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Timekeeper vs payroll representative

The differences between timekeepers and payroll representatives can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a timekeeper and a payroll representative. Additionally, a timekeeper has an average salary of $46,290, which is higher than the $45,054 average annual salary of a payroll representative.

The top three skills for a timekeeper include timekeeping, data entry and human resources. The most important skills for a payroll representative are data entry, payroll data, and payroll system.

Timekeeper vs payroll representative overview

TimekeeperPayroll Representative
Yearly salary$46,290$45,054
Hourly rate$22.25$21.66
Growth rate-3%-3%
Number of jobs7546,076
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 32%Bachelor's Degree, 50%
Average age4848
Years of experience44

What does a timekeeper do?

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.

What does a payroll representative do?

A payroll representative typically works in a company's human resources department, where their role focuses on processing payrolls and assisting employees. Although the extent of their duties depends on their company or industry of employment, it often includes answering employee inquiries about salaries and benefits, preparing and processing requests, and resolving issues and concerns. Moreover, a payroll representative is also responsible for tracking employee work hours, updating databases, and maintaining an active communication line with team members for a smooth and efficient workflow.

Timekeeper vs payroll representative salary

Timekeepers and payroll representatives have different pay scales, as shown below.

TimekeeperPayroll Representative
Average salary$46,290$45,054
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $69,000Between $31,000 And $63,000
Highest paying City-Hartford, CT
Highest paying state-New Jersey
Best paying company-ABB
Best paying industry-Health Care

Differences between timekeeper and payroll representative education

There are a few differences between a timekeeper and a payroll representative in terms of educational background:

TimekeeperPayroll Representative
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 32%Bachelor's Degree, 50%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Timekeeper vs payroll representative demographics

Here are the differences between timekeepers' and payroll representatives' demographics:

TimekeeperPayroll Representative
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 17.2% Female, 82.8%Male, 19.5% Female, 80.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 6.0% White, 57.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%Black or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 18.8% Asian, 6.1% White, 58.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%
LGBT Percentage10%10%

Differences between timekeeper and payroll representative duties and responsibilities

Timekeeper example responsibilities.

  • Perform data entry, produce and analyze reports while utilizing standard payroll and timekeeping systems.
  • Input time for employees into CCM.
  • Verify and print pay stubs through JDE.
  • Coordinate FMLA, disabilities and leave of absences.
  • Time keeping and entering PTO to submit on weekly basis
  • Train new CCM vendors when onboarding on allocations, balancing and the exception process.
  • Show more

Payroll representative example responsibilities.

  • Initial set up of associates and day to day processes within Kronos
  • Field and answer employee payroll questions, assisting staff with determining quota balances, union contract terms, and proper timekeeping.
  • Prepare tax reports and reconciliations.
  • Provide individual assistance with timekeeping system as needed.
  • Compile and provide earning statements while utilizing PeopleSoft and excel spreadsheets.
  • Prepare and analyze payroll management reports for supervisors and managers, utilizing PeopleSoft reporting.
  • Show more

Timekeeper vs payroll representative skills

Common timekeeper skills
  • Timekeeping, 21%
  • Data Entry, 14%
  • Human Resources, 8%
  • Per Diem, 7%
  • Kronos, 7%
  • Turnaround, 5%
Common payroll representative skills
  • Data Entry, 7%
  • Payroll Data, 7%
  • Payroll System, 6%
  • Human Resources, 6%
  • Kronos, 4%
  • Customer Service, 4%

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