What does a Payroll Processor do?

A payroll processor is an individual who processes the payroll of employees for an organization by validating work hours and attendance of employees. Payroll processors must research for discrepancies in payroll information and documentation before processing them, as well as calculate payroll deductions. They assist payroll processing clerks and other team members with all the processes that are related to payroll. The payroll processor must also edit payroll worksheets for the data entry department as well as audit bonus payments for reporting.
Payroll processor responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real payroll processor resumes:
- Manage PTO and cafeteria benefits program.
- Assist KRONOS editors as need in the KRONOS timekeeping system.
- Input, verify and correct time records using the KRONOS and Lawson software.
- Test new software upgrades to payroll HRIS system before implementing to payroll team.
- Process, balance and facilitate the transmission of incoming and outgoing ACH files.
- Input hours into PeopleSoft and balance batches for assign pay groups according to establish schedule.
- Create and maintain all pay types, deductions, benefits and accruals, and union requirements.
- Maintain employee profiles in HRIS, process new hire paperwork, tax status changes, and direct deposit enrollment.
- Process incoming ACH authorization requests.
- Review and correct PeopleSoft error reports.
- Compile SOX documents for management approval.
- Cash management including completing monthly bank reconciliations.
- Process bi-weekly and monthly payroll in timekeeping system.
- Check and audit timekeeping records; maintain time and attendance records
- Designate payroll super user to audit California termination paychecks, reconcile vacation and personal absence accruals.
Payroll processor skills and personality traits
We calculated that 12% of Payroll Processors are proficient in Customer Service, Data Entry, and ADP. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Math skills, and Organizational skills.
We break down the percentage of Payroll Processors that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Customer Service, 12%
Assisted with payroll processing for approximately 200 pilot and flight attendants* Data entry and customer service* Verified several payroll reports
- Data Entry, 9%
Performed administrative duties of typing memos, filing, photocopying, faxing, scanning, data entry, and emailing.
- ADP, 5%
Processed semi-monthly Domestic/International ADP Payroll for 3000 employees.
- Payroll System, 5%
Designed 60 page reference guide outlining payroll system processing instructions for administers.
- Kronos, 5%
Processed daily payroll for union contract and non-contract personnel utilizing Kronos automated time and attendance system.
- Human Resources, 4%
Entered data from confidential employee documents into the computerized human resources and sales management systems.
Common skills that a payroll processor uses to do their job include "customer service," "data entry," and "adp." You can find details on the most important payroll processor responsibilities below.
Communication skills. One of the key soft skills for a payroll processor to have is communication skills. You can see how this relates to what payroll processors do because "financial clerks should be able to explain policies and procedures to colleagues and customers." Additionally, a payroll processor resume shows how payroll processors use communication skills: "maintained excellent customer service in all areas of communications with team members and clients. "
Math skills. Many payroll processor duties rely on math skills. "the job duties of financial clerks includes calculating charges and updating financial records.," so a payroll processor will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways payroll processor responsibilities rely on math skills: "compile, prepare and maintain payroll reports and statistics. "
Organizational skills. payroll processors are also known for organizational skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to payroll processor responsibilities, because "financial clerks must be able to arrange files so they can find them quickly and efficiently." A payroll processor resume example shows how organizational skills is used in the workplace: "maintain security and organizational setups in hris. "
The three companies that hire the most payroll processors are:
- NNavient12 payroll processors jobs
- AAramark4 payroll processors jobs
- AADP3 payroll processors jobs
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Payroll processor vs. Timekeeper
A Timekeeper works in various industries and organizations and is typically hired as the acting liaison between payroll coordinators and employees. This is to make sure the pay distribution process runs smoothly. As a timekeeper, you will be required to maintain an accurate track of the total number of hours worked for payroll purposes. This involves compiling payroll data from timesheets, computing wages, including the removal of taxes and social security withholding, and putting it into the computer system.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, payroll processor responsibilities require skills like "customer service," "process payroll," "w-2," and "excellent organizational." Meanwhile a typical timekeeper has skills in areas such as "per diem," "turnaround," "purchase orders," and "office equipment." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
On average, timekeepers reach similar levels of education than payroll processors. Timekeepers are 1.1% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Payroll processor vs. Accounting administrator
An accounting administrator is responsible for reviewing and analyzing account statements, managing deposits, and resolving bank discrepancies and financial disputes. Accounting administrators handle the efficient and accurate cash flow within an organization, including payroll release and filing of petty cash. They maintain an organized record of payments and billing statements for reference and audit purposes to generate reports for the management. An accounting administrator must have extensive knowledge of the accounting principles, as well as excellent communication and analytical skills to perform duties effectively, even under minimal supervision.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real payroll processor resumes. While payroll processor responsibilities can utilize skills like "kronos," "process payroll," "excellent organizational," and "payroll data," accounting administrators use skills like "purchase orders," "credit card payments," "general ledger accounts," and "vendor invoices."
On average, accounting administrators earn a higher salary than payroll processors. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, accounting administrators earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $49,796. Whereas payroll processors have higher pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $48,053.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Accounting administrators tend to reach similar levels of education than payroll processors. In fact, they're 3.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Payroll processor vs. Accounts payable clerk
An accounts payable clerk is responsible for supporting the accounting department by performing clerical duties to file financial reports timely and accurately. Accounts payable clerks manage and verify invoices documents, reconcile balance spreadsheets, process payments for suppliers and vendors, resolve billing discrepancies, confirm and post account statements, record outstanding credits, and maintain an organized record of transactions. An accounts payable clerk must have excellent knowledge of the accounting principles to deliver high-quality services and help the business minimize excessive financial loss.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a payroll processor is likely to be skilled in "payroll system," "kronos," "human resources," and "process payroll," while a typical accounts payable clerk is skilled in "purchase orders," "vendor invoices," "vendor statements," and "payroll."
Accounts payable clerks earn the best pay in the technology industry, where they command an average salary of $41,570. Payroll processors earn the highest pay from the finance industry, with an average salary of $48,053.When it comes to education, accounts payable clerks tend to earn similar degree levels compared to payroll processors. In fact, they're 0.6% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Payroll processor vs. Charge bookkeeper
A full charge bookkeeper's primary job is to manage and handle all the accounts of a small or medium-sized business. They are responsible for overseeing the accounting duties for a company, including billing customers, preparing bank statements and tax returns, and processing timesheets. Also, a full charge bookkeeper collates and enters vendor expenses, maintains the ledger's accuracy, and process accounts receivables. There are specific requirements you should meet to become a successful full charge bookkeeper, such as having a bachelor's degree in accounting, previous work experience as a charge bookkeeper, and bookkeeping certification.
Types of payroll processor
Updated January 8, 2025