Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 15 (68%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 7 (32%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 0 (0%)

• Verify attendance, hours worked, and pay adjustments, and post information onto designated records.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Compute wages and deductions, and enter data into computers.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Process paperwork for new employees and enter employee information into the payroll system.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Review time sheets, work charts, wage computation, and other information to detect and reconcile payroll discrepancies.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Distribute and collect timecards each pay period.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Record employee information, such as exemptions, transfers, and resignations, to maintain and update payroll records.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Issue and record adjustments to pay related to previous errors or retroactive increases.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Keep track of leave time, such as vacation, personal, and sick leave, for employees.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Compile employee time, production, and payroll data from time sheets and other records.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Complete time sheets showing employees' arrival and departure times.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Prepare and file payroll tax returns.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Balance cash and payroll accounts.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Post relevant work hours to client files to bill clients properly.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Complete, verify, and process forms and documentation for administration of benefits, such as pension plans, and unemployment and medical insurance.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Coordinate special programs, such as United Way campaigns, that involve payroll deductions.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Process and issue employee paychecks and statements of earnings and deductions.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Prepare and balance period-end reports, and reconcile issued payrolls to bank statements.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Keep informed about changes in tax and deduction laws that apply to the payroll process.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Provide information to employees and managers on payroll matters, tax issues, benefit plans, and collective agreement provisions.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Conduct verifications of employment.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Compile statistical reports, statements, and summaries related to pay and benefits accounts, and submit them to appropriate departments.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Train employees on organizations' timekeeping systems.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task