Payroll Clerks (NOC 1432)

What They Do Payroll clerks perform some or all of the following duties: Maintain records of employee attendance, leave and overtime to calculate pay and benefit entitlements, in Canadian and other currencies, using manual or computerized systems 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 Prepare employee payments and benefit payments by cheque or electronic transfer Complete, verify and process forms and documentation for administration of benefits such as pension plans, leaves, share savings, employment and medical insurance Prepare T4 statements and other statements Provide information to employees on payroll matters, benefit plans and collective agreement provisions Compile statistical reports, statements, and summaries related to pay and benefits accounts Prepare and balance period-end reports and reconcile issued payrolls to bank statements.

Where They Find Work —    Top Occupational Areas Public administration 15% Health care and social assistance 10% Transportation and warehousing 7% Educational services 6% Wholesale trade 5% Retail trade 5% Payroll clerks work in payroll administration companies and in other businesses/government. The unionization rate (31%) is close to the average (32%) for all occupations. 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.

Related Occupation(s) Bookkeepers (NOC 1231) Accounting and Related Clerks (NOC 1431)

Something to Think About To enhance your professional knowledge and broaden your opportunities, consider: Assessing new office equipment/ software programs Maintaining office machinery Learning how to build and maintain customer relations

Use the "Where They Find Work" graph to target your worksearch. It may be easier to get into industries with the most people in this field. Want to work in an industry that hires fewer workers in this field? To be more marketable, check out whether you have the most up-to-date knowledge and technology skills for that industry. Check the provincial/territorial or local information (http://www.labourmarketinformation.ca) for opportunities in your area.

What You Need You usually need a high school diploma. You may also need a college diploma or other courses in accounting, bookkeeping or payroll administration, or experience as a financial clerk. You may need Payroll Association Certification. With experience, you may move up the ranks to become a supervisor. Many recent entrants have either a undergraduate university degree or a community college diploma.

Required/Related    Educational Programs* This will let you explore the program(s) of study that lead to this (these) occupation(s). Secretary - General (Office Administration) (C151) Accounting (T110) Commerce - Business Administration (U120) Sociology (U880) *  These educational programs are listed in the order in which they are most likely to supply graduates to this occupation.

Useful Experience/Skills Scheduling Accounting and budgeting Computer literacy Keyboarding		Useful High School Subjects Math Business Computer Basics English
Depending on your background, this Education, Training, and Experience info will help you to: Choose your high school courses Plan your post-secondary program Choose relevant volunteer work Decide what new skills to learn Read job ads, professional journals, and newspapers for what the industry needs and employers want. Talk to employers and employees to find out the exceptional skills and knowledge that will help you land a job.

Current Conditions Your work prospects are rated FAIR because: Employment grew at an average rate. Hourly wages ($17.90) are close to the average ($18.07), and the rate of the wage growth is close to the average. The unemployment rate (4%) is close to the 2004 average (7%).

Work Prospects Current   Fair   2009   Fair

Outlook to 2009 Your work prospects will continue to be FAIR because: The employment growth rate will likely be close to the average. Although the retirement rate will likely be average, the number of retiring workers should contribute to job openings. The number of job seekers will likely match the number of job openings.

Preparing for the Competition You're more likely to be hired if you have computer skills and are familiar with automated payroll systems.

If you are beginning your career investigation, national outlooks will give you a good overview of trends. Ready to explore an occupation in more detail? Check provincial/territorial or local outlooks (http://www.labourmarketinformation.ca).

What you can expect to make (Average Hourly Earnings ($/hour))
Age Group This Occupation All Occupations 20-24 $13.49 $11.74 25-54 $18.02 $19.76 55+ $18.76 $19.59 Overall Average for Ages (20+) This Occupation All Occupations $17.90 $18.07		Hourly wages ($17.90) are close to the national average ($18.07). These earnings are 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.
Your salary can be affected by your background, the company's size and benefits, and the region and setting (urban or rural). Check out salaries in your own region by seeking info from: Employees/unions/associations Employers/human resource people Training institutions and placement services Company websites Professional/trade journals

Close to the average
The unemployment rate (4%) is close to the 2004 average (7%). This rate is close to the average for intermediate occupations. A low unemployment rate often means less competition for the jobs available. But you still need to have the required training and experience. A high unemployment rate doesn't necessarily mean you'll have great difficulty getting hired. But it can mean a fluctuating demand for workers, and you may experience bouts of unemployment.		Year This Occupation All Occupations 1991 9% 10% 1992 3% 11% 1993 6% 11% 1994 6% 10% 1995 5% 10% 1996 4% 10% 1997 4% 9% 1998 3% 8% 1999 5% 8% 2000 3% 7% 2001 3% 7% 2002 3% 8% 2003 4% 8% 2004 4% 7%

% of part-time work is about the same as average
This Occupation All Occupations Full-time 88% 81% Part-time 12% 19%		There were 40,200 workers employed in these occupations in 2004, an increase of 93% since 1997. The percentage of part-time workers is 12% compared to the 2004 average (19%) and has risen since 1997.
When full-time work is difficult to find, look at alternatives such as contract work, consulting, shared positions, and telework.

Average
The percentage of self-employed workers (2%) is close to the 2004 average (15%)		This Occupation All Occupations Self-Employed 2% 15%
Does this occupation have an above-average rate of self-employment? Consider being your own boss if you can't find work with an employer.

Age Group This Occupation All Occupations 20-24 4% 10% 25-54 82% 72% 55+ 13% 12%		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).
Look at the youngest group. A low percentage means fewer openings for brand-new workers. A high percentage means more openings for brand-new workers. Look at the oldest age group. A high percentage means positions could open up from retirements. This could be significant for both mid-career changers and brand-new workers.

Above average
The percentage of women (98%) is above the 2004 average of 48% and has risen since 1997.		This Occupation All Occupations Percent Women 98% 48%

This page last modified on: 2007-03-31