Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Performing Administrative Activities Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

The Work

Wages clerks keep records of the number of hours worked by staff within an organisation. They calculate salary or wage rates, based on rates of pay, bonuses, overtime and other factors, such as piecework. They use calculators or computer spreadsheets to work out the correct pay.  
 
When making calculations, wages clerks must also take into account changes in employees' circumstances, such as promotion, general pay increases, maternity leave and sick pay. They must keep accurate records to make sure employees have been paid correctly.  
 
If employees receive their wages in cash, wages clerks must withdraw the right amount from the organisation's bank account. Clerks put together and distribute pay packets.  
 
They answer any queries people have about their wage, salary or contributions. In many offices, they also carry out other general office duties such as filing, photocopying and answering the telephone.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Process and issue employee paychecks and statements of earnings and deductions.
• Compute wages and deductions, and enter data into computers.
• Review time sheets, work charts, wage computation, and other information to detect and reconcile payroll discrepancies.
• Compile employee time, production, and payroll data from time sheets and other records.
• Process paperwork for new employees and enter employee information into the payroll system.
• Verify attendance, hours worked, and pay adjustments, and post information onto designated records.
• Record employee information, such as exemptions, transfers, and resignations, to maintain and update payroll records.
• Issue and record adjustments to pay related to previous errors or retroactive increases.
• Keep track of leave time, such as vacation, personal, and sick leave, for employees.
• Provide information to employees and managers on payroll matters, tax issues, benefit plans, and collective agreement provisions.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Most employers provide training on the job. To Develop your skills, knowledge, and experience you can explore courses in payroll and administration in Colleges of Further Education across the country. 

Training & Development 

FET Centre Traineeship: Business admin, Office procedures, accounts technician, Payroll and finance at NFQ level 5, specific skills / software payroll packages available via FET Centre training. tull & part time search our FET coursefinder

FET Centre PLC Course: Accounting, Accounts & Payroll, financial administration with HR NFQ level 5-6 Search our FET PLC Coursefinder

Apprenticeship Accounting Technician, Financial services NFQ level 6 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Business, Commerce, Economics, Maths & Statistics, Accounts & Finance NFQ Levels 6-8 Search our CAO coursefinder

Professional Associations  

International Financial Services Skillnet Network 

Accounting Technicians Ireland 

Financial Services Union

The 30% club: Growth Through Diversity

Last Updated: October, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €32k - €50k

Salaries vary by employer, role, duties, shift pattern, location, and experience.

Data Source(s):
Lincoln/ Collins McNicolas/ Sigmar/ Azon/ Morgan McKinley/ Clark

Last Updated: February, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This occupation has been identified as a Job in Demand by the most recent National Skills Bulletin.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Financial administration roles accounted for the largest occupation in this group. Employment declined marginally between 2021 and 2022, although the annual average employment growth rate over the five-year period was slightly above the national average. Despite the fall in employment, there was a high volume of recent job hires indicating that job churn is a feature of this occupation. Almost three quarters of those employed in these roles were female, and 62% held third-level qualifications.

Approximately two-fifths of persons employed were in the financial sector, with the remainder spread across most other sectors. The number of online job adverts grew strongly (nearly 12%) in 2022 driven entirely by increases for book-keepers/payroll managers etc. Difficult-to-fill vacancies (noted in the Recruitment Agency Survey and the Skills for Growth data) related to accounts administration (payable/receivable) staff, fund accountants, and credit controllers (some with languages) and payroll administration; skills in particular demand included digital skills and knowledge of accounting systems. For such a large occupation, and with a high level of job churn, demand for these roles is likely to continue in the short to medium term.

• Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI)

  • 47 - 49 Pearse Street, Dublin 2
  • (01) 649 8100
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here