Abstract: A time accounting system including at least three distinct elements: a magnetic stripped card, a recording clock and a recorder/encoder assembly. The magnetic stripped card is fed into the recording clock which prints and electromagnetically encodes predetermined information such as the date and time upon the card. The card is then output from the recording clock. At the end of a given accounting period, the cards are gathered and stacked in the input portion of the recorder/encoder assembly. The recorder/encoder assembly accepts each card and transfers the information contained onto magnetic tape for direct input to a computer. As each used card is read, the recorder/encoder prints and encodes a new card.