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Payroll Associate Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Human Resource / Payroll Position

MI · On-site

$63K - $68K/yr

... an Associate's degree required Demonstrated ability to partner with leadership and influence ... Payroll accuracy and operational efficiency Employee retention and engagement Strength and ...

$21.75 - $29.50/hr

Ability to work collaboratively across HR, Payroll, and IT teams. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS * Associate's or Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, or a related field. Or applicable cumulative job specific ...

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Handling tax payments and payroll deductions * Prepare adjusting journal entries * Bank statement ... Associate or higher degree; preferred * Minimum of two or more years of experience in Accounts ...

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Payroll Associate information

See Michigan salary details

$12

$20

$34

How much do payroll associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for payroll associate in Michigan is $20.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.29 and $23.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is payroll assistant entry level?

A payroll assistant role is typically considered entry level and often requires minimal prior experience. Basic skills in data entry, attention to detail, and familiarity with payroll software are usually sufficient for starting in this position.

Do you need a degree to be a payroll associate?

A degree is not typically required to become a payroll associate, but employers often prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant skills include knowledge of payroll software, attention to detail, and understanding of payroll laws and regulations.

What do payroll associates do?

Payroll associates are responsible for processing employee compensation, ensuring accurate and timely payment through data entry, calculations, and record keeping. They often use payroll software and must adhere to company policies and legal regulations related to wages and taxes.

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.

Is payroll under HR or finance?

Payroll associates typically work within the finance or accounting department, as payroll involves managing employee compensation, taxes, and deductions. However, payroll functions often collaborate closely with HR to ensure accurate employee data and compliance with policies. The specific department can vary by organization, but payroll is generally considered part of finance or a specialized payroll team.

What are Payroll Associates?

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 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.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Payroll jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Payroll jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Payroll Associate jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Payroll Associate job openings:
Union Payroll & Labor Compliance Analyst

Union Payroll & Labor Compliance Analyst

Harvard Resource Solutions LLC

Southfield, MI

$70K - $80K/yr

Other

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

VENTEON and Harvard Resource Solutions are hiring a Union Payroll & Labor Compliance Analyst to support a national construction company. You will assist the payroll department in the processing of “Certified” union payroll as well as have full responsibility for union compliance reporting and tracking.

POSITION TYPE: Full time, Direct Hire. Onsite position. Work Hours: Early start time of 6:30 or 7:00 AM is required. PAY: $70,000 - $80,000 annual plus benefits based on education and years of directly relevant experience.

Requirements of the Union Payroll and Labor Compliance Analyst:

  • Education: HS Diploma or equivalent is required. Associate’s degree in Accounting would be major plus.
  • Skills with multi state “Certified” union payroll processing utilizing multiple unions is required.
  • Prior experience filing all types of union reporting using software and portals.
  • Working knowledge of the Davis-Beacon Act and prevailing wage laws. Experience looking up prevailing wages.
  • Direct experience interpreting and administering union collective bargaining agreements (CBA’s).
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to manage complex payroll data accurately.
  • Person who has worked in a high-volume, busy work environment.
  • Technically savvy individual who can pull and move data between reporting systems. Experience using Excel spreadsheets. Skills in any of these types of labor compliance systems: LCP Tracker, Mwraps, Mworks, WrapX, Kapirnick, Skillsmart, or Elations. Basic knowledge in AI technology such as ChatGPT.

Duties of the Union Payroll & Labor Compliance Analyst:

  • Highly visible position interfacing directly with senior level management.
  • Take full responsibility for managing the certified payroll reporting for commercial construction projects in multiple states.
  • Serve a primary liaison union representative regarding collective bargaining agreements, pension and benefit reporting, Form 5500 documentation and labor compliance audits.
  • Collaborate with project managers and field teams to resolve labor compliance issues related to Union Administration (U.S. & Canada).
  • Review employee classifications. Research and apply prevailing wage data. Maintain and update wage determinations, classifications, and fringe benefit rates.
  • Pull labor hours and data from the payroll system to prepare and submit union reports through union-specific online portals and Excel-based reporting forms, in accordance with each union’s reporting requirements ensuring complete compliance with the Davis-Beacon Act.
  • Ensure all union reports and payments are completed accurately and submitted by required deadlines (10th and 15th of each month).
  • Reconcile payroll data to union remittance forms, identifying discrepancies and ensuring accurate benefit contributions.
  • Track and update OSHA labor hours
  • Maintain detailed union tracking and compliance schedules to support project reporting and audit.

If you are a high performer and you think the above opportunity is appropriate for you, we invite you to apply to this job and email your resume to ALiangos@hrsus.com

We treat all resumes with strict confidentiality. We will always contact you first before submitting your resume to our client(s) for review. If you do not receive correspondence, you are not a fit for this position.

At Venteon and Harvard Resource Solutions, our talent acquisition team is proud to provide our clients with the most qualified Accounting & Finance, Engineering, and IT talent in the industry today.