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Assistant Payroll Administrator Jobs in Rochester, NY

HR Administrator

Rochester, NY · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

This position manages foundational HR processes--including new employee onboarding, payroll ... Act as a central point of contact for day-to-day employee office inquiries; assist with the ...

Assistant Manager

Rochester, NY · On-site

$17.50/hr

Schedule must include assignment, breaks, vacation, etc. * Assist in completion of payroll ... Report safety hazards, property damage and personal injuries to Administrator, Store Supervisor, or ...

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Showing results 1-20

Assistant Payroll Administrator information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$25.7K

$67.3K

$134.7K

How much do assistant payroll administrator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant payroll administrator in Rochester, NY is $67,305.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,400.00 and $79,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an assistant payroll administrator do?

An Assistant Payroll Administrator supports the payroll department by helping process employee pay, ensuring timesheets are accurate, and maintaining payroll records. They assist with entering payroll data, resolving discrepancies, and responding to employee inquiries about their pay. Their role is essential in ensuring employees are paid correctly and on time, and that the company complies with tax and labor regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant payroll administrator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Payroll Administrator, you need strong numerical accuracy, attention to detail, and a foundational understanding of payroll processes, often supported by a relevant degree or experience in finance or accounting. Familiarity with payroll software such as ADP, QuickBooks, or Sage, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Excel, is typically required. Excellent organizational skills, discretion, and effective communication help you handle sensitive information and resolve employee queries. These skills are crucial to ensure payroll accuracy, compliance with regulations, and smooth payroll operations within an organization.

What are some common challenges faced by assistant payroll administrators, and how can they be managed effectively?

Assistant Payroll Administrators often encounter challenges such as managing tight deadlines, ensuring data accuracy, and staying updated with changing payroll regulations. Balancing multiple payroll cycles and handling confidential information can be demanding, but strong organizational skills and attention to detail help mitigate errors. Building open communication with HR and finance teams is essential for resolving discrepancies quickly and maintaining smooth payroll operations. Proactively seeking training on payroll systems and compliance updates also supports ongoing effectiveness in the role.

What is the difference between Assistant Payroll Administrator vs Payroll Clerk?

AspectAssistant Payroll AdministratorPayroll Clerk
CredentialsHigh school diploma; some roles may require payroll certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, supporting payroll processes, often with HR teamsOffice environment, handling data entry and payroll record maintenance
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in larger organizations with complex payroll systemsCommon in small to medium businesses for basic payroll tasks

The Assistant Payroll Administrator typically has more responsibilities, including supporting payroll processing and ensuring compliance, often requiring some certifications. Payroll Clerks focus on data entry and record keeping. Both roles work in office settings and are essential in payroll operations, but the Assistant Payroll Administrator usually handles more complex tasks and supports payroll management more directly.

Is payroll administration a good career?

Payroll administration is a stable career that involves processing employee compensation, maintaining records, and ensuring compliance with tax laws. It requires attention to detail, proficiency with payroll software, and often a basic understanding of employment laws. The role can offer opportunities for advancement into HR or finance positions.

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Payroll Administrator jobs in Rochester, NY?

For Assistant Payroll Administrator jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Assistant Payroll Administrator jobs in Rochester, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Payroll Administrator jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Assistant Payroll Administrator jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Assistant Payroll Administrator job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant Payroll Administrator job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,305 per year, or $32.4 per hour.

Payroll Administrator

Harter, Secrest Emery LLP

Rochester, NY • On-site

$65 - $80/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Salary Range: $65,000.00 To $80,000.00 Annually

Payroll Administrator

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY – ROCHESTER, NY

Harter Secrest & Emery is a full-service law firm founded in 1894, with offices in Rochester, Buffalo, Albany, Corning, and New York City. With over 125 lawyers, we offer the depth and breadth of legal talent and experience necessary to achieve exceptional results for our local, regional, and national clients.

Harter Secrest & Emery LLP is seeking a Payroll Administrator to join the Finance and Human Resources groups. The Payroll Administrator will work closely with the Finance and Human Resources teams to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing, compliance with payroll and benefit regulations, and exceptional support to attorneys and staff across the firm.

Job Responsibilities :

  • Administer multi-state payroll processing and employee setup, including state and local tax withholding, unemployment insurance reporting, work location assignments, and compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Research and apply jurisdiction-specific payroll requirements for remote workers.
  • Enter, analyze, and accurately process voluntary deductions, benefit and rate changes, and other time sensitive data for complex biweekly, semi-monthly, and monthly payrolls
  • Act as primary contact with payrol vendors and liaison with internal partners to ensure proper payroll configuration and ongoing compliance.
  • Review employee time and attendance records for accuracy and follow up with employees and supervisors as needed.
  • Maintain and update the firm’s payroll systems; review and address payroll tax notices; work closely with the human resources staff on related HRIS management
  • Manage detailed reporting of retirement plan deferrals to ensure accurate funding; compile and provide information to the firm’s retirement plan provider to support annual compliance testing.
  • Produce and maintain monthly, quarterly, and annual workforce reports and analytics, including headcount, overtime, and ACA compliance reporting, for management review and strategic planning.
  • Prepare reports and contribution data related to employee benefits, including health insurance and leave-of-absence programs; pull reports from disability providers to ensure accurate and timely recording of benefit payments.
  • Collaborate with human resources team members to ensure accurate employee and payroll system records, including reviewing new hire, termination, leave, PTO accruals and disability documentation.
  • Assist external auditors with issues relating to payroll and benefit plan calculations and worker’s compensation.

Education/Experience Requirements :

  • BS in Finance, Accounting, or other related discipline and five (5) to seven (7) years of progressively responsible work with assignments such as payroll management and processing, employee benefits and pension plan administration, and report generation and development, OR an equivalent combination of education, experience, and/or professional certifications sufficient to indicate the ability to perform the duties of the position. Experience in a legal or professional service organization is desirable.
  • Demonstrated experience administering payroll in multiple states and jurisdictions, including employee tax setup, state registrations, withholding requirements, and compliance reporting.
  • Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise discretion when handling sensitive payroll, compensation, and employee information.
  • Thorough knowledge of accepted payroll and financial management principles and practices.
  • Strong knowledge of state and federal human resources laws, standards, and practices as they pertain to payroll and benefits processes.
  • Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, utilizing advanced formulas and pivot tables on a recurring basis. Good working knowledge in all other Microsoft Office applications (Word, Outlook)
  • Proficiency with payroll and financial management software applications; familiarity with ADP is desirable.
  • Strong analytical and critical thinking skills; g ood organizational and problem-solving skills; proactive; ability to respond to multiple priorities and meet varying deadlines.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills; strong attention to detail
  • Strong interpersonal and customer service skills; ability to work effectively with firm partners, employees and third-party vendors; ability to work collaboratively as part of the finance and human resources teams.
  • FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt
  • Salary dependent on relevant experience. Expected annual salary range: $65,000-$80,000
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