An entry-level payroll resume is your gateway to starting a rewarding career in accounting.

Whether you're fresh out of college student or transitioning to a new field, creating a document that highlights your relevant skills and experiences is crucial for standing out.

In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to easily write a resume online, making sure you capture the attention of potential employers and land that first opportunity in the payroll industry.

Entry-level payroll resume examples

Entry-level payroll clerk resume sample

Entry-level payroll clerk resume template

Payroll Clerk Resume
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Resume for entry-level payroll clerk | Plain text

John Davis
San Diego, CA | (555) 123-4567 | johndavis@email.com

Summary

Detail-oriented and highly organized professional with a strong foundation in data entry, financial recordkeeping, and administrative support. Proficient in Microsoft Excel and QuickBooks, with a keen eye for accuracy and compliance. Eager to apply my analytical skills in an entry-level payroll position.

Skills

  • Data entry and financial recordkeeping
  • Payroll software (QuickBooks, ADP)
  • Basic accounting principles and reconciliation
  • Microsoft Excel (PivotTables, VLOOKUP, macros)
  • Compliance with federal and state labor regulations
  • Attention to detail and problem-solving
  • Timekeeping and employee record management
  • Confidentiality and data security
  • Strong written and verbal communication
  • Customer service and teamwork

Experience

Administrative Assistant

Pacific Financial Group | San Diego, CA | June 2024 – Present

  • Organize and maintain financial records, employee payroll files, and vendor invoices to ensure accuracy and accessibility.
  • Process and categorize expense reports, verifying documentation to ensure compliance with company policies.
  • Assist with basic bookkeeping tasks, including reconciling invoices and preparing financial reports for management.
  • Act as a point of contact for employees regarding payroll-related questions and coordinate with HR to resolve discrepancies.

Cashier & Bookkeeping Assistant

Sunset Market | San Diego, CA | September 2022 – May 2023

  • Managed daily cash transactions, processed credit and debit payments, and balanced registers at the end of each shift.
  • Recorded sales data and assisted the store manager with financial reporting and inventory cost calculations.
  • Verified employee timecards for payroll submission, flagging inconsistencies for review.
  • Provided excellent customer service, resolving payment issues and ensuring accurate transaction records.

Education

Associate of Science in Accounting

San Diego Community College | San Diego, CA | Graduated May 2025

Certifications

  • QuickBooks Certified User | August 2025
  • Fundamentals of Payroll Certification (FPC) | December 2024

Volunteer Experience

Accounting Assistant Volunteer

San Diego Community Center | January 2024 – April 2024

  • Assisted with maintaining financial records, organizing receipts, and reconciling small business accounts.
  • Gained hands-on experience with financial reporting and basic payroll processing tasks.

Strong sides of this entry-level payroll clerk resume example:

  • Well-structured and easy to read, with clear headings and consistent formatting.
  • Highlights relevant expertise with financial recordkeeping and payroll-related tasks, even without direct payroll experience.
  • Includes a volunteer section, demonstrating proactive learning and hands-on involvement in financial processes.
How to properly format a resume for an entry-level payroll clerk?
  • Choose an easy-to-read font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
  • Font size should be between 10 and 12 for the body text, and slightly larger (14-16) for headers.
  • Keep the length of resume to one page, especially for entry-level positions. Focus on quality over quantity.
  • Set 1-inch margins on all sides to ensure your document looks clean and balanced.
  • Align text to the left, as this is the quickest for hiring managers to scan.
  • Use bold or slightly larger font sizes to make each section in resume stand out.
  • Employ bullet points to list skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Keep each short and concise.
  • Stick to black or dark grey text to maintain a professional appearance.
  • Save your files as a PDF to preserve the layout, unless specified otherwise by the employer.

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Entry-level payroll assistant resume example

Sample entry-level payroll assistant resume

Maria Lopez
Los Angeles, CA | (555) 987-6543 | maria.lopez@email.com

Summary

Motivated business administration graduate with strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Experienced in data entry, financial transactions, and employee scheduling. Seeking to leverage my administrative experience into an entry-level payroll role.

Skills

  • Payroll software (ADP, Paychex, Gusto)
  • Payroll tax reporting and compliance
  • Data entry and financial management
  • Microsoft Excel (spreadsheets, formulas, data validation)
  • Employee records management and documentation
  • Confidentiality and workplace ethics
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking
  • Effective communication and teamwork
  • Customer service and conflict resolution
  • Time management and organization

Experience

HR Administrative Assistant

Westwood Medical Center | Los Angeles, CA | July 2025 – Present

  • Assist HR in processing new employee paperwork, ensuring compliance with payroll regulations.
  • Manage employee schedules and track attendance records to facilitate accurate payroll processing.
  • Compile and review payroll reports, ensuring accurate data entry and resolving discrepancies with department managers.
  • Provide payroll-related support to employees, answering questions about pay periods, tax deductions, and benefits.

Accounts Payable Clerk

Los Feliz Retail Group | Los Angeles, CA | September 2022 – June 2024

  • Process and verify vendor invoices, ensuring timely payments and accurate financial recordkeeping.
  • Assist in tracking financial transactions, preparing reports for senior accountants, and reconciling accounts.
  • Maintain organized digital and physical financial records for audits and compliance checks.
  • Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to resolve discrepancies in billing and payment processing.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

California State University, Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | Graduated May 2025

Certifications

  • ADP Payroll Specialist Certification | November 2025
  • Microsoft Excel Advanced Certification | October 2024

Professional Development

Payroll Fundamentals Course

Coursera | Completed March 2025

This entry-level payroll clerk resume is a great one as:

  • Features a strong mix of HR and financial administration experience, making the transition into payroll seamless.
  • Lists professional development courses, reinforcing commitment to continuous learning in accounting.
  • Includes industry-relevant certifications, adding credibility to computer skills and financial management.
Should I choose an entry-level payroll resume objective or summary?

