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Payroll Associate Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Jsr Associates

Payroll Manager

Leitchfield, KY · On-site

The HR Generalist/Payroll team member is responsible for administering employee benefits ... Associate's or Bachelor's degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field

owensboroworkdaytest

PAYROLL SPECIALIST II

Owensboro, KY

$19.75 - $26.75/hr

Assists in payroll system upgrade testing and reports results to area Project Manager. * Maintains ... Associate's degree or higher in related field required upon hire * A combination of education ...

Kenton County School District

Payroll/Benefits Specialist

KY · On-site

$48K - $63K/yr

Associate Degree preferred or equivalent work experience * Prior experience with Automated Payroll processing or work experience in a payroll department * Payroll experience in a public school system ...

Servier

Senior Manager, Payroll

Boston, KY · On-site

$140 - $160K/hr

Reporting to the Associate Director, HR Operations, the Senior Manager serves as the subject matter ... Collaborate with payroll manager on strategy, process improvements, and system enhancements.

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How much do payroll associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for payroll associate in Kentucky is $20.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $23.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a payroll associate?

Payroll Associates are professionals responsible for processing employee paychecks, ensuring accurate calculation of wages, withholding taxes, and managing payroll records. They verify timesheets, resolve discrepancies, and comply with federal and state payroll regulations. Payroll Associates often collaborate with human resources and accounting departments to maintain accurate financial records and support employee inquiries regarding compensation. Their work is essential for ensuring employees are paid correctly and on time.

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

To thrive as a Payroll Associate, you need a solid understanding of payroll processes, accounting principles, and attention to detail, often supported by a degree in finance, accounting, or related fields. Familiarity with payroll software such as ADP, QuickBooks, or Paychex, and sometimes certification like FPC or CPP, is typically required. Strong organizational skills, discretion, and effective communication set top performers apart in this role. These competencies ensure accurate and timely payroll processing, compliance with regulations, and confidentiality of sensitive employee information.

What are some common challenges a payroll associate might face, and how can they be addressed?

Payroll Associates often encounter challenges such as managing tight deadlines during payroll cycles, handling sensitive employee data with confidentiality, and staying updated with frequently changing tax regulations. Effective time management and strong attention to detail are essential to avoid errors and ensure compliance. Collaborating closely with HR and finance teams can help resolve discrepancies quickly and maintain smooth payroll operations.

What is the difference between Payroll Associate vs Payroll Clerk?

AspectPayroll AssociatePayroll Clerk
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; some roles prefer accounting or HR certificationsHigh school diploma; basic understanding of payroll processes
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, often part of HR or finance teamsOffice environment, handling administrative payroll tasks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across various industries, including corporate, healthcare, and retailCommonly found in similar industries, often overlapping with payroll roles
Comparison Search IntentUnderstanding role differences, career progressionClarifying job responsibilities, entry-level payroll tasks

The Payroll Associate typically has more responsibilities related to payroll processing, compliance, and data management, often requiring some certifications or experience. The Payroll Clerk usually handles administrative payroll tasks, focusing on data entry and record keeping. Both roles are essential in payroll operations, but the Payroll Associate often has a broader scope and may serve as a stepping stone to more advanced payroll or HR positions.

How do you become a payroll associate?

To become a payroll associate, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with strong attention to detail and proficiency in payroll software or spreadsheets. Relevant skills include understanding payroll laws and regulations, and some employers may prefer candidates with prior experience or certifications in payroll or accounting. On-the-job training is common, and familiarity with tools like ADP or QuickBooks can be advantageous.

Is doing payroll a hard job?

Payroll associates are responsible for processing employee wages, ensuring accuracy, and complying with tax laws, which requires attention to detail and knowledge of payroll software. The job can be straightforward but may involve handling complex calculations, deadlines, and sensitive information, making it moderately challenging depending on the organization’s size and complexity.

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

The most popular types of Payroll jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Payroll Associate jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Payroll Associate job openings:

Payroll Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Payroll Associate job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,191 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Payroll and Billing Associate

Davis H Elliot Company, Inc.

Lexington, KY

$21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 hours ago

Davis H. Elliot rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

For over seven decades investor-owned utilities, municipalities, cooperatives, and others have entrusted their electrical construction and maintenance needs to Davis H. Elliot Company, Inc. (Elliot).

Elliot is a full-service electrical contractor specializing in overhead and underground distribution, transmission, substations, lighting, traffic signaling, utility locating and industrial/commercial services.

Job Description

The primary responsibility of an Payroll and Billing Associate at Davis H. Elliot is the execution of weekly payroll and billing for the operations they support. Payroll and Billing Associates work in a fast paced environment and must have the ability to work quickly and efficiently to meet payroll deadlines. They also work closely with project managers to ensure work is billed at the appropriate times, based on the business partner's needs. Payroll and Billing Associates will assist the teams they support by researching billing discrepancies, keeping meticulous records, and familiarizing themselves with the contracts in place. 

A high quality candidate will be excellent at time management and organization, experienced in data entry, and self motivated.  Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Completing weekly payroll for an assigned group of employees
  • Generating and distributing invoices
  • Developing and maintaining customer relations
  • Assisting employees with timesheets as needed
  • Researching billing discrepancies and reconciling data 

Qualifications

  • Applicable prior work experience preferred
  • Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Outlook
  • Billing & Payroll experience 
  • Valid Drivers License required
  • Must be able to pass a criminal background check and drug screening

Benefits/Culture

Today, we are listed among Engineering News-Records Top 150 Specialty Contracting firms. Our success is based on our customers confidence in us; the loyalty, hard work and performance of our people; and the traditions with which Mr. Davis H. Elliot began the company in 1946. We understand that having the best team requires people being treated like family. Some of the benefits we offer our team include:

  • Starting Wage $21.00/hr
  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Company Paid Life Insurance w/ additional Voluntary Life Insurance
  • 401K w/ company match
  • Employee Stock Ownership Program
  • Paid Vacation 

What Davis H. Elliot employees say

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