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Payroll Backup Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Muth Electric, Inc.

Payroll Assistant

Mitchell, SD · On-site

Payroll backup * Review employee timecards to ensure accuracy for weekly payroll processing. * Payroll setup and data entry * Payroll reconciliation * Job incentive processing * Manage employee ...

FCC Construction Inc.

Payroll Clerk

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$21.75 - $28.25/hr

This position serves as backup support for payroll processing and will assist with payroll operations only as needed. Primary Responsibilities * Administer union benefits for multiple construction ...

Atrium

Payroll Coordinator - 404321

Miami, FL · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

Serve as cross-trained payroll backup, handling payroll funding reports, severance processing, and employee data updates as needed. Required Experience/Skills For The Payroll Coordinator * Minimum 2 ...

Charter Impact

Payroll Specialist

Denver, CO · On-site +1

$24.25 - $33/hr

Run post-payroll backup reports for AP checks: 403b contributions, garnishments, manual checks. * Run ad hoc reports for clients upon request. * Gather backup documentation for audits. * In ...

Charter Impact

Payroll Specialist

Denver, CO · On-site +1

$24.25 - $33/hr

Run post-payroll backup reports for AP checks: 403b contributions, garnishments, manual checks. * Run ad hoc reports for clients upon request. * Gather backup documentation for audits. * In ...

Charter Impact

Payroll Specialist

Denver, CO · Remote

$28 - $32/hr

Run post-payroll backup reports for AP checks: 403b contributions, garnishments, manual checks. * Run ad hoc reports for clients upon request. * Gather backup documentation for audits. * In ...

Pavion

Payroll Associate

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$30 - $42/hr

Ensure all payroll back-up is saved weekly such as pre-check and post-check reports. Maintain quarterly and yearly tax information on the designated payroll drive. * Answer questions, provide ...

Pavion

Payroll Associate

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$30 - $42/hr

Ensure all payroll back-up is saved weekly such as pre-check and post-check reports. Maintain quarterly and yearly tax information on the designated payroll drive. * Answer questions, provide ...

Akin Gump

Payroll Coordinator

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$80K - $100K/yr

Maintain payroll tracking spreadsheets and payroll back-up files-semi-monthly, monthly and annual. * Assist with Workday system upgrade testing and implementations. * Answer questions and assist ...

Associated Students Inc

Payroll Coordinator

Pomona, CA · On-site

$23 - $30.50/hr

Ensure payroll back-up and assistant team is properly trained and current in all payroll matters and processes * Works collaboratively with the HRIS service team and any payroll related vendor

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Payroll Backup information

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$15

$27

$39

How much do payroll backup jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for payroll backup in the United States is $27.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.60 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the roles and responsibilities of a payroll backup?

A Payroll Backup is an employee designated to handle payroll processing tasks in the absence of the primary payroll administrator. Their main responsibilities include ensuring accurate and timely processing of payroll, maintaining payroll records, handling employee inquiries about pay, and ensuring compliance with company policies and legal requirements. Payroll Backups must also be familiar with payroll software and systems, as well as stay updated on tax laws and regulations. This role is critical in preventing payroll delays and maintaining smooth business operations.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a payroll backup?

To thrive as a Payroll Backup, you need a solid understanding of payroll processes, basic accounting principles, and attention to detail, often supported by experience or coursework in finance or human resources. Familiarity with payroll software such as ADP, QuickBooks, or Paychex, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Excel, is typically required. Strong organizational skills, confidentiality, and effective communication are essential soft skills for handling sensitive information and coordinating with team members. These abilities ensure payroll accuracy, compliance with regulations, and reliable support during primary payroll staff absences.

What are common challenges faced in a payroll backup role and how can they be managed?

A Payroll Backup professional often faces challenges such as quickly adapting to different payroll systems, ensuring accuracy under time constraints, and staying updated on compliance requirements. Since this role involves stepping in for primary payroll staff, it requires thorough documentation review and clear communication with both HR and finance teams to prevent errors. Regular cross-training, maintaining up-to-date process checklists, and proactively clarifying any changes in payroll laws can help manage these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Payroll Backup vs Payroll Specialist?

