Vocabulary Words Every Payroll Clerk Should Know

Pay

Definition: To give money for goods or services.

• I will pay for my lunch today.
• She forgot to pay the bill on time.
• They need to pay for their movie tickets.

Pay in a sentence

Salary

Definition: The money paid to someone for their work.

• Her salary increased after the promotion.
• He is happy with his salary at the new job.
• Many people want a higher salary for their skills.

Salary in a sentence

Wage

Definition: payment for work done

• He earns a good wage at his job.
• Minimum wage laws help protect workers.
• Many factors influence how much wage someone receives.

Wage in a sentence

Hour

Definition: A period of 60 minutes.

• There are 24 hours in a day.
• I studied for an hour before the test.
• We will meet in one hour at the cafe.

Hour in a sentence

Work

Definition: activity involving mental or physical effort

• He has a lot of work to do this week.
• She enjoys her work as a teacher.
• They finished their work ahead of schedule.

Work in a sentence

Job

Definition: a paid position of regular employment

• He found a job at the local library.
• She enjoys her job as a teacher.
• Many students are looking for summer jobs.

Job in a sentence

Employee

Definition: A person who works for a company or organization.

• She is a dedicated employee at the store.
• The company values every employee's contribution.
• He became an employee after the interview.

Employee in a sentence

Employer

Definition: A person or organization that hires people.

• My father is an employer who runs a small business.
• The employer provides benefits to the employees.
• She is looking for a new employer after moving.

Employer in a sentence

Time

Definition: A measured period during which events occur; a point in the day.

• What time is it now?
• We need to manage our time wisely.
• Time flies when you're having fun.

Time in a sentence

Week

Definition: A period of seven days.

• I will see you next week at school.
• She plans to travel for a week during the break.
• Every week, we have a new lesson to learn.

Week in a sentence

Month

Definition: A period of about 30 days, used in calendars.

• February is the shortest month of the year.
• Each month has a different theme in our class.
• I plan to save money every month.

Month in a sentence

Tax

Definition: A compulsory financial charge imposed by the government.

• Everyone pays tax on their income.
• He learned about tax rates in his economics class.
• Taxes fund public services like schools and roads.

Tax in a sentence

Money

Definition: Paper or coins used to buy things.

• I need money to buy a new book.
• He saved his money for a new bike.
• We use money to pay for food.

Money in a sentence

Check

Definition: To look at something to verify its accuracy; a written order for payment.

• Please check your answers before submitting.
• He wrote a check to pay for the groceries.
• She will check the schedule for the meeting.

Check in a sentence

Record

Definition: To capture or store information; a written account of something.

• I will record the lecture for later.
• They set a new record in the race.
• She likes to record her thoughts in a journal.

Record in a sentence

File

Definition: A collection of documents or data stored together.

• I need to organize my files on the computer.
• He saved the file in a new folder.
• Please check the file for the latest updates.

File in a sentence

Report

Definition: A spoken or written account of something.

• I need to write a report about my science project.
• The news report covered the recent event.
• He will report the findings to the class.

Report in a sentence

Form

Definition: The shape or structure of something; also can mean to create.

• The teacher asked us to fill out a form.
• He likes to form new ideas during discussions.
• Understanding the different forms of art can enhance appreciation.

Form in a sentence

Sign

Definition: A symbol or notice that provides information or directions.

• The sign shows where to find the restrooms.
• Please read the sign before entering.
• They put up a sign for the event.

Sign in a sentence

Benefit

Definition: An advantage or profit gained from something.

• Exercise has many health benefits.
• The scholarship will benefit students in need.
• We all benefit from working together.

Benefit in a sentence

Leave

Definition: To go away from a place or to allow someone to go; also refers to time off from work.

• I will leave for school at 7 AM.
• He took leave from work to travel.
• She decided to leave the party early.

Leave in a sentence

Paystub

Definition: a document showing details of an employee's earnings and deductions

• He reviewed his paystub to check his deductions.
• The paystub included information about taxes and benefits.
• Keeping a copy of your paystub is important for records.

Overtime

Definition: Time worked beyond the regular hours; extra hours.

• He earned extra money by working overtime.
• She has to complete her work during overtime this week.
• Overtime can be tiring but helpful for income.

Overtime in a sentence

Shift

Definition: To move or change position; also refers to a change in focus or direction.

