The use of the word "Excepting"

[Unregistered]

Is the use of word, "Excepting" in the following sentence acceptable?

---Excepting Tim, most of the employees were present.

[BobK]

Is the use of word, "Excepting" in the following sentence acceptable?

---Excepting Tim, most of the employees were present.

I see nothing wrong with it, but I'd expect more commonly to see these alternatives:

Most of the employees - except Tim - were present.
With the exception of Tim, most of the employees were present.

b