What Does a Timekeeper Do?

Timekeepers are responsible for tracking the hours worked by employees in their organization. They ensure that everyone is paid fairly for the time they spend on the job, and they may also be tasked with ensuring that employees aren’t working too many hours in a single day or week.

Timekeeper Job Duties

A timekeeper typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Maintaining an accurate record of labor hours worked by each employee on each job site
• Communicating with supervisors to provide updates on work progress or any issues that arise
• Payroll administration, including tracking employee hours and pay rates, calculating overtime pay, and submitting payroll information to state agencies
• Calculating timecards based on work orders, including start and end times, breaks, and lunch hours
• Recruiting, hiring, and training new timekeeping staff members as needed
• Making sure that timekeeping records are stored securely
• Monitoring timecards for accuracy and making any necessary adjustments
• Reporting any timekeeping irregularities to supervisors for further investigation
• Recording timekeeping data on spreadsheets or other computer software programs

Timekeeper Salary & Outlook

Timekeepers are typically paid hourly wages, and their salaries can vary depending on a number of factors, including their level of experience, the company size, and the geographic location of the job.

• Median Annual Salary: $47,000 ($22.6/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $70,500 ($33.89/hour)

The employment of timekeepers is expected to decline over the next decade.

Employment of timekeepers is projected to decline because technological advances are reducing the need for human timekeepers. Timekeeping software and computerized systems have made it easier for employers to track employee productivity and work hours.

Related: Timekeeper Interview Questions and Answers

Timekeeper Job Requirements

The following are some of the requirements for becoming a timekeeper:

Education: Timekeepers are typically required to have a high school diploma or GED. Some employers may require an associate or bachelor’s degree in accounting or another related field. Courses in computer software, such as Microsoft Excel, are also beneficial.

Training & Experience: Timekeepers typically receive on-the-job training. This training may include learning the company’s policies and procedures, computer programs and other aspects of the job. Timekeepers who work in the public sector may receive additional training in recordkeeping and reporting.

Certifications & Licenses: Timekeepers don’t need any certifications to acquire their position. However, timekeepers can earn timekeeping certifications to gain a deeper knowledge of their responsibilities and further their career advancement opportunities.

Timekeeper Skills

Timekeepers need the following skills in order to be successful:

Attention to detail: Timekeepers must have strong attention to detail to ensure they record the correct information for each task. They should be able to notice if a task is completed correctly or if a task is missing information. This can help ensure the company is paying employees correctly and employees are completing their work correctly.

Organization: Timekeepers should be able to organize their work and the work of others. This can include maintaining records, scheduling shifts and keeping track of time worked. Organization can help timekeepers ensure they are paying employees correctly and that employees are working the correct number of hours.

Communication: Timekeepers often communicate with other members of an organization, including supervisors, managers and employees. They use verbal and written communication to record and report timekeeping data, answer questions and provide information about the timekeeping system. They also use communication to train new timekeepers.

Multitasking: Timekeepers often have the ability to multitask, as they may be responsible for several different duties at once. For example, a timekeeper may be responsible for recording employee attendance, entering data into a computer system and answering phone calls. This can be a complex job, so it’s important for timekeepers to be able to multitask effectively.

Computer skills: Timekeeping software and applications are often computer-based, so it’s important for timekeepers to have strong computer skills. This includes knowing how to use a computer, navigate a website and use various software programs.

Timekeeper Work Environment

Timekeepers work in a variety of settings, including factories, offices, and construction sites. They may work indoors or outdoors, depending on their employer. Timekeepers typically work full time and may work overtime, weekends, and holidays to keep track of employees’ hours. They may also be on call 24 hours a day to respond to emergencies. Timekeepers need to be able to work in a fast-paced environment and be able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. They must be able to pay close attention to detail and have excellent record-keeping skills.

Timekeeper Trends

Here are three trends influencing how timekeepers work. Timekeepers will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Use of Technology in Timekeeping

The use of technology in timekeeping is a trend that is quickly gaining popularity among businesses. This is because it allows them to save money by eliminating the need for traditional timekeepers, such as those who work in payroll departments.

As timekeeping becomes more automated, timekeepers will need to learn how to use technology to their advantage. This includes learning how to use software to track employee hours and manage schedules. In addition, timekeepers will need to be familiar with other technologies, such as GPS tracking devices, which are becoming increasingly popular among employers.

More Focus on Employee Engagement

Employers are beginning to focus more on employee engagement as a way to improve productivity and reduce turnover. One way that they are doing this is by implementing programs that encourage employees to feel connected to the company and its mission.

Timekeepers can play an important role in these types of programs by ensuring that employees are paid fairly and on time. Additionally, timekeepers can help to create a positive work environment by being open to feedback and communication.

Greater Attention to Compliance

As businesses become more complex, the need for accurate and timely compliance becomes even more important. This means that timekeepers will need to be able to keep track of all the different regulations that apply to their company.

In order to be successful in this environment, timekeepers will need to be able to utilize technology to automate tasks and ensure that everything is done correctly. They will also need to be able to communicate effectively with other members of the team, so that everyone is on the same page.

How to Become a Timekeeper

A career as a timekeeper can be rewarding in many ways. You’ll have the opportunity to work with people from all walks of life, and you’ll see how businesses operate on a daily basis. You’ll also learn about different industries and how they function.

To become a timekeeper, you’ll need to have strong math skills and be able to accurately record information. It’s also important that you have good communication skills so that you can effectively communicate with your clients.

Advancement Prospects

As you gain experience in your role as a timekeeper, you may be promoted to a supervisory position overseeing a team of timekeepers. In larger organizations, you may advance to a position such as timekeeping manager. With further experience and training, you may become a human resources manager or an operations manager.

Timekeeper Job Description Example

At [CompanyX], we believe that time is our most valuable commodity. We are looking for a highly-organized and detail-oriented professional to join our team as our full-time timekeeper. In this role, you will be responsible for tracking the time worked by all employees, as well as leave time and vacation time. You will also be responsible for ensuring that all timekeeping records are accurate and up-to-date. The most successful candidate will have experience with timekeeping software, as well as the ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations
• Maintain accurate records of employee time worked in accordance with company policies and procedures
• Process payroll data in a timely and efficient manner
• Generate reports as needed to support payroll processing and other business needs
• Respond to inquiries from employees and managers regarding timekeeping matters
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies in timekeeping records
• Update and maintain timekeeping systems and databases
• Assist with the development and implementation of new timekeeping policies and procedures
• Train employees and managers on timekeeping procedures
• Perform audits of timekeeping records on a regular basis
• Prepare and file required reports related to timekeeping
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Accurate typing skills with speed and precision
• Exceptional data entry skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, with aptitude to learn new software and systems
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and with a team to meet deadlines
• High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in business, accounting, or related field
• 2+ years experience in an administrative or office support role
• Experience with timekeeping software, including TSheets and QuickBooks
• Familiarity with payroll processes and compliance regulations
• Working knowledge of human resources procedures