• He had to shift his weight to maintain balance.
• The company plans to shift its focus to online sales.
• She noticed a shift in the weather as the clouds gathered.

Shift in a sentence

Contract

Definition: A formal agreement between two or more parties.

• They signed a contract for the new job.
• The contract outlines the terms of the agreement.
• It's important to read a contract carefully before signing.

Contract in a sentence

Rate

Definition: To evaluate or assess something.

• We need to rate the movie we watched.
• She will rate the performance of the team.
• Please rate your experience at the restaurant.

Rate in a sentence

Bonus

Definition: An extra amount of money or reward given for performance.

• He received a bonus for his hard work.
• The company gives yearly bonuses to employees.
• She was excited about her holiday bonus.

Bonus in a sentence

Deduction

Definition: The process of reaching a conclusion based on reasoning; also refers to a subtraction.

• He made a deduction based on the evidence.
• Tax deduction helps reduce the amount owed.
• The deduction from his salary was explained clearly.

Deduction in a sentence

Payment

Definition: Money given for goods or services.

• I made my payment for the concert tickets.
• The payment is due at the end of the month.
• We can process your payment online.

Payment in a sentence

Account

Definition: A record of financial transactions; a personal description of events.

• She opened an account at the bank.
• He shared his account of what happened.
• The account showed all his expenses.

Account in a sentence

Payroll

Definition: The list of employees and the amount of money they are paid.

• The company updates its payroll every month.
• She works in the payroll department.
• They need to check the payroll for accuracy.

Payroll in a sentence

Wages

Definition: plural of wage, referring to earnings

• Her wages are paid bi-weekly.
• Many workers rely on their wages to live.
• The company increased wages this year.

Wages in a sentence

Hours

Definition: Units of time equal to 60 minutes; can also refer to working time.

• She studied for several hours last night.
• The library is open for a few hours each day.
• He works long hours at his job.

Hours in a sentence

Timecard

Definition: A record used to track the hours worked by an employee.

• He filled out his timecard at the end of each day.
• The manager reviewed the timecards for accuracy.
• She submitted her timecard for payroll processing.

Timecard in a sentence

Deductions

Definition: Amounts subtracted from income or a total; often used in taxes.

• The accountant calculated the deductions for the business expenses.
• She made sure to include all eligible deductions on her tax return.
• Deductions can significantly lower the amount of tax owed.

Benefits

Definition: Advantages or positive results gained from something.

• The benefits of studying include better grades.
• She explained the benefits of exercise to her friends.
• There are many benefits to eating healthy foods.

Paycheck

Definition: a check issued to an employee as payment for work done

• He received his paycheck every two weeks.
• She deposited her paycheck into her bank account.
• The paycheck reflected overtime hours worked.

Paycheck in a sentence

Taxes

Definition: Mandatory financial charges imposed by the government on income or property.

• Everyone has to pay taxes on their earnings.
• He learned how to file his taxes this year.
• Understanding taxes is important for financial literacy.

Insurance

Definition: A contract that provides protection against financial loss.

• Car insurance helps pay for damages in an accident.
• I have health insurance to cover doctor visits.
• You should get insurance for valuable items.

Insurance in a sentence

Calculation

Definition: A mathematical determination or computation.

• The calculation for the total cost was incorrect.
• She showed her calculation step by step.
• He double-checked his calculation before submitting.

Calculation in a sentence

Department

Definition: A specific division of a larger organization, often with a particular focus.

• She works in the marketing department of the company.
• The school has a science department for experiments.
• Understanding departments helps in organizational structure.

Department in a sentence

Compensation

Definition: Something, typically money, given to someone for loss or injury.

• He received compensation for the damages to his car.
• The job offers good compensation for hard work.
• They discussed compensation during the interview.

Compensation in a sentence

Retirement

Definition: The period of life when one stops working.

• He looks forward to his retirement.
• Many people travel during retirement.
• Retirement plans are important to consider.

Retirement in a sentence

Attendance

Definition: The act of being present at a place, especially in a school or event.

• Her attendance at class is very important for her grades.
• They took attendance every morning.
• Understanding attendance policies helps in maintaining responsibility.

Attendance in a sentence

Statement

Definition: A clear expression of something in speech or writing.

