Payroll and Benefits Clerk in Iowa Career Overview

As a Payroll and Benefits Clerk, you play a vital role in the functioning of an organization by managing essential aspects of employee compensation and benefits administration. Your responsibilities center around ensuring accurate payroll processing and maintaining compliance with various regulations related to employee compensation.

Key aspects of your role include:

  • Payroll Management: You are responsible for calculating hours worked, processing payroll data, and ensuring timely payments to employees. Precision is essential, as errors can result in employee dissatisfaction and potential legal issues for the organization.

  • Benefits Administration: You assist in administering employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and leave policies. Your role ensures employees have access to the benefits they are entitled to and that the organization adheres to relevant laws and regulations.

  • Record Keeping: Maintaining accurate records of employee time, attendance, and benefits is a critical part of your job. This data is essential for audits, compliance checks, and generating reports for management.

  • Communication: You serve as a key point of contact for employees with questions regarding their paychecks, benefits, and policies. Your ability to communicate effectively helps foster a positive workplace environment and builds trust within the workforce.

  • Compliance and Reporting: Staying informed about state and federal labor laws is a critical aspect of your position. You are responsible for ensuring that the organization complies with these regulations and for preparing necessary reports for regulatory agencies.

Overall, your contributions as a Payroll and Benefits Clerk are essential in maintaining the operational efficiency of an organization, directly impacting employee satisfaction and compliance with laws governing employment. Your role serves as a foundation for effective human resource management, helping to create a motivated and engaged workforce.

Payroll and Benefits Clerk Salary in Iowa

Annual Median: $49,780
Hourly Median: $23.94

Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.

Required Education To Become a Payroll and Benefits Clerk in Iowa

To become a Payroll and Benefits Clerk, specific educational qualifications and training are typically required. Consider pursuing one of the following college degree programs:

  • Accounting: This program provides a strong foundation in financial principles, tax regulations, and reporting, which are essential for managing payroll and benefits accurately.

  • Accounting and Business Management: This degree combines the essential elements of accounting with business management practices, equipping you with the skills needed to navigate both financial and administrative responsibilities effectively.

  • Business Administration and Management: A broader approach in this program helps you understand various aspects of business operations, including human resources and financial management, which are relevant to payroll and benefits administration.

  • Business Operations Support and Secretarial Services: This program focuses on the administrative side of business operations, preparing you for tasks that involve documentation, communication, and organizational duties related to payroll and benefits.

  • Business Statistics: A program in business statistics offers valuable analytical skills, enabling you to manage and interpret data crucial for payroll calculations and benefits administration.

In addition to formal educational qualifications, relevant training or workshops in payroll systems, software, or compliance regulations may further enhance your knowledge and capabilities in this role.

Best Schools to become a Payroll and Benefits Clerk in Iowa 2024

#1Maricopa County

University of Phoenix-Arizona

Phoenix, AZ

In-State Tuition:$9,552
Out-of-State Tuition:$9,552
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:18%
Total Enrollment:88,891
#2Merrimack County

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, NH

In-State Tuition:$15,000
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,000
Admission Rate:96%
Graduation Rate:41%
Total Enrollment:164,091
#3Salt Lake County

Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, UT

In-State Tuition:$7,404
Out-of-State Tuition:$7,404
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:49%
Total Enrollment:156,935
#4El Paso County

Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, CO

In-State Tuition:$12,036
Out-of-State Tuition:$12,036
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:20%
Total Enrollment:24,808
#5Maricopa County

Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, AZ

In-State Tuition:$16,407
Out-of-State Tuition:$16,407
Admission Rate:78%
Graduation Rate:45%
Total Enrollment:101,816
#6Lynchburg City

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA

In-State Tuition:$15,467
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,467
Admission Rate:99%
Graduation Rate:66%
Total Enrollment:96,709
Payroll and Benefits Clerk Job Description:
  • Compile and record employee time and payroll data.
  • May compute employees' time worked, production, and commission.
  • May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks.

