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Junior Payroll Accountant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Accountant

Anaheim, CA

$77K - $97K/yr

... mentor junior staff. This role offers a clear development path into accounting management ... payroll duties and functions * Assist in analytical problem solving, coupled with technical ...

This is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience across accounting, cash management, payroll, and ... Experience mentoring or training junior staff, including offshore team members * Experience with ...

Tax Team - Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$89K - $113K/yr

... payroll tax compliance and taxable fringe benefit reviews. - Work closely with Accounting to ... to junior staff on review standards and risk management. Other duties as assigned Benefits of ...

Tax Team - Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$89K - $113K/yr

... payroll tax compliance and taxable fringe benefit reviews. - Work closely with Accounting to ... to junior staff on review standards and risk management. Other duties as assigned Benefits of ...

Junior Payroll Accountant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$32.3K

$57.3K

$79.3K

How much do junior payroll accountant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior payroll accountant in Riverside, CA is $57,316.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,600.00 and $62,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a junior payroll accountant do?

A Junior Payroll Accountant is responsible for assisting with the processing of payroll, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time. They help maintain payroll records, calculate wages and deductions, and ensure compliance with tax regulations. This role often involves data entry, preparing reports, and responding to employee payroll inquiries. Junior Payroll Accountants work closely with senior accountants and HR departments to support the overall payroll function.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior payroll accountant?

To thrive as a Junior Payroll Accountant, you need a solid understanding of payroll processes, basic accounting principles, and a relevant degree or coursework in accounting or finance. Familiarity with payroll software such as ADP, QuickBooks, or SAP, and knowledge of tax regulations are typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication set candidates apart in this role. These skills ensure accurate, timely payroll processing, compliance with regulations, and smooth collaboration with colleagues and employees.

What are some common challenges faced by junior payroll accountants, and how can they be addressed?

Junior Payroll Accountants often encounter challenges such as managing tight deadlines during payroll processing cycles, ensuring compliance with changing tax laws, and maintaining accuracy in calculations. To address these challenges, it's important to develop strong organizational skills, stay updated on relevant regulations, and leverage payroll software efficiently. Collaborating closely with HR and finance teams can also help clarify employee records and resolve discrepancies quickly, making the process smoother and less stressful.

What is the difference between Junior Payroll Accountant vs Payroll Clerk?

AspectJunior Payroll AccountantPayroll Clerk
Required CredentialsAssociate degree or relevant certification, basic accounting knowledgeHigh school diploma, basic administrative skills
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, finance or HR departmentOffice setting, HR or administrative department
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in finance, accounting, and HR departmentsCommon in HR and administrative roles across industries

The Junior Payroll Accountant typically handles more complex payroll tasks, including calculations and compliance, requiring some accounting knowledge. In contrast, a Payroll Clerk focuses on data entry and processing payroll information. Both roles are essential in payroll operations but differ in responsibilities and skill requirements.

Is payroll accounting a good career?

Payroll accounting is a stable career that involves managing employee compensation, tax deductions, and compliance with regulations. It requires attention to detail, proficiency with payroll software, and often a basic understanding of accounting principles. The role offers opportunities for advancement into senior accounting or HR positions.

What is the role of a junior payroll accountant?

A junior payroll accountant assists in processing employee payroll, ensuring accurate calculation of wages, taxes, and deductions. They often use payroll software, verify data accuracy, and support compliance with tax laws and company policies. This role typically requires attention to detail and basic accounting or payroll knowledge.

What are popular job titles related to Junior Payroll Accountant jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Junior Payroll Accountant jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Junior Payroll Accountant jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Junior Payroll Accountant jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Junior Payroll Accountant jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Junior Payroll Accountant job openings:

Infographic showing various Junior Payroll Accountant job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,316 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

$77K - $97K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Job Summary: A brief summary of the work performed.

Help manage the company's accounting operations, financial reporting, and month-end close processes. This position is designed for a high-performing accounting professional with leadership potential who is interested in growing into an Accounting Manager / Controller role over time. The ideal candidate combines strong technical accounting skills with process improvement capabilities, organizational leadership, and the ability to mentor junior staff. This role offers a clear development path into accounting management responsibilities.

Essential Functions: Responsibilities that must be performed by this position.

  • Assists the Controller in ensuring timeliness and accuracy of the financial statements
  • Responsible for general ledger: monthly journal entries, accruals, supporting schedules and reconciliations
  • Perform all cash management tasks, including the handling of accounts payable (A/P) and accounts receivable (A/R) functions
  • Assist with payroll duties and functions
  • Assist in analytical problem solving, coupled with technical research and recommendations to issues encountered
  • Assist in the development and implementation of new policies, procedures and internal controls
  • Assist in all compliance issues, including all internal control issues
  • Accept any delegated ad hoc projects such as ERP/accounting system enhancements and automation initiatives

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required to perform the essential functions of this position

  • Detailed-oriented, self-motivated, efficient and organized professional
  • Passion for accounting
  • Possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make well thought out decisions
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Highly trustworthy, reliable, discreet and ethical
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines

Minimum Position Qualifications: Minimum qualifications required for this position.

  • Advanced-Level proficiency in Microsoft Excel (lookups, pivot tables, various formulas)
  • Technical accounting skills and abilities

Preferred Position Qualifications: List of preferred qualifications required for this position.

  • Bachelor's in accounting or business administration with an accounting focus or relevant experience
  • 4-7+ years of progressive accounting experience: bookkeeping, working with general ledger, journal entries, reconciliation of accounts, A/P, A/R and payroll functions
  • Experience with Sage Intacct
  • Experience with QuickBooks

Physical and Environmental Elements:

This is primarily a sedentary office classification, and employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees have occasional exposure to irate clients.

Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, telephone equipment, or calculation equipment and to operation standard office equipment. The position occasionally bends, stoops, reaches, pushes, and pulls drawers to retrieve and file information and lifts and carries reports and records that typically weigh less than 20 pounds.