Becoming a Payroll Clerk

A payroll officer works in the area of accounting and administration. Depending on the type of organisation, they can be involved with accounts or primarily wage payment and human resource accounting.

In smaller firms, the role can include tax calculations, superannuation, workers compensation, deductions, holiday pay, sick pay, payment corrections, processing of former employees and processing of new employees.

In order to become a payroll clerk, it is often not required for the applicant to have a degree. Usually, previous experience is a large component of the selection process. Degrees such as Human Resource and Accounting degrees will be viewed highly, however there are ways to gain experience outside of tertiary education. Experience is usually required because of the high level of sensitivity of employee wages and the unique and various programs that are used by various payroll departments in businesses.

Businesses that operate a payroll position close to their physical location such as Safeway, Coles and Myer often have payroll positions that can be reached through in-house means and can provide invaluable experience.

Depending on business, work load and responsibility payroll clerks can be paid on average between $53K and $56K. In many businesses there is the opportunity for career progression in the form of Accounting and Human Resource roles.

Find a position in the field of Payroll as well as more information here.