• The teacher asked for a statement about the project.
• He made a statement about his favorite book.
• She wrote a statement to explain her opinion.

Statement in a sentence

Gross

Definition: disgusting or unpleasant

• The food had a gross smell that made him gag.
• She found the movie's scenes to be gross.
• He thought the messy room was gross.

Gross in a sentence

Net

Definition: a fabric made of string used to catch things

• He used a net to catch the fish.
• The net is tangled in the tree.
• She bought a new net for playing volleyball.

Net in a sentence

Withholding

Definition: The act of keeping back or not giving something, often used in financial contexts.

• Withholding taxes means that a portion of income is not given to the employee.
• He learned about withholding in his economics class.
• Understanding withholding is important for financial literacy.

Withholding in a sentence

Earnings

Definition: Money obtained in return for labor or services; profits.

• His earnings from the job helped pay for college.
• She checked her earnings on the paycheck.
• Understanding earnings is crucial for budgeting.

Earnings in a sentence

Timesheet

Definition: A record used by employees to log the hours they have worked.

• She filled out her timesheet for the week.
• The manager reviewed the timesheets for accuracy.
• He submitted his timesheet for payroll processing.

Remittance

Definition: A sum of money sent as payment or support.

• She sent a remittance to her family overseas.
• The remittance arrived just in time for the holidays.
• He relies on monthly remittances from his job.

Remittance in a sentence

Compliance

Definition: Following rules or standards.

• The company is in compliance with safety regulations.
• They ensured compliance with the new laws.
• She checked for compliance with the guidelines.

Compliance in a sentence

Audit

Definition: An official examination of accounts or financial records.

• The school will conduct an audit of its budget.
• An audit helps ensure that everything is accurate.
• They hired a company to perform the audit for transparency.

Audit in a sentence

Allowance

Definition: A small amount of money given regularly.

• She gets a weekly allowance from her parents.
• His allowance helps him buy snacks.
• He saved his allowance to buy a new toy.

Allowance in a sentence

Contribution

Definition: Something given or added to help achieve a goal.

• Her contribution to the project was invaluable.
• He made a financial contribution to the charity.
• The team's contribution led to a successful event.

Contribution in a sentence

Liability

Definition: the state of being responsible for something, especially in law

• He accepted liability for the accident.
• The company has a liability to its employees.
• Understanding liability is important in business.

Liability in a sentence

Reimbursement

Definition: The act of paying back money spent.

• He received reimbursement for his work expenses.
• The reimbursement process can take a few days.
• Understanding reimbursement policies is important.

Reimbursement in a sentence

Policy

Definition: A plan or course of action adopted by an organization.

• The school has a policy on bullying.
• Their policy helps protect the environment.
• She explained the new policy to the staff.

Policy in a sentence

Recordkeeping

Definition: The process of maintaining accurate and organized records.

• Good recordkeeping is essential for businesses.
• He is in charge of recordkeeping for the club.
• Effective recordkeeping helps track progress and decisions.

Schedule

Definition: A plan that shows when tasks or events will happen.

• I have a busy schedule this week.
• She made a schedule for her study time.
• They checked the schedule for movie times.

Schedule in a sentence

Expense

Definition: The cost incurred in the course of doing business or personal activities.

• She tracked her monthly expenses carefully.
• The expense report was submitted for approval.
• Understanding expense management is crucial for budgeting.

Expense in a sentence

Adjustment

Definition: A change made to improve or adapt to a situation.

• She made an adjustment to her schedule to fit in more study time.
• He needed an adjustment to his glasses for better vision.
• Understanding adjustment helps in adapting to new environments.

Adjustment in a sentence

Gross Salary

Definition: the total salary before any deductions

• Her gross salary was impressive for her position.
• He received a detailed breakdown of his gross salary.
• The gross salary determines tax obligations.

Gross Salary in a sentence

Net Pay

Definition: The amount of money an employee takes home after deductions, such as taxes.

• Her net pay is deposited into her bank account every month.
• He checked his net pay on his paycheck stub.
• Understanding net pay is important for budgeting.

Net Pay in a sentence

Remuneration

Definition: Payment or compensation for work or services.

• His remuneration for the job was fair.
• They discussed remuneration during the interview.
• Fair remuneration is essential for employee satisfaction.

