Payroll and Benefits Clerk in Ohio Career Overview
As a Payroll and Benefits Clerk, you play a vital role in facilitating the smooth operation of an organization's payroll and benefits systems. Your responsibilities center around managing employee compensation and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Your attention to detail and organizational skills help maintain accurate payroll records and information.
Key aspects of your role include:
Payroll Processing: You are involved in the calculation of wages, taxes, and deductions. This requires you to gather and verify timekeeping records to ensure employees are paid accurately and on time.
Benefits Administration: You assist in the management of employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and leave policies. Your role ensures that employees receive their entitled benefits and understand their options.
Regulatory Compliance: You ensure that payroll practices comply with federal, state, and local regulations. This includes withholding requirements, reporting obligations, and maintaining employee confidentiality.
Employee Support: You serve as a point of contact for employees with questions about their payroll and benefits. Your customer service skills help to clarify issues and provide essential information.
Record Maintenance: You maintain payroll and benefits databases, ensuring all information is updated and accurate. This includes retaining files for audits and future reference, which is critical for regulatory compliance.
Your role as a Payroll and Benefits Clerk is integral to the operational efficiency of human resources functions. By facilitating accurate payroll processing and effective benefits administration, you contribute to employee satisfaction and organizational morale.
Payroll and Benefits Clerk Salary in Ohio
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 Ohio
To become a Payroll and Benefits Clerk in Ohio, you typically need to meet specific educational qualifications and training requirements. Here are the relevant degree programs you may consider:
Accounting
- A degree in accounting provides a solid foundation in financial principles, tax laws, and auditing practices, which are essential for managing payroll and benefits.
Accounting and Business Management
- This program combines accounting principles with business management practices, equipping you with the skills to handle payroll systems while understanding broader business strategies.
Business Administration and Management
- A degree in business administration covers various business functions, including finance, human resources, and operations, helping you understand the role of payroll and benefits within a business context.
Business Operations Support and Secretarial Services
- This program focuses on administrative support and operational procedures, which are important for managing payroll records and employee benefits efficiently.
Business Statistics
- A background in business statistics can help you analyze payroll data, manage employee benefits analytics, and make informed decisions based on quantitative data.
Pursuing one of these educational pathways will equip you with the necessary knowledge and understanding to excel in the role of Payroll and Benefits Clerk. Additionally, gaining relevant experience through internships or related positions can further enhance your qualifications.
Best Schools to become a Payroll and Benefits Clerk in Ohio 2024
University of Phoenix-Arizona
Southern New Hampshire University
Western Governors University
Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs
Grand Canyon University
Liberty University
- 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 Ohio
Attention to Detail: You must have a keen eye for accuracy, as the nature of payroll and benefits requires precise data entry and analysis. Small errors can lead to significant discrepancies in employee compensation or benefits.
Numerical Proficiency: A strong understanding of mathematics is essential. You will regularly work with figures, requiring the ability to perform calculations and comprehend quantitative information effectively.
Technical Skills: Familiarity with payroll software and spreadsheet applications is necessary. Proficiency in software such as QuickBooks, ADP, or Microsoft Excel will enhance your efficiency in managing payroll processing and reporting.
Time Management: The ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines is critical. You will be required to manage payroll schedules effectively to ensure timely payments to employees.
Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication abilities are important for conveying information clearly to employees and collaborating with other departments. You'll often address employee inquiries regarding their pay and benefits.
Problem-Solving Skills: You will encounter various challenges, such as discrepancies in payroll data or employee benefit issues. Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills will enable you to address these matters efficiently.
Confidentiality: Handling sensitive information about employees' financial and personal details requires a high level of confidentiality and discretion. You must understand the importance of maintaining privacy standards.
Knowledge of Labor Laws: A basic understanding of federal, state, and local labor laws and regulations is beneficial. This knowledge ensures compliance in payroll processing and employee benefits administration.
Organizational Skills: You need excellent organizational abilities to handle numerous data points and documents systematically. Keeping records orderly will assist in effective referencing and retrieval when needed.
Customer Service Orientation: You should display a commitment to providing support to employees, responding to their queries regarding payroll and benefits, and ensuring their concerns are addressed promptly.
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.
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 Ohio
The job market for Payroll and Benefits Clerks in Ohio is characterized by steady demand and several growth avenues. You can expect a variety of opportunities within different sectors, including healthcare, education, governmental agencies, and private businesses.
Demand: Many organizations are recognizing the importance of efficient payroll and benefits management. This has resulted in a consistent demand for Payroll and Benefits Clerks who can navigate complex compensation structures and benefits packages. Companies require skilled professionals to ensure compliance with labor laws and regulations, which further fuels this demand.
Growth Potential: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for payroll and timekeeping clerks will grow in the coming years. As businesses expand and the workforce evolves, the need for adept clerks who can integrate new technologies and processes into payroll systems is increasingly critical. Growth in the industry may also be driven by the need for improved data management and reporting capabilities, which often fall under the purview of payroll and benefits specialists.
