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Payroll Associate Jobs in La Crosse, WI (NOW HIRING)

Ashley Global Retail, LLC

Payroll Specialist

Arcadia, WI · On-site

$23.50 - $31.75/hr

Associate Degree in Accounting or related field or equivalent work experience, required. * 6 months of hands-on payroll experience or general office experience, required. * Experience with ...

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Payroll Associate information

See La Crosse, WI salary details

$13

$23

$38

How much do payroll associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for payroll associate in La Crosse, WI is $23.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.21 and $26.68 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 La Crosse, WI?

The most popular types of Payroll jobs in La Crosse, WI are:

What cities near La Crosse, WI are hiring for Payroll Associate jobs?

Cities near La Crosse, WI with the most Payroll Associate job openings:

Payroll Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Payroll Associate job openings in La Crosse, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,820 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Payroll Specialist

Ashley Furniture Industries, LLC.

Sparta, WI

$21.75 - $29.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Ashley Furniture rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 294 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 52 rated furniture manufacturers

Job description

Build Your Career with Ashley

Join a team committed to keeping Ashley the world’s largest manufacturer of furniture.

Payroll Specialist

What Will You Do?

The Payroll Specialist will process weekly hourly payrolls for all Ashley Companies and prepare related reports.

  • Process payrolls: process employee miscellaneous deductions, receive hours/wage data via AS400 and Excel, audit driver trip packets, import data into HRIS, make adjustments (data entry) as necessary, run reports, verify reports, print checks and sort checks.
  • Work closely with offsite payroll departments and other internal departments and/or supervisors to coordinate the completion of weekly payrolls.
  • Prepare payroll reports.
  • Perform audit of select information entered by the Human Resource Department, other clerical tasks such as filing, data entry, review of scanned documents and handle payroll related calls and inquiries.
  • Answer questions from supervisors and employees regarding pay.

What Do You Need?

  • Associate Degree in Accounting or related field or equivalent work experience, required.
  • 6 months of hands-on payroll experience or general office experience, required.
  • Experience with computerized payroll systems and document management systems desired.

Who We Are

At Ashley, we’re more than a business…we’re family. As the largest manufacturer of home furnishings in the world, we know what it takes to build incredible furniture and future leaders. We’re problem solvers with the grit to persevere during challenging times and innovators who won't coast when times are good. We create solutions, not excuses. And never settle for status quo. It’s the reason we’re always searching for better ways to delivering an exceptional customer experience. That's why Ashley Furniture is #1 in our industry.

Ready to grow? You’ve come to the right place. Ashley Furniture has a “Growth Mindset”, and once you join our team, you’ll learn from the best in the business.

Apply today and find your home at Ashley!

Benefits We Offer

  • Health, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program
  • Paid Vacation, Holidays, and Your Birthday off
  • Generous Employee Discount on home furnishings
  • Professional Development Opportunities
  • Ashley Wellness Centers (location specific) and Medical Tourism
  • Telehealth
  • 401(k) and Profit Sharing
  • Life Insurance

Our Core Values

  • Honesty & Integrity
  • Passion, Drive, Discipline
  • Continuous Improvement/Operational Excellence
  • Dirty Fingernail
  • Growth Focused\

To learn more about Ashley Furniture, our community engagement programs, environmental stewardship, and our core values, please visit our Corporate Social Responsibility information page: Corporate Social Responsibility

We are an equal opportunity employer and provide a drug-free working environment. While Ashley appreciates the interest of all candidates only those meeting specific position requirements may be contacted. Principals Only.

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