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Entry Level Payroll Assistant Jobs in California

Jr Payroll Specialist

Vista, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Payroll, perform entry-level payroll tasks with a focus on technical functionalities and administrative responsibilities. Efficiently assist the ...

Payroll Specialist

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$24.50 - $33.25/hr

Key Responsibilities Payroll Processing & Data Entry * Assist with processing bi-weekly, semi ... considered for entry-level candidates) * Attention to Detail: Demonstrated ability to handle ...

Payroll Specialist

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$24.50 - $33.25/hr

Key Responsibilities Payroll Processing & Data Entry * Assist with processing bi-weekly, semi ... considered for entry-level candidates) * Attention to Detail: Demonstrated ability to handle ...

Payroll Clerk

Colton, CA · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Create monthly reports to management as needed. * Assist in compliance with and maximization of the ... Interest in payroll, accounting, HR, or compliance-related work (entry-level candidates encouraged ...

Accounting Assistant

Cerritos, CA · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Respond to payroll-related inquiries and resolve issues * Working as an entry-level accountant for payroll-related audit, payroll reports, and other related duties * Assist with annual tax and ...

Respond to payroll-related inquiries and resolve issues * Working as an entry-level accountant for payroll-related audit, payroll reports, and other related duties * Assist with annual tax and ...

Respond to payroll-related inquiries and resolve issues * Working as an entry-level accountant for payroll-related audit, payroll reports, and other related duties * Assist with annual tax and ...

Respond to payroll-related inquiries and resolve issues * Working as an entry-level accountant for payroll-related audit, payroll reports, and other related duties * Assist with annual tax and ...

Our full-service HR solutions include features such as payroll processing, human capital consulting ... The Associate Sales Consultant role is an entry-level opportunity designed for individuals who want ...

The candidates will have completed at least a basic entry-level college biology course and be ... Payroll. If selected, Donor Network West's Recruiting & Compensation Team will provide further ...

The candidates will have completed at least a basic entry-level college biology course and be ... Payroll. If selected, Donor Network West's Recruiting & Compensation Team will provide further ...

The Assistant Project Manager is an entry-level project management position and is expected to ... Works with payroll to ensure accurate payroll information. * The duties and responsibilities ...

The Assistant Project Manager is an entry-level project management position and is expected to ... Works with payroll to ensure accurate payroll information. * The duties and responsibilities ...

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Payroll Assistant information

See California salary details

$13

$22

$31

How much do entry level payroll assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level payroll assistant in California is $22.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.70 and $24.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a payroll assistant do?

A payroll assistant helps process employee compensation by collecting timesheets, calculating wages, and ensuring accurate payroll records. They often use payroll software and need attention to detail to ensure employees are paid correctly and on time.

Can I get a payroll job with no experience?

Entry level payroll assistant positions often do not require prior experience, as they focus on basic data entry, attention to detail, and familiarity with payroll software or spreadsheets. Employers may provide on-the-job training and look for candidates with strong organizational skills and a willingness to learn. Certifications like payroll or accounting courses can enhance prospects but are not always mandatory for entry-level roles.

How long does it take to become a payroll assistant?

Becoming an entry-level payroll assistant typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and can be achieved within a few months to a year, depending on prior experience and training. Many employers provide on-the-job training, and familiarity with payroll software or basic accounting skills can help accelerate the process.

How do I start a career in payroll?

To start a career as an entry-level payroll assistant, gain basic knowledge of payroll processes, accounting, and relevant software such as Excel or payroll systems. Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent, and consider taking courses in accounting or business administration to improve your skills. Entry-level positions often require attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to handle confidential information.
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Payroll Assistant jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Payroll Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Payroll Assistant job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,209 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Jr Payroll Specialist

Altman Specialty Plants

Vista, CA • On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Altman Plants rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

52nd of 63 rated farming


Job description

Job Title: Jr. Payroll Specialist

Department: Payroll

Reports to: Director of Payroll

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Work Hours: Full-Time, potentially longer working hours during Spring Season.


Summary: Under the direct supervision of the Director of Payroll, perform entry-level payroll tasks with a focus on technical functionalities and administrative responsibilities. Efficiently assist the Payroll Department to help ensure all the Payroll Data and employee inquiries are processed accurately, and in a timely manner. This position will also handle high volume multi-state payroll processing for multiple facilities. To be considered for this position, you must possess exceptional communication skills, strong organizational abilities, and the capability to manage a high-volume workload effectively. Demonstrated experience thriving in a fast-paced environment, maintaining composure under pressure, and meeting deadlines with a positive attitude is essential.


Overall Responsibilities:

  • Tracking the processing of all court ordered wage garnishments submitted to ADP.
  • Review wage garnishment refunds and effectively relay the information to the payroll team.
  • Reconcile all the garnishments processed on a bi-weekly basis.
  • Coordinate with the in-house Notary Public to facilitate the notarization of garnishments, as needed.
  • Review and distribute the mail for the payroll inbox.
  • Maintain employee data in payroll system (ADP) and File Hold (Scanning Software.)
  • Assist with new employees onboarding, separations, W-4 and State withholding changes.
  • Accurately processing of Manual checks during off cycle payroll.
  • Set up Direct Deposits, carefully following the Direct Deposit verification procedure.
  • Input Personnel Action forms for address changes, department changes, compensation and promotion changes.
  • Final Checks processing in accordance with state laws.
  • Accurately process all employment verification requests in a timely manner.
  • Payroll Customer Service - Provide payroll customer service by effectively communicating with managers and employees through virtual and in-person interactions.
  • Address basic employee inquiries regarding direct deposit setup, tax-related matters, and other paycheck deductions.
  • Engage in cross training with the payroll team.
  • Maintains processes, and reconciles a wide variety of payroll documents and materials in compliance with established policies and regulatory guidelines (e.g. timesheets, PA’s direct deposits, etc.)
  • Assists Director of Payroll and payroll team with projects as needed.
  • Other Duties as Assigned.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function as described above.

The qualifications listed below are representative of the skills, and/or ability required for this position.

  • Exceptional organizational skills
  • Effectively communicate with Managers/Supervisors and Peers.
  • Computer literate: Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, Microsoft Outlook.
  • Mathematical skills and 10 Key Proficient
  • Willing to learn new tasks as assigned. Definitely need a “Can do Attitude”
  • Cooperative, enthusiastic, positive attitude, and productive in a work team environment
  • Reliable, responsible, and dependable.
  • Strong work ethic and team player.
  • Ability to work in an office located in a nursery.
  • Good planning and organizational skills to balance and prioritize work.

Education and/or Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree preferred – Ideally in Accounting, Business, Finance, or a related field (not required).
  • 1–2 years of payroll experience – Entry‑level role with increasing responsibility in payroll functions.
  • ADP Workforce Now – Experience is helpful but not required.
  • Intermediate Excel – Required
  • Bilingual English/Spanish – Preferred


Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an

employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the

duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or

feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to

stand; walk; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must

occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.






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