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Payroll Associate Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

Experience with payroll processing and HR administration * Working knowledge of benefits administration, recruiting, and employee relations * Bachelor's degree preferred; Associate degree considered

Accounting Assistant

Fort Atkinson, WI · On-site

$17.75 - $23.25/hr

Associate's degree in Accounting or enrollment in an accounting program preferred * One to two years of payroll, accounting, bookkeeping, or related office experience preferred * Strong mathematical ...

Retail Front End Team Leader

Janesville, WI · On-site

$13.50 - $15.50/hr

Oversee front-end, entrance, and exterior standards while driving associate productivity, daily task assignment, and customer service standards. * Assist with managing payroll budgets, expenses ...

HR Generalist

Fort Atkinson, WI · Hybrid

$60K - $75K/yr

Experience with payroll processing, benefits administration, and HRIS systems preferred. * Associate degree required; Bachelor's degree preferred #INAUG2026

Responsible for rolling out programs and providing training to support our associates and leadership team. * Leads weekly payroll processing, including daily timecard edits, and ensuring time cards ...

Responsible for rolling out programs and providing training to support our associates and leadership team. * Leads weekly payroll processing, including daily timecard edits, and ensuring time cards ...

Responsible for rolling out programs and providing training to support our associates and leadership team. * Leads weekly payroll processing, including daily timecard edits, and ensuring time cards ...

Responsible for rolling out programs and providing training to support our associates and leadership team. * Leads weekly payroll processing, including daily timecard edits, and ensuring time cards ...

... associate culture), and process (operating procedures and compliance standards). This position ... Leverage store forecast and payroll budgets to support with store scheduling needs and communicate ...

Responsible for rolling out programs and providing training to support our associates and leadership team. * Leads weekly payroll processing, including daily timecard edits, and ensuring time cards ...

... associate culture), and process (operating procedures and compliance standards). This position ... Leverage store forecast and payroll budgets to support with store scheduling needs and communicate ...

... payroll as needed Qualifications * 2+ years of experience in an HR Generalist, Coordinator, or Specialist role * Foundational knowledge of compensation practices and processes * Associate's or ...

... associate culture), and process (operating procedures and compliance standards). This position ... Leverage store forecast and payroll budgets to support with store scheduling needs and communicate ...

Accounting Assistant

Madison, WI · On-site

$19.50 - $25.50/hr

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: * Perform accounting activities such as routine calculations, payroll ... Associates' degree in accounting preferred. * Two or more years' experience in accounts payable ...

Accounting Assistant

Madison, WI · On-site

$19.50 - $25.50/hr

Perform accounting activities such as routine calculations, payroll calculations and record keeping ... Associates' degree in accounting preferred. * Two or more years' experience in accounts payable ...

Showing results 21-40

Payroll Associate information

See Madison, WI salary details

$14

$24

$39

How much do payroll associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for payroll associate in Madison, WI is $24.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.69 and $27.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 Madison, WI? The most popular types of Payroll jobs in Madison, WI are:
What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Payroll Associate jobs? Cities near Madison, WI with the most Payroll Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Payroll Associate job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 34% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,109 per year, or $24.1 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Ulta Beauty rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 1,008 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 24 rated health and beauty retailers


Job description


OVERVIEW

Experience a place of energy, passion, and excitement. A place where the joy of discovery and uncommon artistry blend to create exhilarating buying experiences—for true beauty enthusiasts. At Ulta Beauty, we’re transforming the world one shade, one lash, one cut at a time. Because beauty is powerful.

If you seek greater purpose—a place of vision, mission, and lived values—where voices are heard, contributions valued and recognized and growth opportunities abound, consider Ulta Beauty. Nowhere else are the possibilities quite this beautiful.

