4122 — Book-keepers, payroll managers and wages clerks

What this occupation covers

Book-keepers, payroll managers and wages clerks maintain and balance records of financial transactions, oversee the operation of payroll functions and calculate hours worked, wages due and other relevant contributions and deductions.

Typical duties

records and checks accuracy of daily financial transactions

prepares provisional balances and reconciles these with appropriate accounts

supervises payroll team and develops payroll systems and procedures

calculates and records hours worked, wages due, deductions and voluntary contributions

processes holiday, sick and maternity pay and travel and subsistence expenses

compiles schedules and distributes or arranges distribution of wages and salaries

calculates costs and overheads and prepares analyses for management

Entry routes and qualifications

There are no minimum academic requirements, although entrants typically possess GCSEs/S grades or equivalent qualifications, and maths may be required. Training is typically provided on-the-job. NVQs/SVQs in relevant areas are available, and apprenticeships may be available in some areas.

Sponsorship information

Medium Skilled. Actual duties, sponsor, applicant, salary and any transitional or shortage-list conditions must be checked.

Temporary Shortage List: Book-keepers, payroll managers and wages clerks. Certificate of Sponsorship must be issued before 31 December 2026.

DBS assessment

No code-wide DBS assessment is assigned. Check actual duties, activities, workplace, frequency and jurisdiction. This code does not determine the level of check.

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