Payroll and Benefits Clerk Required Skills and Competencies in Iowa

  • Attention to Detail: You must be able to meticulously review financial data, ensuring accuracy in payroll calculations and benefit administration.

  • Organizational Skills: Strong organizational abilities are essential for managing multiple tasks, deadlines, and records efficiently.

  • Data Entry Proficiency: Your role will involve entering large volumes of data accurately into payroll systems; familiarity with data entry software is vital.

  • Mathematical Skills: A solid understanding of basic arithmetic and numerical analysis is necessary for calculating wages, taxes, and deductions.

  • Communication Skills: Effective verbal and written communication skills are important for conveying complex information clearly to employees and resolving inquiries related to payroll and benefits.

  • Technical Proficiency: You should be comfortable using payroll software, spreadsheets, and other digital tools to process and manage payroll information.

  • Knowledge of Payroll Regulations: Understanding federal, state, and local regulations related to payroll and benefits administration is essential for compliance.

  • Problem-Solving Abilities: The capability to troubleshoot issues that arise in payroll processing and benefit administration will enable you to maintain smooth operations.

  • Time Management: You’ll need to manage your time efficiently to meet payroll deadlines while juggling various responsibilities.

  • Customer Service Orientation: A commitment to providing excellent service to employees with questions or concerns about their payroll and benefits is crucial for fostering a positive workplace environment.

Job Duties for Payroll and Benefits Clerks

  • Compute wages and deductions, and enter data into computers.

  • Process and issue employee paychecks and statements of earnings and deductions.

  • Verify attendance, hours worked, and pay adjustments, and post information onto designated records.

Technologies and Skills Used by Payroll and Benefits Clerks

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

  • Oracle PeopleSoft
  • Workday software

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Time accounting software

  • Kronos Workforce Payroll
  • Kronos Workforce Timekeeper

Basic Skills

  • Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • Reading work related information

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Job Market and Opportunities for Payroll and Benefits Clerk in Iowa

The job market for Payroll and Benefits Clerks in Iowa reflects a consistent demand due to the essential role these professionals play in managing employee compensation and benefits. Here’s what you can expect in terms of demand, growth potential, and geographical hotspots within the state:

  • Demand: With businesses across various sectors continually needing efficient payroll systems and benefits administration, the demand for Payroll and Benefits Clerks remains stable. Organizations face growing compliance requirements and an increasing number of employees, ensuring ongoing job openings in this field.

  • Growth Potential: The field shows potential for growth, fueled by advancements in payroll technology and shifts in employee benefits management. As companies seek to improve their operations, there is an increased emphasis on hiring clerks who can handle complex payroll systems and employee benefits programs effectively.

  • Geographical Hotspots:

    • Des Moines: As the state capital and a hub for various industries, including finance, insurance, and healthcare, Des Moines has a concentration of job opportunities for Payroll and Benefits Clerks.
    • Cedar Rapids: This city is experiencing growth in the manufacturing and technology sectors, resulting in a demand for payroll specialists to manage diverse employee bases.
    • Davenport: Known for its blend of healthcare and educational services, Davenport offers positions in organizations that require skilled Payroll and Benefits Clerks.
    • Sioux City: The presence of several corporations and a growing economy in Sioux City contributes to the steady need for professionals in payroll and benefits administration.

  • Industry Trends: The integration of software solutions for payroll and benefits management is transforming the landscape, leading to opportunities for clerks who are adept at navigating these systems. Furthermore, an increased focus on employee engagement and wellness programs is driving demand for benefit administration professionals.

By understanding these factors, you can better position yourself for opportunities in the Payroll and Benefits Clerk profession in Iowa.