GENERAL SUMMARY & SCOPE

The Sales Manager (SM) is responsible for leading through Ulta Beauty’s mission, vision, and values in order to develop a high-performing team that consistently delivers top-line sales growth across all categories. The SM leads a team of Beauty Advisors, Prestige Beauty Advisors, and Lead Cashiers and is accountable for all aspects of the retail business with the exception of boutiques, including sales, service, and operational process. The SM is accountable for Net Promoter Score (NPS) and delivering an exceptional guest experience. This leader drives the business through a focus on performance (NPS, sales and in-store events), people (guest service and associate training), and process (standard operating procedures and compliance standards). This position requires a drive for results, a passion for the beauty industry, exceptional guest service, the aptitude to learn and teach extensive product knowledge, and the ability to lead, influence, and develop their team.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES (*Essential Job Functions)

The SM is a champion of Ulta Beauty’s mission, vision, and values, and should demonstrate them skillfully and consistently by performing the following duties and responsibilities of the position (as well as all other projects/duties as assigned):

Performance

  • Promote a culture of accountability to meet or exceed Ulta Beauty’s goals related to retail and service sales, guest loyalty (including credit), payroll, omni-channel, and retail shrink as set by Ulta Beauty for the store.
  • Drive company profitability by identifying underperforming metrics and developing strategies that leverage company programs, tools, and resources through operational excellence to deliver top-line sales growth and improve business.
  • Leverage store forecast and payroll budgets to support with store scheduling needs and communicate the needs to the GM to maximize productivity, achieve sales and payroll goals, and complete workload on time, and within the payroll budget.
  • Plan and execute in-store events that deliver an unrivaled guest experience, drive in-store and brand partner collaboration, and deliver on sales and payroll goals.
  • Review, analyze and react to Ulta Beauty’s financial and operational reporting, including store visit and audit results, regularly and in a timely manner.
  • Perform makeup applications, skincare analysis, and product demonstrations with guests to drive sales and guest service experience.
  • Take the initiative to stay informed regarding new and existing industry trends, products, and services during work time and be knowledgeable about the ingredients and benefits of these trends, products, and services to better serve guests.
  • Maintain prompt, regular attendance as the SM and hold store associates accountable to the Ulta Beauty attendance policy.
     

People

  • Attract, hire, and retain a diverse team of top talent, and efficiently address any staffing needs and open positions for the store.
  • Build a highly engaged team at the store that embodies the Ulta Beauty brand through effective collaboration, open and honest communication, and prioritization of work.
  • Create an inclusive environment that inspires and encourages the growth and engagement of associates.
  • Support all aspects of associate professional development, including training, providing individualized competency-based feedback and coaching, performance reviews, succession planning, and individual development plans to enable continuous development and drive sales performance.
  • Regularly participate in ongoing training, including brand and category education, to enable continuous professional development and drive sales performance.
  • Ensure direct reports regularly participate in ongoing training, including brand and category education, to enable continuous professional development and drive sales performance.
  • Establish professional brand partner relationships that foster a shared interest in collaboratively delivering on sales and service goals.
  • Model a culture of teamwork and guest services excellence while working alongside the leadership team by establishing priorities, providing clear direction and support, and sharing best practices.
  • Execute the Guest Engagement Leader program flawlessly through business ownership, associate coaching and leading a helpful and friendly guest experience to drive business results across all Annual Performance Goals (APGs) metrics for the store.
     

Process

  • Be knowledgeable of and ensure compliance with Ulta Beauty’s policies, procedures, and standards for the store.
  • Adhere to and enforce Ulta Beauty’s dress code.
  • Use the company’s scheduling tool as directed to adjust schedules and manage attendance in-the-moment during manager-on-duty shifts to ensure accurate schedules and reporting.
  • Use the company’s task management tool as directed to prioritize and execute store workload, including product and marketing resets, pricing updates, inventory related tasks, cleaning, and replenishment.
  • Protect company assets and minimize loss by ensuring all store standards and operating procedures are met, including workplace safety, inventory control, cash management, and loss prevention.
  • Execute day-to-day inventory control processes (e.g., known theft, damages, hazardous waste, inventory adjustments, product returns) and complete theft reporting as necessary.
  • Support continuous improvement by influencing the adoption of company initiatives and technology, communicating expectations, and ensuring the execution of all store tasks.
  • Utilize company programs, tools, and resources to drive store improvements.
  • Regularly communicate and provide feedback to field leadership on business trends and opportunities, events, operational challenges, merchandise needs, and competitive landscape for their store.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education

