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Payroll Associate Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Akin

Payroll, Benefits & HRIS Specialist

Seattle, WA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Associate degree in Business, HR, Accounting, or related field (or equivalent experience) * 3-5 years of experience in payroll, benefits, or HR administration * Demonstrated experience using HRIS ...

Exxel Pacific

Prevailing Wage Administrator

Seattle, WA · On-site

$27 - $43/hr

This role administers certified payroll reporting, monitors prevailing wage requirements across ... Associate's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Human Resources, Construction Management ...

Exxel Pacific

Prevailing Wage Administrator

Seattle, WA · On-site

$27 - $43/hr

This role administers certified payroll reporting, monitors prevailing wage requirements across ... Associate's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Human Resources, Construction Management ...

Exxel Pacific

Prevailing Wage Administrator

Seattle, WA · On-site

$27 - $43/hr

This role administers certified payroll reporting, monitors prevailing wage requirements across ... Associate's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Human Resources, Construction Management ...

Exxel Pacific

Prevailing Wage Administrator

Seattle, WA · On-site

$27 - $43/hr

This role administers certified payroll reporting, monitors prevailing wage requirements across ... Associate's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Human Resources, Construction Management ...

Exxel Pacific

Prevailing Wage Administrator

Seattle, WA · On-site

$27 - $43/hr

This role administers certified payroll reporting, monitors prevailing wage requirements across ... Associate's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Human Resources, Construction Management ...

Exxel Pacific

Prevailing Wage Administrator

Seattle, WA · On-site

$27 - $43/hr

This role administers certified payroll reporting, monitors prevailing wage requirements across ... Associate's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Human Resources, Construction Management ...

Aldrich Assoc

Contract Administrator

Bothell, WA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

... wage, certified payroll, Intent and Affidavit filing, and L&I compliance * Experience with subcontract management and change order tracking * Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Business ...

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All JobsPayroll Associate JobsPayroll Associate Jobs in Seattle, WA

Payroll Associate information

See Seattle, WA salary details

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$27

$44

How much do payroll associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for payroll associate in Seattle, WA is $27.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $30.91 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 Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Payroll jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Payroll Associate jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Payroll Associate job openings:

Payroll Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Payroll Associate job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,593 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

Senior Payroll Specialist (48790)

Bastyr University

Kenmore, WA • On-site

$30 - $33.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

The Senior Payroll Specialist is a 100% FTE, non-exempt position responsible for independently performing key operational functions of the University's payroll cycle under the direction of the Finance Manager. This position serves as a primary day-to-day payroll resource requiring a high degree of confidentiality and supports accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing.
  • Independently processes and maintains payroll information, including compensation and other payroll-related changes, time worked, leave, deductions, withholdings, direct deposits, and other payroll data.
  • Identifies opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls, system functionality, and employee and manager support and makes recommendations to the Finance Manager.
  • Coordinates and independently performs the University's semi-monthly payroll cycle, including pre-payroll preparation, data validation, payroll audits, final processing and transmission, paycheck distribution, and post-payroll reporting.
  • Reviews payroll data for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established procedures and internal controls and resolves discrepancies before payroll transmission.
  • Audits new hire documentation and timecards/hours and works with managers to ensure accurate payroll setup and timely approvals in accordance with payroll deadlines.
  • Serves as a primary resource for employees and managers regarding paychecks, timecards, payroll deductions, direct deposits, tax withholdings, payroll policies, procedures, and payroll and timekeeping systems.
  • Researches and resolves routine payroll discrepancies and system issues and escalates complex, unusual, high-risk, or potentially non-compliant issues to the Finance Manager.
  • Serves as a primary resource for payroll system functionality and assists with system configuration, testing, updates, and implementation of payroll-related processes, coordinating with Finance and IT as needed.
  • Performs payroll reconciliations, audits, quality-control reviews, and reporting to ensure payroll records and transactions are accurate and complete.
  • Supports federal, state, and local payroll tax and regulatory compliance activities, including multi-state payroll tax requirements and reporting.
  • Supports annual and periodic payroll audits and year-end payroll activities, including W-2 preparation, reporting, and reconciliation of payroll records.
  • Maintains a high degree of confidentiality and security of payroll and employee information in accordance with University policies and applicable laws and regulations.
  • Provides training and guidance to employees and managers and provides lead-level guidance and support to Payroll Specialists as assigned.

Required Qualifications
  • 3-5 years of progressively responsible payroll processing experience.
  • Experience independently processing payroll from pre-payroll preparation through final transmission and post-payroll reporting.
  • Experience with payroll audits, reconciliations, payroll reporting, and payroll-related compliance activities.
  • Experience with multi-state payroll tax requirements and payroll tax reporting.
  • Experience processing payroll data and information in payroll and HRIS systems.
  • Experience with third-party payroll systems such as Paycom or ADP required; Paycom experience preferred.
  • Experience with timekeeping systems required.
  • Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) required.
  • Strong knowledge of payroll processing principles, practices, procedures, and internal controls.
  • Knowledge of federal and state payroll requirements and general payroll compliance practices.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail and the ability to meet strict payroll deadlines.
  • Excellent customer service and communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate payroll information to employees, managers, and other stakeholders.
  • Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive employee and payroll information.
  • High-level knowledge of Excel, Word, Microsoft Teams, and Outlook.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification.
  • Associate degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources, Finance, or a related field.
  • Experience working in a higher education, nonprofit, or complex organizational environment.
  • Experience using AI tools, including ChatGPT and Claude.
  • Customer service, call center, or help desk experience.
  • Experience identifying process improvements and recommending practical solutions.
  • Demonstrated ability to use emerging technology and AI-enabled tools to improve productivity, research, documentation, and workflow efficiency.

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