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Payroll Associate Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Talent ACQ

Payroll Specialist

Providence, RI

$75K - $85K/yr

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. * Experience with multi-state payroll processing. * Experience in energy, utility, construction ...

Gilbane Building Company

Payroll Specialist

Providence, RI · On-site

$23.75 - $32.25/hr

Associate's or bachelor's degree in business or accounting preferred * Proven experience in a payroll position in a fast-paced environment required * Strong knowledge of tax and wage laws

Gilbane, Inc.

Payroll Specialist

Providence, RI · On-site

$23.75 - $32.25/hr

Associate's or bachelor's degree in business or accounting preferred * Proven experience in a payroll position in a fast-paced environment required * Strong knowledge of tax and wage laws

Gilbane Building Company

Payroll Specialist

Providence, RI · On-site

$23.75 - $32.25/hr

Associate's or bachelor's degree in business or accounting preferred * Proven experience in a payroll position in a fast-paced environment required * Strong knowledge of tax and wage laws

RI Temps, Inc.

Be Seen First

Payroll Analyst - Temporary Assignment

Kingston, RI · On-site

$35/hr

An associate or bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, human resources, or a related field is a plus. * Knowledge of collective bargaining agreements and union payroll ...

Epitec

Human Resource Analyst III

Kingston, RI · On-site

$30 - $33/hr

College coursework, Associate's or Bachelor's degree is a plus * Experience with Workday and/or PeopleSoft payroll systems * Experience in a unionized work environment * Experience supporting payroll ...

Ulta Beauty

Sales Manager

Middletown, RI · On-site

... service and associate training), and process (standard operating procedures and compliance ... Leverage store forecast and payroll budgets to support with store scheduling needs and communicate ...

Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Sales Manager

Middletown, RI · On-site

... service and associate training), and process (standard operating procedures and compliance ... Leverage store forecast and payroll budgets to support with store scheduling needs and communicate ...

Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Sales Manager

Middletown, RI

... service and associate training), and process (standard operating procedures and compliance ... Leverage store forecast and payroll budgets to support with store scheduling needs and communicate ...

Homma Talent

Restaurant Manager

Middletown, RI · On-site

$60K/yr

Experience with creating schedules, labor costing, payroll administration, and Associate performance management required * Ability to handle multiple tasks and work well in an environment with time ...

Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Merchandise Manager

Middletown, RI · On-site

$49K - $61K/yr

The MM guides a team of Task Associates and is accountable for supporting the operations of a ... Leverage store forecast and payroll budgets to support with store scheduling needs and communicate ...

Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Merchandise Manager

Middletown, RI · On-site

$49K - $61K/yr

The MM guides a team of Task Associates and is accountable for supporting the operations of a ... Leverage store forecast and payroll budgets to support with store scheduling needs and communicate ...

Ulta Beauty

Merchandise Manager

Middletown, RI · On-site

$49K - $61K/yr

The MM guides a team of Task Associates and is accountable for supporting the operations of a ... Leverage store forecast and payroll budgets to support with store scheduling needs and communicate ...

KOHLS

Store Manager

North Smithfield, RI · On-site

You will teach, coach and develop associates to deliver excellent service, merchandising expertise ... Achieve payroll plan by managing store schedules, monitoring labor costs and adapting to business ...

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Payroll Associate information

See Rhode Island salary details

$13

$23

$38

How much do payroll associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for payroll associate in Rhode Island is $23.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $26.59 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 Rhode Island?

The most popular types of Payroll jobs in Rhode Island are:

What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Payroll Associate jobs?

Cities in Rhode Island with the most Payroll Associate job openings:

Payroll Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Payroll Associate job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,700 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Payroll Specialist

Providence, RI

Talent ACQ
See more jobs at Talent ACQexternal

$75K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Payroll Specialist | Energy Industry


Location: Warwick, Rhode Island


Employment Type: Full-Time


Industry: Energy / Utilities / Power Generation

We are seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Specialist to join our growing energy sector team. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations.


Key Responsibilities

Full-Cycle Payroll Processing

• Process weekly, bi-weekly, or semi-monthly payroll from start to finish.

• Calculate wages, overtime, retroactive pay, bonuses, and payroll deductions.

• Ensure payroll is processed accurately and within established deadlines.


Timekeeping & Auditing

• Review and validate employee timecards and attendance records.

• Investigate and reconcile payroll discrepancies before processing.

• Collaborate with managers and HR to resolve timekeeping issues.


Compliance & Reporting

• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour regulations.

• Update employee tax withholdings and process payroll-related tax documentation.

• Support audits and prepare payroll reports as needed.


Employee Data Management

• Process payroll-related paperwork for new hires, terminations, and employee changes.

• Maintain confidential employee records and payroll documentation.

• Ensure data integrity within payroll and HR systems.


Employee Support

• Respond to payroll and benefits inquiries in a timely and professional manner.

• Research and resolve payroll discrepancies and employee concerns.

• Provide guidance on payroll procedures and policies.


System Administration & Testing

• Support payroll system upgrades, enhancements, and implementations.

• Conduct testing and validation of payroll and HR software updates.

• Assist with process improvements and automation initiatives.

Qualifications


Required

• High School Diploma or equivalent.

• Experience processing payroll in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong understanding of payroll regulations and compliance requirements.

• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.

• Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion.


Preferred

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.

• Experience with multi-state payroll processing.

• Experience in energy, utility, construction, government contracting, or similarly regulated industries.

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification.


Technical Skills

• Experience with payroll systems such as ADP, Oracle HCM, Paycom, QuickBooks, or similar platforms.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including formulas, reporting, and data analysis.

• Experience working with HRIS and payroll reporting tools.

• Strong data entry, reconciliation, and auditing skills.


What Success Looks Like

• Consistently processes accurate and timely payroll.

• Maintains full regulatory compliance and audit readiness.

• Delivers excellent customer service to employees and leadership.

• Identifies opportunities to improve payroll processes and efficiency.