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Entry Level Fundamental Payroll Certification Jobs

Payroll Specialist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$22 - $27/hr

Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) * Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) * Two years' experience processing payroll for mid- to large-size organizations of 200 to 700+ employees. * Prior ...

Payroll Specialist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$25.25 - $34.50/hr

Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) * Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) * Two years' experience processing payroll for mid- to large-size organizations of 200 to 700+ employees. * Prior ...

Payroll Specialist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$25.25 - $34.50/hr

Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) * Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) * Two years' experience processing payroll for mid- to large-size organizations of 200 to 700+ employees. * Prior ...

Payroll Specialist

Burlington, NJ · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

Certification such as Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC). * Experience in the transportation industry. * Experience working in a multi-state payroll ...

Payroll Specialist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$25.25 - $34.50/hr

Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) * Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) * Two years' experience processing payroll for mid- to large-size organizations of 200 to 700+ employees. * Prior ...

Payroll Specialist

Santa Ana, CA

$24.50 - $33.25/hr

... considered for entry-level candidates) * Attention to Detail: Demonstrated ability to handle ... Pursuit of or interest in obtaining the Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified ...

Payroll Specialist

Hunt Valley, MD · On-site

$30 - $37/hr

Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified Payroll Certification (CPP) * Minimum of 3 years of experience in corporate payroll processing, including experience with large employee ...

Payroll Specialist

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$24.50 - $33.25/hr

... considered for entry-level candidates) * Attention to Detail: Demonstrated ability to handle ... Pursuit of or interest in obtaining the Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified ...

Payroll Specialist*

Atlanta, GA

$22.50 - $30.75/hr

Having a Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) is a plus * 1 year of Microsoft Dynamics experience WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL EFFORTS * Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office ...

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Fundamental Payroll Certification information

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$15

$27

$39

How much do entry level fundamental payroll certification jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level fundamental payroll certification in the United States is $27.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.60 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level fundamental payroll certification?

An Entry Level Fundamental Payroll Certification, such as the Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) offered by the American Payroll Association, is a credential designed for individuals who are new to the payroll profession. This certification demonstrates foundational knowledge of payroll concepts, compliance, calculations, and best practices. Earning this certification can help you qualify for entry-level payroll positions and shows employers that you have a solid understanding of payroll processes and regulations.

What is the difference between Entry Level Fundamental Payroll Certification vs Payroll Clerk?

AspectEntry Level Fundamental Payroll CertificationPayroll Clerk
Required CredentialsCertification in payroll fundamentals, often entry-levelHigh school diploma; on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, payroll departmentsOffice, administrative support roles
Industry UsageUsed across industries to validate payroll knowledgeCommonly employed in HR and finance departments
Comparison Search IntentUnderstanding payroll certifications and entry-level rolesLooking for payroll support or clerical roles

The Entry Level Fundamental Payroll Certification provides foundational payroll knowledge and is ideal for those starting in payroll roles. Payroll clerks perform administrative payroll tasks but may not require formal certification. The certification enhances credibility and job prospects, whereas payroll clerks focus on executing payroll processes often with on-the-job training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level payroll specialist with a fundamental payroll certification?

To thrive as an Entry Level Payroll Specialist with a Fundamental Payroll Certification, you need a foundational understanding of payroll processes, tax regulations, and basic accounting principles, typically demonstrated by earning the FPC credential. Familiarity with payroll software such as ADP, Paychex, or QuickBooks, and an understanding of timekeeping systems is also important. Strong attention to detail, confidentiality, and organizational skills help you stand out in this position. These competencies ensure accurate and compliant payroll processing, which is vital for employee satisfaction and regulatory adherence.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals starting out in an entry level payroll position with a fundamental payroll certification?

Entry-level payroll professionals with an FPC often encounter challenges such as learning to navigate complex payroll software, ensuring compliance with frequently changing federal and state regulations, and managing tight payroll deadlines. Collaboration with HR and finance teams is essential to resolve discrepancies and verify employee data. Over time, gaining experience with various pay structures and developing strong attention to detail will help new payroll specialists overcome these initial hurdles and build confidence in their role.
More about Entry Level Fundamental Payroll Certification jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Fundamental Payroll Certification jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Fundamental Payroll Certification job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Fundamental Payroll Certification jobs? The most popular types of Fundamental Payroll Certification jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Fundamental Payroll Certification jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Fundamental Payroll Certification jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Fundamental Payroll Certification jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Fundamental Payroll Certification jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Fundamental Payroll Certification job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,982 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Payroll Specialist

The People Concern

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$22 - $27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


