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Payroll Assistant Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Payroll Specialist

Warwick, RI

$23 - $31.25/hr

Respond to employee payroll questions promptly and professionally. * Assist with monthly financial close. * Assist with year-end payroll processing, W-2 preparation, and audits. Certified Payroll

Payroll Specialist

Warwick, RI · On-site

$23 - $31.25/hr

Respond to employee payroll questions promptly and professionally. * Assist with monthly financial close. * Assist with year-end payroll processing, W-2 preparation, and audits. Certified Payroll

Payroll Specialist

Warwick, RI · On-site

$23 - $31.25/hr

Respond to employee payroll questions promptly and professionally. * Assist with monthly financial close. * Assist with year-end payroll processing, W-2 preparation, and audits. Certified Payroll

Payroll Specialist

Providence, RI · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Conduct testing and validation of payroll and HR software updates. * Assist with process improvements and automation initiatives. Qualifications Required * High School Diploma or equivalent.

Payroll Specialist

Newport, RI · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Complete payroll tax-related activities, including filings, remittances, and related reconciliations in line with applicable deadlines. * Assist with year-end payroll tasks such as wage statement ...

Payroll Specialist

Providence, RI

$23.75 - $32.25/hr

The Payroll Specialist is a critical member of the Finance Team/Payroll Department, reporting to the Payroll Supervisor. In this role you will be responsible for all daily activities relating to the ...

Payroll Specialist

Providence, RI · On-site

$23.75 - $32.25/hr

Payroll Specialist Job Locations US-RI-Providence Requisition ID 2026-13008 Category Accounting and Finance Overview The Payroll Specialist is a critical member of the Finance Team/Payroll Department ...

Payroll Specialist

Providence, RI

$23.75 - $32.25/hr

Overview The Payroll Specialist is a critical member of the Finance Team/Payroll Department, reporting to the Payroll Supervisor. In this role you will be responsible for all daily activities ...

Payroll Based Journal Coordinator

Providence, RI · On-site

$22.75 - $30.25/hr

Payroll Based Journal Coordinator/Executive Assistant Job Location: Providence, RI Company Name: AdviniaCare Are you a highly organized and detail-oriented professional seeking a challenging and ...

Job Summary The Payroll Specialist, LATAM is responsible for the accurate, compliant, and timely execution of payroll activities across multiple Latin American countries, utilizing third-party ...

Payroll Specialist

Lincoln, RI · On-site

$5.5K - $60K/yr

Ensures employee payroll deductions are properly calculated and deducted (benefits, wage garnishments, taxes). * Responsible for assigned payroll process and data accuracy, including upload file ...

Payroll Specialist

Lincoln, RI · On-site

$5.5K - $60K/yr

Ensures employee payroll deductions are properly calculated and deducted (benefits, wage garnishments, taxes). * Responsible for assigned payroll process and data accuracy, including upload file ...

Payroll Specialist

Lincoln, RI · On-site

$5.5K - $60K/yr

Ensures employee payroll deductions are properly calculated and deducted (benefits, wage garnishments, taxes). * Responsible for assigned payroll process and data accuracy, including upload file ...

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Payroll Assistant information

See Rhode Island salary details

$12

$21

$32

How much do payroll assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for payroll assistant in Rhode Island is $21.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.64 and $24.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a payroll assistant do?

A payroll assistant provides administrative support in the payroll department. As a payroll assistant, your duties include entering payroll data, processing new hire paperwork, and making changes related to tax withholding and employee benefits. You also help create detailed documents outlining payroll for the company or organization and may perform additional clerical tasks as needed.

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

To thrive as a Payroll Assistant, you need strong attention to detail, basic accounting knowledge, and familiarity with payroll laws, typically supported by a relevant diploma or associate degree. Proficiency with payroll software such as ADP, QuickBooks, or SAP, along with Microsoft Excel, is commonly required. Excellent organizational skills, discretion, and clear communication help build trust and ensure accuracy in processing sensitive payroll information. These skills are critical to ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time while maintaining compliance with legal and organizational standards.

What are some common challenges payroll assistants face when managing payroll for a large organization?

Payroll Assistants in large organizations often encounter challenges such as handling high volumes of data, ensuring compliance with complex and frequently changing tax laws, and meeting tight deadlines for payroll processing. Attention to detail is crucial since small errors can affect employee satisfaction and legal compliance. Additionally, Payroll Assistants must collaborate closely with HR and finance departments to verify timesheets, resolve discrepancies, and maintain accurate records, making strong communication skills essential.

Is payroll assistant hard?

A payroll assistant role involves tasks such as processing employee pay, maintaining records, and ensuring compliance with tax laws, which require attention to detail and familiarity with payroll software. The job can be straightforward for those with organizational skills and basic accounting knowledge, but it may become complex with large organizations or complex compensation structures.

What are the most commonly searched types of Payroll jobs in Rhode Island?

