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Payroll Associate Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Baystate Health

Payroll Associate

Springfield, MA · Hybrid

The Payroll Associate plays a critical role in ensuring employees across the health system are paid accurately and on schedule every other Thursday. Solving complex payroll issues and taking pride in ...

UniFirst

Payroll Associate

Wilmington, MA · On-site

$46K - $53K/yr

The Payroll Associate plays a critical role in performing a wide range of customer service, administrative and operational tasks to ensure the timely execution of payroll operations. Responsibilities:

UniFirst

Payroll Associate

Wilmington, MA · On-site

$46K - $53K/yr

The Payroll Associate plays a critical role in performing a wide range of customer service, administrative and operational tasks to ensure the timely execution of payroll operations. Responsibilities:

Unifirst

Payroll Associate

Wilmington, MA · On-site

$46K - $53K/yr

The Payroll Associate plays a critical role in performing a wide range of customer service, administrative and operational tasks to ensure the timely execution of payroll operations. Responsibilities:

Unifirst

Payroll Associate

Wilmington, MA

$46K - $53K/yr

The Payroll Associate plays a critical role in performing a wide range of customer service, administrative and operational tasks to ensure the timely execution of payroll operations. Responsibilities:

New Balance

Payroll Associate II

Lawrence, MA · On-site

$21.30 - $26.65/hr

As a member of this team the Payroll Associate II will ensure proper audits and controls are maintained, provide timely and accurate financial information and support company operations by providing ...

Martignetti Corp.

Payroll Supervisor (Payroll)

Taunton, MA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

... Associate or bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, business administration, HR, or a related field preferred • Minimum of 8 years of payroll experience required • Prior payroll leadership ...

TJX Companies

Payroll Representative

Framingham, MA · On-site

$19 - $24.25/hr

Serve as the initial point of contact for all payroll-related inquiries from Associates. * Provide clear and accurate responses to general payroll questions or escalate complex issues to the Payroll ...

Acushnetgolf

Payroll Manager

Fairhaven, MA · Hybrid

$109K - $139K/yr

Proven ability to design, implement, and continuously improve payroll processes #LI-DB1 #LI-Hybrid Our Commitment to You At Acushnet Company, we are committed to helping our associates thrive both ...

TJX Companies

Payroll Lead

Worcester, MA · On-site

$20.80 - $26.55/hr

... of payroll and personnel file maintenance. Supports the communication and administration of ... Provide training guidance, and on-going support to HR Assistants and DC Associates. Ensures that ...

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All JobsPayroll Associate JobsPayroll Associate Jobs in Massachusetts

Payroll Associate information

See Massachusetts salary details

$15

$26

$42

How much do payroll associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for payroll associate in Massachusetts is $26.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.18 and $29.66 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 Massachusetts?

The most popular types of Payroll jobs in Massachusetts are:

What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Payroll Associate jobs?

Cities in Massachusetts with the most Payroll Associate job openings:

Payroll Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Payroll Associate job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,311 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Payroll Associate

Baystate Health

Springfield, MA • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Baystate Health rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

729th of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Baystate Health, a nationally recognized leader in healthcare quality and safety, is seeking a Full-Time fast paced, deadline-driven Payroll Associate to join our Payroll Department in Springfield, MA.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The Payroll Associate plays a critical role in ensuring employees across the health system are paid accurately and on schedule every other Thursday. Solving complex payroll issues and taking pride in providing exceptional customer service. You'll work with payroll data, timekeeping, taxes, reconciliations, garnishments, and multiple HR/payroll systems while serving as a trusted resource for employees and internal partners.

As a key member of the payroll team, you will:

  • Process and validate biweekly payroll for assigned employee groups, ensuring accurate and timely paycheck distribution.
  • Review Kronos timecards, identify discrepancies, and make necessary adjustments to ensure employees are paid correctly.
  • Perform online payroll edit reviews resulting from the Kronos-to-Workday interface and resolve errors before payroll is finalized.
  • Calculate, review, verify, and process complex payroll data, including gross pay, contract adjustments, retroactive payments, hours, taxes, leave, and other payroll transactions.
  • Run biweekly, monthly, and quarterly payroll processing jobs, including the full payroll process each Tuesday.
  • Process employee transactions using Workday, Kronos, PeopleSoft, and other systems as needed.
  • Process off-cycle and supplemental payrolls when necessary.
  • Prepare and submit biweekly payroll tax payments and quarterly tax returns to government agencies.
  • Audit payroll and retroactive pay activity in Workday and reconcile payroll data to ensure accuracy.
  • Monitor, audit, adjust, and reconcile payroll information and investigate discrepancies or accounting-related issues.
  • Prepare payroll reconciliations and check requests for Accounts Payable.
  • Process garnishment withholding orders and submit payments on a biweekly basis.
  • Support Rapid Pay Card processing and other payroll-related banking activities.
  • Process and respond to VOE requests, buybacks, subpoenas, and E-SarFs.
  • Provide support to employees and system users with Kronos and Workday Self-Service questions and issues.
  • Interpret and explain payroll policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and system codes.
  • Communicate effectively with employees, peers, leaders, and internal customers while handling sensitive payroll information with confidentiality and discretion.
  • Work independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage competing priorities while meeting strict payroll deadlines.

SCHEDULE:

  • Full-time, 40 hours a week
  • Monday through Friday - 8:00am-4:30pm

LOCATION:

  • 280 Chestnut St.
  • Springfield, MA
  • Hybrid work opportunity - 3 days a week on-site, required (Wednesdays mandatory) - candidate must live in MA or CT

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High School Diploma or GED, required
  • At least 2 years of payroll experience, required
  • Experience working with Workday, Kronos, and/or Peoplesoft, preferred
  • Highly detail-oriented with a strong commitment to payroll accuracy.
  • Comfortable working with complex calculations, audits, reconciliations, and confidential information.
  • Able to meet strict, recurring deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • A strong problem-solver who can research discrepancies and identify solutions.
  • An exceptional customer service professional who can patiently explain payroll issues and resolve employee concerns.
  • Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
  • A clear and effective communicator with employees, peers, leaders, and other customers.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel.
  • Adaptable and comfortable learning and navigating multiple technology platforms.

THE ADVANTAGES OF WORKING WITH BAYSTATE!

  • Excellent Compensation High-quality, low-cost medical, dental and vision insurance
  • Generous PTO - up to 25 days in the first year, with scheduled earned increases
  • Continuing education support and reimbursement
  • First Time Home Buyers Financial Packages
  • Farm Share Memberships
  • 403b retirement company match & annual company contribution increase based on years of service
  • Free money coach advice from a certified professional
  • Wellbeing programs that include but are not limited to mental, physical, and financial health
  • Pet, home, auto and personal insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Reimbursement for a variety of wellbeing activities, included but limited to gym membership and equipment, personal trainer, massage and so much more!
  • Wellbeing programs that include but are not limited to mental, physical, and financial health

Education:

GED or HiSET (Required)

Certifications:

Compensation

Note: The compensation range(s) in the table below represent the base salaries for all positions at a given grade across the health system. Typically, a new hire can expect a starting salary somewhere in the lower part of the range. Actual salaries may vary by position and will be determined based on the candidate's relevant experience. No employee will be paid below the minimum of the range. Pay ranges are listed as hourly for non-exempt employees and based on assumed full time commitment for exempt employees.

Minimum - Midpoint - Maximum

$23.46 - $26.97 - $31.91

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Baystate Health is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

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