PAYROLL CLERK (State)
There is no civil service exam for Payroll Clerk. As a non-competitive state title, it is filled on the strength of meeting the listed qualifications.
The FY 2027 range lands between $39,358 and $56,481, and state payroll currently lists 4 people in the title, led by Corrections.
How to apply
This title is not filled by examination — agencies appoint directly.
See every real route in, and where to apply. 3 agencies employ it. We don't track live vacancies.
See all 3 employers and how to apply →Who employs this title
Payroll Clerk appears on the State payroll at 3 departments, most of them at Department of Corrections.
State departments
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| Department of Corrections | 2 |
| Department of Human Services | 1 |
| Department of Health | 1 |
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 4 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $42,990. The agencies employing the most are:
- Corrections (2)
- Human Services (1)
- Health and Senior Services (1)
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 the close supervision of a Supervising Payroll Clerk or other supervisory official in a state department, institution, or agency; does routine clerical work involved in and relating to the review, verification, and preparation of payroll or payroll and personnel records; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
Reviews and checks payroll or payroll and personnel records, statements, documents, certificates, US Savings Bond registers, or time and attendance records. Assists in preparing Prepares regular, supplemental, and overtime payrolls, adds or deletes employees as required, makes other appropriate changes including union deductions, taxes, charities, pension, and savings bonds, and so forth. Assists with processing 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 application of relevant rules and regulations concerning salary increments, bonuses, and authorized deductions. Receives regular and supplemental paychecks from centralized payroll and separates by payroll and region prior to distribution. Computes the less difficult pay changes where the arithmetic computations and examination of basic authorization documents on which the changes are well covered by established rules, regulations, and instructions. Performs varied clerical tasks involved in preparing payrolls of a simple, routine, and repetitive nature. Records, checks, calculates, and summarizes working time of employees. Prepares payroll sheets. Computes withholding taxes. Prepares reports of absences and vacations. Refers errors and irregularities to superiors. Receives routine information in person and over the telephone. Maintains records and files where selection and classifications of data does not require difficult decisions and where procedures are routine. Assists in preparing and processing personnel and/or payroll forms with responsibility for ensuring that all pertinent information has been included and is accurate. Ensures that all applicable rules, regulations, and procedures are adhered to. Works with and advises department employees as required. Assists employees in completing and processing forms and applications relating to retirement, insurance, payroll deductions, and record changes. Assists in maintaining and ensuring the confidentiality of records and files. Will be required to work with and maintain a computer terminal and/or word processing equipment. Keeps abreast of changes in rules and regulations. Operates various office machines such as adding machines, calculating machines, and copying machines. Maintains confidential records and files. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Requirements
This is an entry level position and as such does not have any formal education or experience requirements.
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 essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge and basic understanding of routine, repetitive, and noncomplex tasks involved in keeping financial and/or other records of an arithmetical nature. Knowledge of office methods, practices, routines, and equipment. Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply rules and regulations in accord with established procedures and policies of the unit. Ability to comprehend and learn the rules and regulations regarding salary increments, bonuses, and authorized deductions. Ability to accurately prepare detailed, technical, and confidential payroll forms and documents. Ability to make arithmetic calculations quickly and accurately by hand or machine. Ability to learn prescribed procedures quickly from oral and written explanations and from demonstration. Ability to effectively convey information to department employees on the pertinent aspects of the payroll function. Ability to use varied office machines including adding machines, calculating machines, and photostatic copying machines. Ability to maintain confidential records and files. Ability to learn how 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, and 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 if they can perform the 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 examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A 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.