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Payroll Assistant Jobs in Modesto, CA (NOW HIRING)

Talent Group

Payroll Specialist

Oakdale, CA · On-site

$32 - $36/hr

Complete required payroll reporting and filings accurately and on time. * Assist with year-end payroll activities, including W-2 and 1099 preparation and distribution. * Maintain payroll records in ...

Robert Half

Payroll Specialist

Ceres, CA · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

Reconcile payroll activity, review transaction details, and assist with audits to support accurate financial reporting. * Apply current federal and state payroll regulations to day-to-day processing ...

Merced Community College

Director of Payroll

Merced, CA · On-site

$89K - $138K/yr

... - Assist with testing and implementing new software programs or upgrades - Prepare, audit and ... all payrolls, benefit health cost premiums, mandated benefit costs and balances payroll ...

LHH US

Payroll Specialist

Oakdale, CA

$34 - $38/hr

The ideal candidate will have 3 years of payroll processing experience. The right candidate will be comfortable managing the payroll for the entire organization and have experience handling an in ...

AMERICAN ADVANCED MANAGEMENT

Payroll Clerk

Modesto, CA · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

The Payroll Clerk coordinates special projects as directed and prioritizes work appropriately. The PC performs routine tasks such as updating spreadsheets, recruitment and interviews, employment ...

LHH US

Payroll Specialist

Oakdale, CA

$34 - $38/hr

The ideal candidate will have 3 years of payroll processing experience. The right candidate will be comfortable managing the payroll for the entire organization and have experience handling an in ...

BBSI

Payroll Specialist

Modesto, CA · On-site

$24.75 - $33.75/hr

We offer outsourced HR, risk consultation, payroll administration and recruiting to small-and medium-sized businesses. We combine expert knowledge with industry leading solutions allowing business ...

Tracy Volkswagen

Payroll Clerk

Tracy, CA · On-site

$21.25 - $27.75/hr

Livermore Ford Lincoln Alfa Romeo Maserati is looking for a Payroll Clerk to join our growing Team! Gill Auto Group is growing rapidly and looking for talented individuals in all aspects of ...

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Payroll Assistant information

See Modesto, CA salary details

$13

$23

$34

How much do payroll assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for payroll assistant in Modesto, CA is $23.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.04 and $26.39 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.
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For Payroll Assistant jobs in Modesto, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Cities near Modesto, CA with the most Payroll Assistant job openings:

Payroll Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Payroll Assistant job openings in Modesto, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,193 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Payroll Specialist

Talent Group

Oakdale, CA • On-site

$32 - $36/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Process end-to-end payroll for employees, including wages, bonuses, commissions, deductions, garnishments, benefits, and tax withholdings.

  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, wage and hour laws, and tax requirements, and complete required payroll reporting and filings.

  • Perform payroll audits, reconciliations, and quality control reviews, and analyze payroll data to identify trends, discrepancies, and opportunities for process improvement.

Job description

Payroll Specialist

Location: Oakdale, California

Compensation: $32.00–$36.00 per hour DOE

Schedule: Full Time | On Site

Reports To: Controller

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Payroll Specialist to support payroll operations for a growing organization in Oakdale, California. This role is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll while ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Administration

  • Process end-to-end payroll for employees, including wages, bonuses, commissions, deductions, garnishments, benefits, and tax withholdings.
  • Ensure timely and accurate payroll processing while maintaining compliance with company policies and applicable regulations.
  • Process payroll-related changes including new hires, terminations, salary adjustments, tax elections, and benefit deductions.
  • Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies, overpayments, and employee payroll inquiries.
  • Maintain payroll records and employee payroll data with a high degree of accuracy and confidentiality.

Compliance & Reporting

  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, wage and hour laws, and tax requirements.
  • Stay current on payroll legislation and reporting requirements.
  • Complete required payroll reporting and filings accurately and on time.
  • Assist with year-end payroll activities, including W-2 and 1099 preparation and distribution.
  • Maintain payroll records in accordance with retention and compliance standards.

Auditing & Analysis

  • Perform payroll audits, reconciliations, and quality control reviews.
  • Analyze payroll data to identify trends, discrepancies, and opportunities for process improvement.
  • Prepare payroll reports and provide payroll-related insights to leadership as needed.
  • Research and resolve payroll errors and inconsistencies.

Systems & Process Improvement

  • Maintain and support payroll and HRIS systems.
  • Assist with payroll system implementations, upgrades, testing, and troubleshooting.
  • Develop and improve payroll processes, procedures, and internal controls to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
  • Train employees and supervisors on payroll systems, timekeeping, and self-service tools.

Human Resources Support

  • Partner with Human Resources to ensure employee records are accurate and up to date.
  • Assist with onboarding, benefits administration, and other HR-related functions as needed.
  • Provide exceptional customer service to employees regarding payroll-related matters.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality of employee, payroll, and benefits information.

Qualifications

Required

  • Minimum of 3 years of payroll processing experience.
  • Strong understanding of payroll tax regulations, wage and hour laws, and payroll compliance.
  • Experience with payroll and HRIS systems.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel.
  • Strong attention to detail, organization, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred

  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field.
  • Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation.
  • Previous Human Resources experience.
  • Advanced Excel skills, including Pivot Tables, VLOOKUPs, and data analysis.
  • Experience implementing or upgrading payroll systems.

Benefits

  • Competitive compensation package
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Paid time off and company holidays
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Collaborative and team-oriented work environment


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