Geographical Hotspots: In Ohio, certain metropolitan areas stand out for their high concentration of job opportunities in this field:
- Columbus: As one of the fastest-growing cities in Ohio, Columbus hosts numerous large employers in sectors such as education, healthcare, and technology, all of which require payroll specialists.
- Cleveland: With a diverse economy, Cleveland offers numerous positions in both public and private sectors, making it a viable city for Payroll and Benefits Clerks.
- Cincinnati: Known for its thriving business community and presence of Fortune 500 companies, Cincinnati provides numerous opportunities for clerical roles focused on payroll and benefits.
- Dayton: With a strong emphasis on manufacturing and aerospace, businesses in Dayton often seek Payroll and Benefits Clerks to manage their payroll needs effectively.
By focusing your job search in these areas and staying attuned to the evolving demands of the workforce, you can find promising opportunities as a Payroll and Benefits Clerk in Ohio.
Top Related Careers to Payroll and Benefits Clerk 2024
Additional Resources To Help You Become a Payroll and Benefits Clerk in Ohio
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
A professional organization that provides resources, research, and certification programs relevant to HR practices, including payroll and benefits.
SHRM WebsiteAmerican Payroll Association (APA)
This organization offers training, certification, and networking opportunities specifically focused on payroll. Their resources are essential for staying updated on payroll regulations and best practices.
APA WebsiteNational Association of Professional Employers Organizations (NAPEO)
This association provides resources and advocacy for professional employer organizations, addressing benefits administration and payroll needs.
NAPEO WebsiteU.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
Offers comprehensive information on wage laws, labor standards, and employee benefits that are crucial for payroll and benefits clerks to understand.
DOL WebsiteInternal Revenue Service (IRS)
Provides guidelines on tax regulations affecting payroll processing, including updates on payroll tax rates and compliance information.
IRS WebsiteOhio Bureau of Employment Services
This state agency provides resources about employment laws, benefits, and payroll regulations specific to Ohio.
Ohio BWCNational Payroll Week (NPW)
An annual celebration that provides educational resources and promotes awareness of the payroll profession, including webinars and certification information.
NPW WebsiteLinkedIn Learning
Offers various online courses focused on payroll software, HR management, and benefits administration. These courses can enhance your skills and knowledge in the field.
LinkedIn LearningBooks and Publications
Consider reading useful books such as:- Paying Employees: A Practical Guide to Payroll Management
- Mastering Payroll Management in QuickBooks
Search on platforms like Amazon or your local library for availability.
Local Colleges and Universities
Institutions such as The Ohio State University and Cincinnati State Technical and Community College often offer courses in payroll and human resources. Check their continuing education programs for relevant classes.
By utilizing these resources, you can enhance your knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career as a Payroll and Benefits Clerk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Payroll and Benefits Clerk in Ohio
What are the primary responsibilities of a Payroll and Benefits Clerk?
As a Payroll and Benefits Clerk, your main duties will include processing payroll, maintaining employee records, administering benefits programs, ensuring compliance with tax regulations, and responding to employee inquiries regarding pay and benefits.What qualifications are needed to become a Payroll and Benefits Clerk in Ohio?
Typically, you will need a high school diploma or equivalent, although an associate's degree in accounting, finance, or human resources can be advantageous. Experience in payroll software and knowledge of federal and state employment laws are also beneficial.Is certification necessary for a Payroll and Benefits Clerk?
While certification is not mandatory, obtaining credentials such as the Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation can enhance your job prospects and demonstrate your expertise in the field.What software skills are required for this position?
Proficiency in payroll software such as ADP, Paychex, or QuickBooks is essential. Familiarity with Microsoft Excel and other data management tools is also important for tracking payroll and benefits data.What is the typical salary range for a Payroll and Benefits Clerk in Ohio?
The salary for this role varies depending on experience and location, but on average, you can expect to earn between $40,000 and $55,000 annually.What are the career advancement opportunities for a Payroll and Benefits Clerk?
You can progress to roles such as Payroll Manager, Benefits Administrator, or Human Resources Generalist with additional experience and education. Continuing education and certification can further enhance your advancement potential.How do I find job openings for Payroll and Benefits Clerks in Ohio?
Job openings can be found on various job search websites, company career pages, and through networking on professional platforms like LinkedIn. Local staffing agencies and career fairs may also provide opportunities.What skills are essential for success in this role?
Important skills include attention to detail, strong analytical abilities, effective communication, time management, and proficiency in math and data analysis.How does the Payroll and Benefits Clerk role differ from that of a Human Resources Clerk?
While both roles involve employee-related functions, Payroll and Benefits Clerks primarily focus on payroll processing and benefits administration, whereas Human Resources Clerks may handle a broader range of HR tasks such as recruitment, employee relations, and training.Are there any continuing education options available for Payroll and Benefits Clerks?
Yes, many professional organizations offer workshops, seminars, and online courses focused on payroll and benefits management. Staying updated on changes in employment laws and software advancements is also recommended.What work environment can I expect as a Payroll and Benefits Clerk?
Most Payroll and Benefits Clerks work in office settings, either in corporate environments or at dedicated payroll service companies. Remote work opportunities are increasingly available in this role.