A timekeeper oversees and verifies that employees’ time sheets are accurate. This person can have different titles, such as a payroll clerk or time checker. The timekeeper can also have different responsibilities, depending on where he works. For example, if he works in a large corporation, this person may be responsible for ensuring he gets all of the employee time sheets on time so he can process payroll. The timekeeper must have certain skills, education and training to perform his job successfully.

Education

The individual doesn’t need a formal degree to be timekeeper. Employers may have different expectations when they’re looking to hire a timekeeper. A small business may not require the person to have college degree. Instead, it can expect the person to take courses in accounting, mathematics or finance. A large employer, on the other hand, may expect the person to have a bachelor’s degree in accounting. An accounting degree requires courses in business management and sales and marketing, and gives a timekeeper a good background in the essentials of accounting and finance and taxes.

Training

Employers may require the timekeeper to take courses in payroll administration so he becomes familiar with payroll processes or practices. Teachers cover areas such as wage and tax reporting, worker compensation, payroll management and accounting, and levies and garnishments. The timekeeper also learns about federal tax reporting and other regulations and laws that can affect companies.

Skills

A timekeeper must have solid communication skills because she will have to interact with fellow employees. She may have to interview co-workers to go over the hours they worked. Employers may require the timekeeper to have good computer skills because she may have to use timekeeping software. The individual must also be detailed-oriented and have solid organizational and analytical skills since she’ll have to manage salaries and financial issues. The person must also have math skills because she’ll be working with numbers.

Knowledge of Timekeeper and Payroll Systems

Since many companies are automating their timekeeping and payroll systems, the timekeeper should learn all about them. He should seek additional training from the software manufacturer. The employer may then promote this person to be a system administrator or manager of the timekeeping system, resulting in more responsibilities and a higher salary.