AspectPayroll BackupPayroll Specialist
CredentialsBasic payroll knowledge, sometimes certifications like ADP or QuickBooksPayroll certifications (e.g., CPP), relevant experience
Work EnvironmentSupport role, often part-time or backup position within HR or payroll teamsFull-time, specialized role within HR or finance departments
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in various industries as a backup resource for payroll processingCore role in payroll processing and compliance
Comparison IntentUnderstanding support vs. specialized payroll rolesClarifying the responsibilities of payroll professionals

Payroll Backup primarily serves as a support role, stepping in when the Payroll Specialist is unavailable. Payroll Specialists are responsible for processing payroll, ensuring compliance, and managing employee payments. While both roles require payroll knowledge, the Payroll Specialist has more advanced credentials and a broader scope of responsibilities.

Is payroll backup a good job for introverts?

Payroll backup roles typically involve working with payroll systems, data entry, and ensuring accurate processing, which can suit introverts who prefer independent work and detailed tasks. The job often requires attention to detail, computer skills, and the ability to work with sensitive information, making it suitable for individuals who prefer a quieter work environment. However, some communication with team members or vendors may be necessary, depending on the organization.
More about Payroll Backup jobs

What job categories do people searching Payroll Backup jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Payroll Backup jobs are:

Infographic showing various Payroll Backup job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,982 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Payroll Clerk and Payroll Backup

Salt Lake City, UT

CCI Mechanical, Inc.
Construction • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about CCI Mechanical, Inc.external

$19 - $24.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

About Us

We specialize in the design, installation, service, and maintenance of commercial and industrial projects. As a design-build leader, our team has constructed and maintained mechanical systems for a wide variety of high-profile clients, including hospitals, data centers, manufacturers, hotels, universities, office buildings, and more.

Job Summary

CCI Mechanical, Inc. is seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Clerk to support our Accounting department in Salt Lake City, Utah. This professional will ensure continuous, seamless payroll operations across our commercial design-build, fabrication, and mechanical service divisions. The ideal candidate ensures uninterrupted pay processing for our engineers, technicians, and office staff during peak operational periods and team absences.

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Essential Duties & Responsibilities

 Key Responsibilities

  • Payroll Processing: Serve as secondary or backup support for end-to-end payroll runs, including reviewing timecard submissions, calculating labor wages, and processing direct deposits for trade and corporate personnel.
  • Support & Inquiry Resolution: Respond to time-sensitive payroll inquiries from staff, addressing pay discrepancies and system questions professionally.
  • Data Maintenance: Assist with onboarding new hires, processing union/non-union terminations, and updating employee data within the COINS ERP+ application.
  • Compliance & Reporting: Help review wage registers, process manual checks, and maintain accurate records to meet IRS, state, and construction-specific regulatory standards.
  • Collaboration: Coordinate with Human Resources, Finance, and project management teams to clear up outstanding reconciliation items or adjust leave and deduction records.
Qualifications
  • Experience: 3 years of experience in payroll, or accounting, preferably within the construction, mechanical, or trade services industry.
  • Technical Skills: Proficiency in payroll software, Excel, and other payroll systems.
  • Confidentiality: Ability to handle sensitive financial and personal employee information with the highest degree of discretion.
  • Organizational Skills: Strong attention to detail, accuracy in heavy data entry, and the ability to operate under strict deadlines.

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#LI-onsite

Physical Demands

Sitting for long periods of time

Work Environment

Office environment with on site gym, free drinks and snacks

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, STD, LTD and 401k with match

Equal Opportunity EmployerAs a leading provider of mechanical and electrical construction, facilities services, and energy infrastructure, we offer employees a competitive salary and benefits package and we are always looking for individuals with the talent and skills required to contribute to our continued growth and success. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/DisabledAffirmative Action Policy

Please review our Affirmative Action Policy.

Notice to Prospective EmployeesNotice to prospective employees: There have been fraudulent postings and emails regarding job openings. EMCOR Group and its companies list open positions here. Please check our available positions to confirm that a post or email is genuine. EMCOR Group and its companies do not reach out to individuals to help with marketing or other similar services. If an individual is contacted for services outside of EMCOR's normal application process - it is probably fraudulent.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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