit payments by cheque or electronic transfer
D. Complete, verify and process forms and documentation for administration of benefits such as pension plans, leaves, share savings, employment and medical insurance
E. Prepare T4 statements and other statements
F. Provide information to employees on payroll matters, benefit plans and collective agreement provisions
G. Compile statistical reports, statements, and summaries related to pay and benefits accounts
Where they find work?
1. Public administration - 15.0%
2. Health care and social assistance - 10.0%
3. Transportation and warehousing - 7.0%
4. Educational services - 6.0%
5. Wholesale trade - 5.0%
6. Retail trade - 5.0%
What education do I need?
1. You usually need a high school diploma.
2. You may also need a college diploma or other courses in accounting, bookkeeping or payroll administration, or experience as a financial clerk.
3. You may need Payroll Association Certification.
4. With experience, you may move up the ranks to become a supervisor.
5. Many recent entrants have either a undergraduate university degree or a community college diploma.
High School Subject that will help:
1. Math
2. Computer Basics - Word and Excel
3. English
4. Business
What can you expect to make:
The average hourly wages for Payroll Clerks is $17.90/HR, which is close to the average for occupations in the business, finance and administration sector and are close to the average for all intermediate occupations. These wages grew at an average rate from 2002 to 2004.
Average Wage
Expected Wage by Age
Unemployment:
4% of Payroll Clerks are unemployed. This rate is close to the average for intermediate occupations.
Unemployment
Trends in Unemployment
Current Job Outlook:
The job outlook for Payroll Clerks is considered Average because:
1. Employment grew at an average rate.
2. Hourly wages ($17.90) are close to the average ($18.07), and the rate of the wage growth is close to the average.
3. The unemployment rate (4%) is close to the 2004 average (7%).
Future Job Prospects:
Your job outlook will continue to be Average because:
1. The employment growth rate will likely be close to the average.
2. Although the retirement rate will likely be average, the number of retiring workers should contribute to job openings.
3. The number of job seekers will likely match the number of job openings.
Highest Concetration:
The highest concentrations (per 10,000 people) of Payroll Clerks are found in Manitoba and Prince Edward Island while the lowest concentrations are in Saskatchewan and Newfoundland.
Unionization Rate:
The unionization rate (31%) is close to the average (32%) for all occupations.
Useful Experience:
1. Scheduling
2. Accounting and budgeting
3. Computer literacy
Part Time Workers
Part time workers:
12% of Payroll Clerks are employed only on a part-time basis. There were 40,200 workers employed in these occupations in 2004, an increase of 93% since 1997.
Age Demographics
Age Demographics:
The relatively low percentage of younger workers suggests few entry-level job openings, and could point to a greater need for workers with experience or a number of years of training. The retirement rate to 2009 will likely be average influenced by a similar-to-average age of workers (39).