Resume summary works better for candidates with some experience, even if it's just internships or volunteer positions.

  • It should briefly highlight your skills and qualifications in 2-4 sentences.

Entry-level payroll resume summary sample:

Detail-oriented payroll assistant with 1 year of experience managing employee payroll for a mid-sized company. Skilled in payroll software, compliance with state and federal tax laws, and problem-solving.

Resume objective is best for entry-level specialists with little to no job history.

  • It should be a brief statement (2-3 sentences) outlining your career goals and what you hope to achieve in the role.

Entry-level payroll resume objective example:

Motivated accounting graduate seeking an entry-level payroll position where I can apply my knowledge of payroll processing, tax regulations, and attention to detail.

How to showcase your payroll resume skills?

The skills section in resume is crucial because it showcases your abilities and helps hiring managers quickly see if you're a good fit for the job.

  • Hard skills are the technical competencies specific to payroll and accounting. Acquired through education, certifications, internships, or training.
  • Soft skills are interpersonal and communication traits that are essential in any role. Developed through real-world experiences, previous job roles, or volunteer work.

Payroll hard skills:

  • Payroll software (ADP, QuickBooks)
  • Tax law compliance
  • Data entry
  • Payroll tax filing
  • Report generation
  • Account reconciliation
  • Attention to detail
  • Payroll auditing
  • Time tracking
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Benefits administration
  • Labor law knowledge
  • Payroll systems setup
  • Wage garnishments
  • Accounting principles

Soft skills for payroll clerks:

  • Time management
  • Organization
  • Communication
  • Adaptability
  • Problem-solving
  • Critical thinking
  • Teamwork
  • Multitasking
  • Integrity
  • Dependability
  • Customer service
  • Conflict resolution
  • Active listening
  • Collaboration
  • Leadership

Entry-level payroll admin resume template

Entry-level payroll admin resume sample

Payroll Admin Resume
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Resume for entry-level payroll admin | Text version

Ethan Williams
Austin, TX | (555) 555-1234 | ethan.williams@email.com

Summary

Detail-oriented administrator with experience in financial recordkeeping, employee scheduling, and compliance documentation. Proficient in payroll software, data entry, and tax regulations. Excited to apply my analytical and organizational skills in an entry-level payroll role.

Skills

  • Payroll software (ADP, Gusto, Paychex)
  • Tax calculations and payroll deductions
  • Microsoft Excel (PivotTables, automation, macros)
  • Federal and state labor law compliance
  • Employee benefits administration
  • Financial reporting and reconciliation
  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • Communication and cross-department collaboration
  • Analytical thinking and problem-solving
  • Adaptability in fast-paced environments

Experience

Administrative Coordinator

Lone Star Logistics | Austin, TX | August 2025 – Present

  • Maintain and update employee records, ensuring payroll information is accurate and compliant with company policies.
  • Assist in preparing payroll reports and reviewing timekeeping records for accuracy before processing.
  • Support HR and accounting teams with compliance documentation and tax filings.
  • Conduct periodic audits of payroll records to identify and correct errors before payroll submission.

Front Desk & Billing Clerk

Austin Dental Group | Austin, TX | October 2022 – July 2024

  • Processed patient invoices and verify insurance payments, ensuring accurate billing records.
  • Coordinated financial records with the accounting department to facilitate payroll and budget planning.
  • Assisted in scheduling and employee shift tracking, providing payroll data for final calculations.
  • Managed confidential financial and employee records while adhering to data protection regulations.

Education

Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting

University of Texas | Austin, TX | Graduated May 2025

Certifications

  • Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) | December 2024
  • QuickBooks Payroll Certification | September 2024

Languages

  • English: Native
  • Spanish: Intermediate

This sample entry-level payroll resume is effective for several reasons:

  • Emphasizes compliance and tax knowledge, which is crucial for payroll roles.
  • Showcases technical skills like Excel automation and payroll software, aligning with industry requirements.
  • Adds a language section, which can be an asset in diverse workplaces and departments handling multilingual employees.
What academic credentials should I add to my entry-level payroll clerk resume?

The education section in resume provides evidence of your qualifications and shows that you have the foundational knowledge to succeed in the role.

Structure:

How to organize the experience section in an entry-level payroll resume?
  • Start with your most recent position, then go backward in reverse chronological order.
  • Include any job or volunteer work that shows skills applicable to payroll, such as data entry, customer service, or financial tasks.
  • Begin each bullet point with strong action verbs like "processed," "managed," or "coordinated."
  • Whenever possible, add numbers to showcase your impact (e.g., "Processed payroll for 50 employees").
  • Adjust this part to match the job description, focusing on skills and experiences the employer values most.

Conclusion

An entry-level payroll resume is your first chance to show employers that you have the skills and dedication needed for the role.

By focusing on relevant experiences, highlighting key skills, and tailoring your document to each job, you'll increase your chances of securing an interview.

Remember, the goal is to present yourself as a reliable and detail-oriented candidate eager to start a career in payroll. With the right application, you'll be one step closer to success.

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