Remuneration in a sentence

Taxation

Definition: The process of collecting taxes from individuals and businesses by the government.

• Taxation is used to fund public services.
• They learned about taxation in social studies.
• Understanding taxation helps with financial planning.

Taxation in a sentence

Ledger

Definition: A book or digital record used for keeping financial accounts.

• The accountant keeps a ledger of all transactions.
• We reviewed the ledger to find the expenses.
• The ledger helps track income and spending.

Ledger in a sentence

Accrual

Definition: The accumulation of something over time.

• Accrual of interest can increase savings.
• The accountant explained the accrual process.
• Accrual accounting reflects financial realities.

Accrual in a sentence

Disbursement

Definition: The payment or distribution of money.

• The disbursement of funds was delayed due to paperwork.
• He received the disbursement for his scholarship.
• Tracking disbursements is important for budget management.

Disbursement in a sentence

Reconciliation

Definition: The process of restoring friendly relations or resolving differences.

• They sought reconciliation after their argument.
• Reconciliation is important for maintaining friendships.
• The reconciliation of their views led to a better understanding.

Reconciliation in a sentence

Employee Classification

Definition: The categorization of employees based on job roles or statuses.

• Employee classification helps determine benefits eligibility.
• The company has clear employee classification guidelines.
• Understanding employee classification is crucial for HR management.

Statutory

Definition: Related to laws or statutes; legally required.

• Statutory regulations must be followed by companies.
• He learned about statutory obligations in class.
• The government set statutory guidelines for safety.

Statutory in a sentence

Remuneration Package

Definition: The total compensation, including salary and benefits, offered to an employee.

• Her remuneration package included health benefits.
• The company offers a competitive remuneration package.
• They reviewed the remuneration package during negotiations.

Liabilities

Definition: financial obligations or debts

• The company has many liabilities to pay.
• Understanding liabilities is crucial for financial health.
• They reviewed their liabilities before applying for a loan.

Liabilities in a sentence

Provisions

Definition: supplies or arrangements made in advance

• The provisions for the camping trip include food and water.
• They packed provisions for their hike.
• The provisions were sufficient for the group.

Provisions in a sentence

Exemptions

Definition: Multiple instances of being freed from obligations or rules.

• The school granted exemptions for students with special needs.
• There are various exemptions in tax laws.
• Understanding exemptions is important for understanding regulations.

Entitlements

Definition: Rights or claims to certain benefits or privileges; plural of entitlement.

• The government provides various entitlements for citizens.
• She discussed the different entitlements available.
• Understanding entitlements is crucial for social welfare.

Fiscal

Definition: Related to government revenue, spending, and financial matters.

• The government announced a new fiscal policy.
• Fiscal responsibility is important for a healthy economy.
• She studied fiscal management in her finance course.

Fiscal in a sentence

Contributions

Definition: The acts of giving or helping; also refers to payments made.

• Her contributions to the project were valuable.
• The charity relies on contributions from the community.
• They recognized his contributions to the team.

Documentation

Definition: The act of providing written evidence or records; materials that provide information.

• Proper documentation is important for legal processes.
• She prepared the documentation for the project.
• The documentation helped clarify the procedures.

Documentation in a sentence

Variance

Definition: The difference between what is expected and what actually occurs.

• The variance in test scores surprised the teacher.
• Understanding variance can help improve future performance.
• The financial report showed a variance in expenses.

Variance in a sentence

Forecasting

Definition: The process of making predictions about future events based on data or trends.

• Weather forecasting helps us prepare for storms.
• The company relies on sales forecasting to plan production.
• He learned about forecasting in his economics course.

Forecasting in a sentence

Assessment

Definition: An evaluation or test to measure knowledge or skills.

• The teacher gave an assessment to check our progress.
• We will have a math assessment next week.
• Assessments help identify areas to improve.

Assessment in a sentence

Jurisdiction

Definition: The official power to make legal decisions and judgments; the area of authority.

• The court has jurisdiction over criminal cases.
• Understanding jurisdiction is important in law.
• They debated the jurisdiction of the local court.

Jurisdiction in a sentence

Eligibility

Definition: The quality of being qualified or suitable for something.

• Her eligibility for the scholarship was confirmed.
• They checked the eligibility criteria for the competition.
• Understanding eligibility helps in applying for programs.

Eligibility in a sentence