  • Bachelor’s degree is preferred
     

Experience

  • 2-3+ years of fast-paced, retail management, or other relevant work experience
  • Financial management: success with driving top-line sales, interpreting reporting data, managing payroll budgets, and controlling expense
  • Retail management: proven ability with monitoring inventory levels, achieving operational excellence, driving a service culture, and executing merchandising directives
  • Leadership management: experience with attracting, developing, and motivating top talent, swiftly adapting to change and leading others through the change-curve, developing collaborative relationships with others, and leading and influencing a team
     

Skills

  • Proficient with basic technology (e.g., Point of Sale system, Microsoft Office programs, and Apple devices)
  • Excellent written and verbal communication
  • Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills
  • Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks
  • Ability to react under pressure, use good judgment in ambiguous situations, and be flexible/adaptable
     

SPECIAL POSITION REQUIREMENTS

  • Work a flexible, full-time schedule to include days, evenings, weekends, and holidays
  • Attend corporate business meetings and conferences
     

WORKING CONDITIONS                                                      

  • Continuous mobility throughout the store during shift, including twisting
  • Frequent bending, pulling, pushing, stooping, reaching, and twisting during shift
  • Frequent lifting and/or moving up to 25 lbs. during shift
  • Continuous coordination and manipulation of objects during shift

If an associate has a disability that prevents them from performing an essential function of the job, the Company will engage in the interactive process with the associate to determine whether there is a reasonable accommodation that will enable the associate  to perform the essential functions of the job.



ABOUT

At Ulta Beauty (NASDAQ: ULTA), the possibilities are beautiful. Ulta Beauty is the largest North American beauty retailer and the premier beauty destination for cosmetics, fragrance, skin care products, hair care products and salon services. We bring possibilities to life through the power of beauty each and every day in our stores and online with more than 25,000 products from approximately 500 well-established and emerging beauty brands across all categories and price points, including Ulta Beauty’s own private label. Ulta Beauty also offers a full-service salon in every store featuring—hair, skin, brow, and make-up services.

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with arrest records, conviction records, or other criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of any applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York City Fair Chance Act.

Qualifications:

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education

  • Bachelor’s degree is preferred
     

Experience

  • 2-3+ years of fast-paced, retail management, or other relevant work experience
  • Financial management: success with driving top-line sales, interpreting reporting data, managing payroll budgets, and controlling expense
  • Retail management: proven ability with monitoring inventory levels, achieving operational excellence, driving a service culture, and executing merchandising directives
  • Leadership management: experience with attracting, developing, and motivating top talent, swiftly adapting to change and leading others through the change-curve, developing collaborative relationships with others, and leading and influencing a team
     

Skills

  • Proficient with basic technology (e.g., Point of Sale system, Microsoft Office programs, and Apple devices)
  • Excellent written and verbal communication
  • Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills
  • Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks
  • Ability to react under pressure, use good judgment in ambiguous situations, and be flexible/adaptable
     

SPECIAL POSITION REQUIREMENTS

  • Work a flexible, full-time schedule to include days, evenings, weekends, and holidays
  • Attend corporate business meetings and conferences
     

WORKING CONDITIONS                                                      

  • Continuous mobility throughout the store during shift, including twisting
  • Frequent bending, pulling, pushing, stooping, reaching, and twisting during shift
  • Frequent lifting and/or moving up to 25 lbs. during shift
  • Continuous coordination and manipulation of objects during shift

If an associate has a disability that prevents them from performing an essential function of the job, the Company will engage in the interactive process with the associate to determine whether there is a reasonable accommodation that will enable the associate  to perform the essential functions of the job.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: UNAVAILABLE

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