The People Concern rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Role: Payroll Specialist
Reports to: Payroll Manager
Program: 9003-Finance
Department: Admin
Location: Arlington Administration
Setting: 100% On-site
Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
Status: Full-time/Non-Exempt/Non-Management
Openings: 1
Job Description Summary:
The Payroll Specialist is part of the Finance Department and is responsible for supporting preparation and disbursement of bi-weekly payroll, including garnishments benefits and taxes to approximately 800+ employees consistent with federal and state wage and hour laws. The Payroll Specialist must be dedicated and committed to accuracy in all transactions.
Job Description Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Assist in ensuring bi-weekly employee payroll is processed accurately, on time and through the appropriate channels.
  • Assist in the development and implementation of quality and internal controls and efficient workflows to process maintain and track the following:
    • Employee department assignments.
    • Accuracy of compensation including premium pay and bonuses.
    • Accuracy of employee voluntary and involuntary deductions.
    • Employee payroll vouchers.
    • Accuracy of payroll related clearing accounts.
    • Employee payroll files
    • Worker's Compensation audit
    • Monthly, quarterly, and year-end process
  • Assist in the timely transmittal or processing of funds after payroll, such as payroll taxes, retirement contributions, and garnishments.
  • Assist in the compliance with all local, state, and federal laws regarding payroll and reporting.
  • Assist in confirming the preparation and submission of comprehensive federal and state quarterly and annual reports, such as 941, W-2, W-3, DE-9.
  • Assist in the calculation, deduction and reconciliation of garnishments, tax levies, and general deductions.
  • Assist in maintaining the accuracy of accruals, utilization, and award bank balances such as sick, vacation and other paid time off.
  • Assist in the accuracy and timely payment of termination pay.
  • Assist as an expert in time and attendance rules and the accuracy of employee pay.
  • Assist in the distribution and collection of functional timesheets for each payroll as per government grant requirements.
  • Assist in the creation of payroll reports and summaries to assist management with accounting, data analysis, budgeting/reporting process and documentation for audit projects.
  • Assist in the maintenance of systems that keep employee confidence and protect payroll operations by ensuring accuracy of payroll information and keeping information confidential.
  • Assist in maintaining systems that provide timely responses to employee questions and requests.
  • Assist in the maintenance of payroll guidelines and updates to policies and procedures.
  • Work with grants and billing team to ensure the accuracy of department and contract allocations in the payroll system.
  • Assist in the preparation of training documentation and presentations to assist all employees with utilization of the payroll system.
  • Assist in the creation and delivery of weekly Time and Attendance Training during New Employee Orientation.
  • Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, networking, and professional organizations.

Job Description Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma or GED or Equivalent
  • Strong knowledge and understanding of related state and federal laws and regulations required.
  • Ability to perform mathematical and data processing tasks rapidly and accurately.
  • Strong administrative skills with a high level of attention to detail, ensuring thorough, accurate, and high-quality work.
  • Excellent computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office software (especially Excel)
  • A highly motivated self-starter, with ability to coordinate multiple projects/tasks at once.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Able to manage multiple tasks and responsibilities and meet deadlines.
  • Problem solving and conflict resolution skills, and professional judgment.
  • Flexible, adaptable, and capable of working in a fast-paced, professional environment.
  • Must be able to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive information.
  • High degree of ethics and integrity
  • Strong customer service orientation required. Must possess a courteous and professional demeanor and exhibit good judgment when assisting/interacting with others.

Job Description Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's in relevant field preferred; education requirements may be substituted with comparable work experience.
  • Actively working toward payroll certification
  • Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC)
  • Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
  • Two years' experience processing payroll for mid- to large-size organizations of 200 to 700+ employees.
  • Prior experience with Ceridian/Dayforce payroll system.
  • Non-Profit experience preferred.
  • Bilingual Spanish

Job Description Work Environment:
  • Primarily indoor office and congregate living facility environment
  • On occasion walk or drive to different agency sites.
  • Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, and occasionally lift or carry up to 35-pounds.
  • May necessitate working in busy and loud environments
  • May be exposed to elements like cold, heat, dust, noise, and odor
  • May need to bend, stoop, twist, and sit throughout the day

EXPECTED BEHAVIORS OF ALL STAFF
  1. Act as a role model
  2. Demonstrate a sense of responsibility
  3. Continuously learn and improve
  4. Acknowledge your own areas of improvement
  5. Hear and provide honest, specific and direct feedback
  6. Create an environment where everyone is welcomed valued and respected
  7. Collaborate

Equal Opportunity Employer
The People Concern is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to non-discrimination in employment. We select the most qualified individual for the job based on job-related qualifications regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, ancestry, marital status, credit history, sexual orientation, arrest and court record, genetic information, veteran status or any other status protected by federal, state or other applicable laws.
About the People Concern
The People Concern empowers the most vulnerable among us to rebuild their lives. One of Los Angeles County's largest social services agencies, The People Concern was formed in 2016 in a merger of two trusted social service organizations based in Los Angeles County, OPCC and Lamp Community. Informed by more than fifty-eight years of work in the community, The People Concern is a leading provider of, and advocate for, evidence-based solutions to the multi-faceted challenges inherent in homelessness and domestic violence.
With compassion and profound respect for those we serve, we provide a fully integrated system of care - including outreach, interim housing, mental and medical health care, substance abuse services, domestic violence services, life skills & wellness programs, and permanent supportive housing - tailored to the unique needs of homeless individuals, survivors of domestic violence, challenged youth, and others who have nowhere else to turn.
The People Concern's model of integrated and comprehensive care empowers our participants to navigate the multi-faceted obstacles in their lives, become their best selves, and ultimately, connect with and contribute to their communities.
Benefits & Perks
  • Medical Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Retirement Planning (403b) & Matching
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Vacation Days
  • Paid Sick Days
  • Employee Assistance Plans (EAP)
  • TELUS Health
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Basic Life / Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
  • Voluntary Short- and Long-Term Disability
  • Voluntary Pet Insurance
  • Corporate Discounts: Discounts on Hotels, Theme Parks, Concerts, Movies, Restaurants & More
  • The People Concern University & Certificates

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