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Payroll Assistant Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Job Posting TitleContract Payroll Assistant At Hewitt Young , excellence is our standard. We look for Builders who take ownership, push through challenges, and care about results as much as their ...

Assistant Controller/Payroll

Pittsford, NY · On-site

$42.75 - $49.50/hr

We are looking for an Assistant Controller/Payroll specialist to support a renewable operations company in Pittsford, New York. This Long-term Contract position blends hands-on payroll leadership ...

... Assist clients with questions related to HR compliance and basic employment regulations. · Manage payroll package distribution, including printing, sealing, and mailing. · Support department ...

... Assist clients with questions related to HR compliance and basic employment regulations. · Manage payroll package distribution, including printing, sealing, and mailing. · Support department ...

... Assist clients with questions related to HR compliance and basic employment regulations. • Manage payroll package distribution, including printing, sealing, and mailing. • Support department ...

Learn and maintain a working knowledge of Heartland Payroll Software and other products. * Assist clients with reports, problems, or other issues * Reach out to clients regarding new products and ...

Payroll Specialist

Rochester, NY · Hybrid

$20.55 - $34.25/hr

Supports the activities of payroll and all tasks necessary to accomplish the organization's payroll and compensation processing objectives with guidance and direction from leadership. Completes ...

Payroll Specialist

Rochester, NY · On-site

$21.30 - $28.49/hr

Responsible for Payroll related duties including, but not limited to processing of payroll, completion of payroll related forms, auditing of payroll information, and training. Salary Range: $21.30 ...

New

Prepare and process weekly payroll and compile necessary reporting * Respond to employee, supervisor, and applicant inquiries related to HR policies, benefits, and payroll * Assist with the design ...

Responsible for Payroll related duties including, but not limited to processing of payroll, completion of payroll related forms, auditing of payroll information, and training. Salary Range: $21.30 ...

New

Payroll Clerk

Rochester, NY · On-site

$19.50 - $25.50/hr

Assists employees and managers with payroll information and reports. Keys, reviews, corrects, and updates entries to automated payroll system. Maintains personnel files and OSHA reports. Tracks and ...

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Payroll Assistant information

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How much do payroll assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for payroll assistant in Rochester, NY is $21.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $24.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Payroll Assistant, and why are they important?

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 qualifications do I need for payroll?

A payroll assistant typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent; some roles prefer or require postsecondary education or certifications in accounting or payroll processing. Strong attention to detail, proficiency with payroll software and spreadsheets, and knowledge of payroll laws and regulations are also important qualifications for the role.

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.

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 does a payroll assistant do?

A payroll assistant supports the payroll department by processing employee wages, ensuring accurate calculation of hours, deductions, and taxes. They often use payroll software, verify data accuracy, and maintain records to ensure employees are paid correctly and on time.

How long does it take to become a payroll assistant?

Becoming a payroll assistant typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, and some employers may prefer candidates with basic knowledge of payroll software or accounting. On-the-job training usually lasts a few weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity of the company's payroll system and the individual's prior experience. Gaining relevant skills and certifications can enhance job prospects but does not significantly extend the initial training period.

Is payroll more HR or accounting?

Payroll assistants primarily work within the payroll or accounting departments, focusing on processing employee wages, deductions, and tax filings. While payroll involves understanding HR policies related to compensation, it is generally considered part of the accounting function due to its emphasis on financial transactions and record-keeping. The role often requires familiarity with payroll software and compliance with tax regulations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Payroll jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Payroll jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What are popular job titles related to Payroll Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY? For Payroll Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Payroll Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Payroll Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Payroll Assistant jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Payroll Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Payroll Assistant job openings in Rochester, NY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,072 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Contract Payroll Administrator

HEWITT YOUNG

Rochester, NY • On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Job Posting TitleContract Payroll Assistant
Job Description

At Hewitt Young, excellence is our standard. We look for Builders who take ownership, push through challenges, and care about results as much as their craft. When you join our team, you earn your edge every day, and we make sure it pays off.

Role Mission

Support the weekly payroll process through accurate data entry, certified payroll reporting, and payroll record management. This role focuses on ensuring employee hours, job coding, and payroll information are entered correctly while helping maintain compliance across union, prevailing wage, and standard payrolls.

Core Responsibilities
  • Accurately enter employee timecards, hours worked, job cost coding, PTO, deductions, and payroll adjustments.
  • Review payroll information for missing hours, coding errors, or discrepancies before processing.
  • Prepare and submit certified payroll reports for prevailing wage and public projects.
  • Maintain payroll records, employee files, and supporting compliance documentation.
  • Assist with payroll audits by gathering requested records and documentation.
  • Communicate with supervisors and field personnel to resolve payroll discrepancies.
  • Respond to employee payroll questions and direct more complex issues to the Payroll Manager.
  • Maintain confidentiality of employee payroll and personal information.
  • Perform general administrative duties including filing, document management, and payroll data maintenance.
  • Support the Payroll and HR teams with additional administrative projects as needed.
Must-Have Competencies
  • Fast and accurate data entry skills with strong attention to detail.
  • Excellent organizational and administrative abilities.
  • Comfortable working with repetitive tasks while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
  • Ability to prioritize work and meet weekly payroll deadlines.
  • Basic knowledge of payroll practices; experience with union or certified payroll is a plus.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Excel and payroll software.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Dependable, trustworthy, and able to handle confidential information professionally.


WHAT YOU'LL FIND HERE AT HEWITT YOUNG:

At Hewitt Young, we don't just fill roles - we build careers

Above all, we take pride in our work. Every project reflects who we are, how we operate, and the standards we stand behind.