PRINCIPAL PAYROLL CLERK (Local)
New Jersey treats Principal Payroll Clerk as a competitive-class job, so the gate is an examination and the ranked list it produces rather than a direct offer.
Eligibility comes down to 2 years of relevant experience. State payroll currently lists 9 people in the title, most of them at Human Services.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
See every real route in, and where to apply. One agency employs it. We don't track live vacancies.
See where to apply for this title →Who employs this title
Principal Payroll Clerk appears on the State payroll at one department, Department of Human Services.
State departments
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| Department of Human Services | 9 |
Where this title is used
Principal Payroll Clerk is a local service title. It is filled by the counties, municipalities, authorities and other employers that have adopted civil service under Title 11A, not by State departments. Those employers set pay by ordinance or contract rather than from a State salary schedule, which is why most local titles carry no salary range here.
Check whether an employer is a civil service jurisdiction · How local civil service works
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 9 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $57,205. The agencies employing the most are:
- Human Services (9)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under general supervision of a Supervisory Payroll Clerk or other supervisor, performs complex and highly responsible clerical work involved in and relating to the review, verification, and preparation of payroll or personnel records which require the frequent exercise of independent judgment, and/or supervises a small group of clerical workers in a payroll or payroll and personnel unit; does related work as required.
Examples of work
Assigns and instructs individuals and groups engaged in payroll or personnel activities and supervises the performance of their work. Reviews and checks payroll or payroll and personnel records, statements, documents, certificates, or time and attendance records. Prepares regular, supplemental, and overtime payrolls, adds or deletes employees, makes other appropriate changes including union deductions, taxes, charities, pension, and so forth. Processes pension membership applications, beneficiary changes, retirement, and loan applications as well as health insurance applications and changes. Completes unemployment requests for wage and separation information. Computes overtime, emergency rates, and leaves of absence requiring the interpretation and application of relevant rules and regulations. Personally receives, reviews, and checks regular and supplemental paychecks from centralized payroll and separates by payroll and region prior to distribution. Prepares and processes personnel and/or payroll forms with responsibility for ensuring that all pertinent information has been included and is accurate and ensures that all applicable rules, regulations, and procedures are adhered to. Reviews the work of the unit. Works with and advises department employees. Keeps the supervisor and/or management informed of relevant deadlines, changes in rules and regulations, and related pertinent information. Assists the professional staff in the development of new and revised personnel and/or payroll policies and procedures. Makes initial determination and correct application of a variety of pay schedules, grades, and rates of pay involving the interpretation and application of related rules, regulations, and instructions relating to varied types of nonstandard pay actions and pay plans. Consults with representatives of the Department of the Treasury or other outside agencies to exchange information and discuss problems related to payroll rules and standards. Assists employees in completing and processing forms and applications relating to retirement, insurance, payroll deductions, and record changes. Keeps abreast of changes in rules and regulations. Operates various office machines. Maintains and ensures the confidentiality of essential records and files. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Experience
Two (2) years of experience in work involving payroll processing or personnel work.
License
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of modern office methods, practices, routines, and equipment. Knowledge of relevant rules and regulations concerning salary increments, bonuses, and authorized deductions. Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply rules and regulations in accord with established procedures and policies of the unit. Ability to accurately prepare detailed, technical, and confidential payroll forms and documents. Ability to assign and instruct individuals and groups engaged in the payroll and/or personnel work of the unit with that of other units in the department and with outside agencies. Ability to make mathematical calculations. Ability to check and verify payroll, overtime, and supplemental payments. Ability to consult with representatives of the Department of the Treasury or other state and municipal agencies to exchange information and discuss problems related to payroll rules and regulations. Ability to use various office machines. Ability to maintain confidential records and files. Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The definition and examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.