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Payroll Associate Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Regal Executive Search

M&A Tax Associate

Boston, MA · On-site

$63K - $84K/yr

M&A Tax Associate The Transaction Advisory Services Tax Associate is an essential team member that ... indirect, payroll, property and ad valorem taxes * Understanding of US GAAP, including the ...

RD Partners

Associate Scientist II

Cambridge, MA

$74K - $92K/yr

R&D Partners is seeking to hire an Associate Scientist II in Cambridge, MA. Your main ... Weekly payroll * Expense reimbursement * Online timecard approval Pay Scale: $74,330 - $92,907 ...

Designer Brands

DSW Associate Store Manager

Woburn, MA · On-site

This includes scheduling, forecasting, payroll management, etc. * Support Store Manager in resolving associate relations matters. Provides feedback to the Store Manager on associate performance and ...

Ross Stores

Assistant Store Manager

Danvers, MA · On-site

Responsible for payroll administration including daily punch edits, Associate scheduling compliance, Sunday payroll transmission, and Payroll reporting as needed. Organizational Development:

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All JobsPayroll Associate JobsPayroll Associate Jobs in Boston, MA

Payroll Associate information

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$15

$25

$42

How much do payroll associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for payroll associate in Boston, MA is $25.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.09 and $29.52 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 Boston, MA?

The most popular types of Payroll jobs in Boston, MA are:

What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Payroll Associate jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most Payroll Associate job openings:

Payroll Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Payroll Associate job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,023 per year, or $26 per hour.

Financial Associate II

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$55/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Harvard University rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

82nd of 621 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Company Description
By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
Job Description
SUMMARY:
The Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD) educates design, research, and scholarship leaders to make a resilient, just, and beautiful world. The GSD offers degree programs across a range of design disciplines-architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, urban design, design engineering, and real estate-as well as advanced research programs that cut across these disciplines and a robust public program of lectures, exhibitions, and publications. The immense variety of people, programs, and ideas at the School sustains a vibrant and rich environment for learning, inquiry, and collaboration, unlike any other design school. For more information about Harvard GSD see: https://www.gsd.harvard.edu/.
Reporting to the Controller, the Financial Associate II performs a diverse array of payroll, accounting, and financial support duties, and works closely with staff members throughout the GSD, serving as an information resource and key liaison for financial inquiries. Key responsibilities include:
TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
  • Act as a subject matter expert and principal source of information on interpretation of payroll policies and procedures and establishing processes and standards for key controls at the GSD.
  • Understands Harvard policy, federal and state regulations, work-study policies, and VISA situations to ensure compliance.
  • Interpret complex reports and proactively make assessments on rectifying any compliance or payroll issues.
  • Interprets Federal, State and Harvard policies regarding student and non-student temporary employment.
  • Communicates policies to payroll coordinators and keeps them updated on any policy and procedural changes. Coordinate quarterly payroll coordinators meetings to provide updates and share best practices. Provides training for new departmental payroll coordinators.
  • Serves as local expert and primary liaison with other departments, including Central Payroll, Harvard Student Employment Office, GSD Financial Aid Office regarding the student/temporary weekly payroll.
  • Serves as a principal source of information on interpretation of weekly payroll policies and establishing procedures for the GSD as in pertains to student, temporary and LHT positions.
  • Manage security set-ups, train and offers direction to 15+ payroll coordinators regarding payroll deadlines, business processes, processing, and troubleshooting of the weekly/bi-weekly payroll.
  • Work closely with GSD HR Office and Faculty Planning to review all staff hirings and paid appointments for biweekly staff, faculty, and teaching fellow payrolls for completeness and accuracy prior to PeopleSoft database submission and approval. Collaborates with HR and Faculty affairs to improve efficiencies, workflow, and compliance best practices.
  • Review and approve additional pay requisitions and uploads for the biweekly staff, faculty and teaching fellow payrolls for completeness, accuracy, and submission to the PeopleSoft database.
  • Review biweekly payroll register for completeness and accuracy and to detect and correct errors.
  • Review weekly payroll register for reasonableness and adherence to student employment guidelines for maximum work hours.
  • Review and submit retroactive timesheets and request off-cycle payment for unpaid hours worked for students who are no longer employed at the GSD.
  • Review off cycle payment for appointment ends.
  • Process PeopleSoft coding changes for staff, faculty, and teaching fellows.
  • Prepare, analyze, and support monthly journal entries including accruals, prepaid assets, reclassifications.
  • Prepare balance sheet reconciliations.
  • Process the monthly gift assessment allocation.
  • Collaborates cross-functionally to support accurate financial reporting to ensure alignment on accruals and financial data.
  • Contribute to monthly and quarterly close reporting and close activities.
  • Prepare quarterly flux analysis and notes for Central submission.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • There are no supervisory responsibilities associated with this position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must be able to perform typical office tasks, including sitting for extended periods, using standard office equipment, and occasionally lifting up to 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This position requires regular in-person work at the GSD throughout the academic year with a minimum of one in-office day per week. Applications are accepted and encouraged from candidates not based in the Boston-Cambridge area, so long as they are able to commute to campus regularly during the academic year and reside in one of our approved payroll states. Harvard registered payroll states currently include Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
  • Candidates must have employment authorization to work in the US, and we regret that we cannot sponsor a VISA.
  • Candidates who do not live within commuting distance of our Cambridge, Massachusetts campus should indicate on their resumes whether they are "willing to relocate," as this position requires a regular on-campus presence.

Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
  • High School diploma, GED, and a minimum of 5 years related work experience. Higher Education may count towards experience.
  • Advanced proficiency in Excel, including complex formulas, VLOOKUP, pivot tables, and other lookup functions.
  • Ability to navigate enterprise Oracle-based financial applications.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:
  • Bachelor's degree in accounting or related degree preferred.
  • Experience with Harvard financial accounting systems or Oracle preferred.
  • Knowledge of PeopleSoft or payroll processing preferred.
  • Highly organized and detail oriented.
  • Strong communication and customer service skills; ability to build effective working relationships across the team and School.
  • Ability to handle complex and confidential information with discretion.

Additional Information
  • Expected Salary Range: The specific annualized hiring range for this position will be $70,000 - $80,000.
  • Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
  • Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
  • Pre-Employment Screening: Identity.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.
Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.
Please note that to be considered for this position, a cover letter and resume are required withthe submission of your application.
Work Format Details
This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University's Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
Salary Grade and Ranges
This position is salary grade level 055. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.
Benefits
Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:
  • Generous paid time off including parental leave
  • Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
  • Retirement plans with university contributions
  • Wellbeing and mental health resources
  • Support for families and caregivers
  • Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
  • Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.
EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.
Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

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