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Payroll Associate Jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO (NOW HIRING)

Payroll Specialist

Denver, CO · Hybrid

$30 - $45/hr

Payroll Specialist Denver, CO (Hybrid) Contract, Contract-to-Hire, or Direct Hire Competitive ... In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other ...

Payroll Supervisor

Denver, CO · On-site

$97K - $120K/yr

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field preferred. * CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) certification preferred. * Experience with Certified Payroll ...

Payroll Specialist

Aurora, CO · On-site

$26 - $33/hr

Associate's degree in Accounting, Business, or a related field. * Multi-state payroll experience. * Construction, engineering, manufacturing, or industrial payroll experience. * Union payroll ...

Payroll Specialist

Denver, CO

$24.25 - $33/hr

Required Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent required;associate degree or payroll certification preferred. Two or more years of experience in payroll,timekeeping, HR operations ...

Payroll Specialist

Denver, CO · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Required Qualifications · High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree or payroll certification preferred. · Two or more years of experience in payroll, timekeeping, HR operations ...

Payroll Tax Administrator II

Highlands Ranch, CO · On-site

$25 - $33.50/hr

Respond to associates and their managers regarding inquiries about their paychecks including payroll calculations and deductions. Investigate payroll problems and make appropriate corrections when ...

Payroll Tax Administrator II

Highlands Ranch, CO · On-site

$24 - $32.50/hr

Respond to associates and their managers regarding inquiries about their paychecks including payroll calculations and deductions. Investigate payroll problems and make appropriate corrections when ...

Payroll Tax Administrator II

Highlands Ranch, CO · Hybrid

$24 - $32.50/hr

Respond to associates and their managers regarding inquiries about their paychecks including payroll calculations and deductions. Investigate payroll problems and make appropriate corrections when ...

Payroll Tax Administrator II

Littleton, CO · Hybrid

$24 - $32.50/hr

Respond to associates and their managers regarding inquiries about their paychecks including payroll calculations and deductions. Investigate payroll problems and make appropriate corrections when ...

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Payroll Associate information

See Highlands Ranch, CO salary details

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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 Highlands Ranch, CO is $25.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.41 and $28.51 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 Highlands Ranch, CO?

The most popular types of Payroll jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO are:

What cities near Highlands Ranch, CO are hiring for Payroll Associate jobs?

Cities near Highlands Ranch, CO with the most Payroll Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Payroll Associate job openings in Highlands Ranch, CO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,196 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

Pension Outsourcing Pension Payroll - Associate Manager

Willis Towers Watson (WTW)

Denver, CO • On-site

$65K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Willis Towers Watson rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 151 rated financial services


Job description

In this challenging role as a Pension Outsourcing Payroll- Associate Manager, you will contribute as part of a team to the entire range of retirement administration activities, primarily focused on pension payroll and other related activities. If you're looking for an exciting role, with one of the leaders in the defined benefit outsourcing business and the opportunity to grow and develop your career, apply now! 

In this role you will serve as a team leader and subject matter expert to the internal team and our clients, trouble shoot issues, create client deliverables, contribute to client management and participate in the creation of new intellectual capital.


The Role

  • Enhance your knowledge of all aspects of retirement plan administration

  • Enjoy a well-defined career path with opportunities for growth and advancement

  • Leverage the most cutting-edge tools and resources and some of the world's experts in retirement plan design, management and pension administration

  • Deliver superior, consistent client management and deliverables in support of a Director for assigned clients.

  • Staffing and Talent Development

    • Lead/manage training on payment workstream concepts for new and seasoned team members
    • Mentor junior team members to ensure understanding of workstream methods/concepts 
    • Provide positive and constructive feedback for team members to aid in their development
    • Assist in team development and development plans
  • Workflow and Escalation Management

    • Manage completion of required processes or checklists (e.g., Trust SOP for payment workstream) 
    • Manage team daily workflow and adherence to contract SLAs
    • Assist Operation Managers with escalations, work with team to update documentation, Knowledgebase and provide training as needed to minimize escalations
    • Lead client team workstream regarding technical and monthly processing matters as needed
    • Lead internal workstream team meetings
    • Lead client/vendor meetings related to pension payroll topics
    • Verify complex payments to ensure the data integrity of the cyclical payment process
    • Ensure that monthly reconciliation activities are completed within the applicable deadlines 
    • Assist with/attend client meetings as applicable
  • Standardization

    • Lead internal/external process documentation maintenance and alignment with excellence and administration standards
    • Lead adoption of off-system tools and updates as necessary
    • Ensure that Product updates are implemented timely and teams are following standard procedures

The Requirements

  • 5+ years of experience in administration of defined benefit plans, preferably gained in a benefits consulting environment

  • Experience consulting on pension administration projects and/or systems, including interaction of data, software, administration outputs, and processes in accordance with plan provisions, Internal Revenue Code, ERISA, and other legal regulations

  • Solid understanding of pension and broader benefit plan design

  • Functional or industry knowledge/experience in the application of technology to solve human resource needs such as HRIS/payroll system integration, pension plan administration, health and welfare plan administration, employee self-service and pension payroll administration

  • Ability to work on a multifaceted team (administration, technology and service center) with competing projects, deliverables and priorities, including client implementations and one-time special project work

  • Strong interpersonal and client management skills

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

  • Strong analytical, integrative, problem-solving and project management skills

  • Strong organizational abilities and flexibility to work in a performance driven environment

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent in business, benefits administration, or related field, CEBS designation or actuarial training a plus

  • Ability to travel and work extended hours as needed 

Compensation and Benefits 

Base salary range and benefits information for this position are being included in accordance with requirements of various state/local pay transparency legislation. Please note that base salaries may vary for different individuals in the same role based on several factors, including but not limited to location of the role, individual competencies, education/professional certifications, qualifications/experience, performance in the role and potential for revenue generation.

Compensation 

The base salary compensation range being offered for this role is $65,000-$90,000 USD per year. 

This role is also eligible for an annual short-term incentive bonus

Company Benefits

WTW provides a competitive benefit package which includes the following (eligibility requirements apply):

  • Health and Welfare: Mental health/emotional wellbeing (including Employee Assistance Program), medical (including prescription drug coverage and fertility benefits), dental, vision, Health Savings Account, Commuter Accounts, Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, company-paid life insurance, supplemental life insurance, AD&D, group accident, group critical illness, group legal, identity theft protection, wellbeing program, adoption assistance, surrogacy assistance, auto/home insurance, pet insurance, and other work/life resources.

  • Leave Benefits: Paid Holidays, Annual Paid Time Off (includes paid state/local paid leave where required), Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Other Leaves (e.g., Bereavement, FMLA, ADA, Jury Duty, Military Leave, and Parental and Adoption Leave), Paid Time Off 
  • Retirement Benefits: Contributory Pension Plan and Savings Plan (401k). All Level 38 and more senior roles may also be eligible for non-qualified Deferred Compensation and Deferred Savings Plans.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Note that visa employment-based non-immigrant visa sponsorship and/or assistance is not offered for this specific job opportunity.

This position will remain posted for a minimum of three business days from the date posted or until sufficient/appropriate candidate slate has been identified.

EOE, including disability/vets 

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