Top Related Careers to Payroll and Benefits Clerk 2024

Timekeeping Specialist
Payroll Administrator
Compensation Clerk
Employee Time Coordinator

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Payroll and Benefits Clerk in Iowa

  • U.S. Department of Labor: Wage and Hour Division
    Navigate wage-related regulations including overtime pay, minimum wage, and recordkeeping requirements.
    Wage and Hour Division

  • American Payroll Association (APA)
    A recognized authority providing resources, education, and certification for payroll professionals.
    American Payroll Association

  • National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA)
    Find information regarding accounting standards that impact payroll practices and regulations across states, including Iowa.
    NASBA

  • Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
    Offers resources on benefits administration, compliance, and HR best practices relevant to payroll clerks.
    SHRM

  • Iowa Workforce Development
    Access state-specific employment resources, including labor laws, workplace regulations, and professional development opportunities.
    Iowa Workforce Development

  • Internal Revenue Service (IRS) - Payroll Taxes
    Essential guidelines on federal payroll taxation, including withholding, reporting, and payments.
    IRS Payroll Taxes

  • LinkedIn Learning
    Enroll in courses focused on payroll processing software, benefits administration, and compliance to enhance your skill set.
    LinkedIn Learning

  • PayScale
    A platform for researching payroll salaries and benefits information specific to job titles and geographic location.
    PayScale

  • National Payroll Reporting Consortium (NPRC)
    An organization that provides valuable insights into payroll reporting and data management standards.
    NPRC

  • Books and Publications

    • Payroll Accounting by Bernard J. Schneider
    • The Payroll Book: A Guide to Running an Efficient Payroll by Doug G. Houghton
      Look for these publications in local libraries or online bookstores for in-depth knowledge on payroll practices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Payroll and Benefits Clerk in Iowa

  • What are the primary responsibilities of a Payroll and Benefits Clerk?
    As a Payroll and Benefits Clerk, your main tasks involve processing payroll, maintaining employee records, handling benefits administration, ensuring compliance with labor laws, and addressing any payroll or benefits-related inquiries from employees.

  • What qualifications are required for this role?
    Typically, a high school diploma or equivalent is required. Further certifications in payroll or human resources can be beneficial. Knowledge of accounting principles and proficiency in payroll software are essential.

  • What skills are important for a Payroll and Benefits Clerk?
    You should possess strong numerical skills, attention to detail, organizational abilities, and excellent communication skills. Proficiency in spreadsheet software and payroll systems will also enhance your effectiveness in this role.

  • What is the average salary for a Payroll and Benefits Clerk in Iowa?
    As of 2023, the average salary for this position in Iowa ranges between $40,000 and $55,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and the size of the company.

  • What types of companies hire Payroll and Benefits Clerks?
    You can find employment in various settings, including corporations, small businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and nonprofits. Almost any organization with employees requires payroll and benefits administration.

  • What are the opportunities for advancement in this career?
    With experience and additional credentials, you can advance to positions such as Payroll Manager, HR Manager, or Benefits Administrator. Continuous education and training can also open doors to specialized roles in compensation analysis or HR compliance.

  • How is the job market for Payroll and Benefits Clerks in Iowa?
    The job market for Payroll and Benefits Clerks in Iowa is stable. The demand remains consistent due to the ongoing need for financial compliance and human resources support in various organizations.

  • Do I need experience in payroll or HR to get started?
    While prior experience in payroll or human resources can be advantageous, many entry-level positions may consider candidates who possess strong administrative skills and a willingness to learn.

  • What is the typical work environment for a Payroll and Benefits Clerk?
    You will generally work in an office setting. Many companies now offer remote work options, allowing flexibility in your work environment.

  • Are there specific software programs I should learn?
    Familiarity with payroll software such as ADP, Paychex, or QuickBooks is beneficial. Additionally, proficiency in Microsoft Excel is important for managing and analyzing payroll data.

  • What continuing education options are available?
    You may consider pursuing certifications such as the Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or taking courses in human resources management. Local community colleges and online platforms offer relevant courses.

  • How can I stay updated on changes in payroll regulations?
    Engaging with professional organizations like the American Payroll Association (APA) can help you stay informed. Subscribing to industry newsletters and attending workshops or seminars can also be useful.