The most popular types of Payroll jobs in Rhode Island are:

What are popular job titles related to Payroll Assistant jobs in Rhode Island?

For Payroll Assistant jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Payroll Assistant jobs in Rhode Island look for?

The top searched job categories for Payroll Assistant jobs in Rhode Island are:

What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Payroll Assistant jobs?

Cities in Rhode Island with the most Payroll Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Payroll Assistant job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,735 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Assistant Manager, Payroll Office

Rhode Island College

Providence, RI • On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Posting Number
NC00874
Position Title
Assistant Manager, Payroll Office
Division
Administration and Finance Division
Department Name
Payroll Office
Position Type
Staff - Non Classified
Position Overview
The Assistant Payroll Manager oversees the daily operations of the Payroll Office, ensuring the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of all internal and state-administered payrolls. This position supervises payroll staff and works closely with the Payroll Manager, Human Resources, Accounting, Financial Aid, and State agencies to support biweekly payroll operations, system integrity, and regulatory compliance.
The Assistant Payroll Manager plays a key role in maintaining integrated Human Resources and Payroll systems, managing employee pay transactions, supporting system upgrades, and providing guidance to campus users and employees. In the absence of the Payroll Manager, this position assumes responsibility for the full processing of internal payrolls.
Primary Purpose
Supervise the daily operations and functions of a payroll office including, but not limited to, internal payroll, payroll accounting, payroll distribution and payroll adjustments.
Essential Duties
  • Work in conjunction with the payroll manager to process and maintain all state biweekly payrolls for the college.
  • Supervise the overall flow of internal payroll data (student, temporary employees and instructional) through the college's internal payroll system to ensure accuracy, timeliness and adherence to established college, State and Federal policies and procedures.
  • Provide direction and instruction to both payroll employees and campus users in the maintenance and use of the State of Rhode Island's HCM system, Workday.
  • Process overload and adjunct payroll contracts; monitor faculty workload for changes; communicate any discrepancies to academic deans and chairs; perform appropriate adjustments to payroll contract.
  • Provide support to ensure the administrative payroll system's internal payroll application is working effectively, participate as functional user in testing for upgrades, updates and implementation of new functionality.
  • Assist with the reconciliation of payroll accounting data.
  • Support Payroll Manager with third-party vendors for all direct deposit activities and funding of student and instructional payrolls.
  • Perform a variety of administrative duties to deliver payroll-related objectives according to established deadlines, policies, procedures, and regulatory/legal requirements. Ensure that various time constraints and schedules are met utilizing available resources in the most efficient manner possible. Train newly hired staff members and maintain training manuals of processes for future reference.
  • Participate in the production, reconciliation and distribution of W-2s at calendar year end.
  • Assist with the review and completion of employment and/ or wage verification request for financial institution, state disability, garnishment orders.
  • Supervise payroll staff in the performance of the above stated tasks and duties.
  • In temporary absence of Payroll Manager, responsible for the complete processing of all payrolls.

Occasional Duties
Perform other duties as required.
Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
  • Thorough knowledge of payroll principles and processing.
  • Attentiveness to detail and accuracy are imperative.
  • Ability to manage confidential material.
  • Ability to multi-task and function between various technical platforms.
  • Comprehensive level computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, working within college-wide enterprise system, and e-mail proficiency.

Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree
Experience: At least two (2) years of experience in a business or financial environment with a concentration in payroll.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in a college or university setting.
  • Experience with PeopleSoft/Oracle or similar ERP systems.
  • Demonstrated experience with Workday HCM system .

Does this position have Direct Reports?
No
Environmental Conditions
The employee is not exposed to known adverse environmental conditions.
Position Details
FLSA
Exempt
Salary Grade
12NC
Full Time / Part Time
Full-time
Proposed Starting Salary Range
$70,000-$80,000
Work Schedule
35 hours, Monday - Friday
8:30am - 4:30pm
Benefits
Full-time employees enjoy an array of benefits including:
  • Health and Wellness - Medical, Dental & Vision
  • Wellness Incentives and Rewards
  • Paid time Off - Vacation, Sick & Holiday
  • Retirement Benefits
  • Disability and Insurance Benefits
  • Education Benefits - Tuition waivers for RIC, CCRI & URI

For a complete listing, visit Employee Benefits.
Reports To (Title)
Payroll Manager
Academic or Calendar Year
Calendar
Position Status
Continuing
End of Temporary or Limited Position
Collective Bargaining Unit
PSA
Posting Information
Number of Positions Available
1
Application Open Date
07/30/2026
Application Close Date
Special Instructions
  • Please be advised that the college is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must have authorization to work in the US without the need for employer sponsorship.

EEO Statement
Rhode Island College is an equal opportunity employer. The institution does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability religion, age, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law. Rhode Island College is committed to maintain a workplace and educational environment that supports equal opportunity, professionalism and respectful engagement for all community members.