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Payroll Backup Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CFS

Payroll Administrator

New York, NY · Hybrid

$80K/yr

Serve as payroll backup and support processing during peak cycles Qualifications for the Payroll Administrator: * 4+ years of hands-on payroll administration experience, ideally with knowledge ...

Chewy

Manager, Payroll

Plantation, FL · On-site

Document Workday payroll processes * Back-up for the preparation and input of all payroll related information to produce accurate and timely payroll * Back-up for submitting payroll once reviewed ...

Chewy

Manager, Payroll

Plantation, FL

Document Workday payroll processes * Back-up for the preparation and input of all payroll related information to produce accurate and timely payroll * Back-up for submitting payroll once reviewed ...

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

$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 ...

New

Entech Sales & Service

Be Seen First

Certified Payroll & Compliance Specialist

Dallas, TX · On-site

$28 - $38/hr

Payroll Backup: Cross-train extensively in our primary payroll processing systems to seamlessly step in and serve as the backup administrator when needed. * Administrative & Recruiting Support:

Urgent

City of Indio, CA

Payroll Specialist

Indio, CA · On-site

$70K - $104K/yr

This position exercises no supervision but may provide training for those assigned to assist with payroll backup. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: * Performs the bi-weekly payroll process, ensuring accurate and ...

Entech Sales & Service

Be Seen First

Certified Payroll & Compliance Specialist

Dallas, TX · On-site

$28 - $38/hr

Payroll Backup: Cross-train extensively in our primary payroll processing systems to seamlessly step in and serve as the backup administrator when needed. * Administrative & Recruiting Support:

Urgent

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 ...

New

City of Indio

Payroll Specialist

Indio, CA · On-site

$70K - $104K/yr

This position exercises no supervision but may provide training for those assigned to assist with payroll backup. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Performs the bi-weekly payroll process, ensuring accurate and ...

Ineos

HR/Payroll Assistant

League City, TX · Hybrid

$17.25 - $23/hr

The Payroll/HR Admin processes payroll for a client group of approximately 250 people across 2 entities, multiple states, and 3 pay groups and acts as payroll back up for an additional entity. This ...

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All JobsPayroll Backup Jobs

Payroll Backup information

See salary details

$15

$27

$39

How much do payroll backup jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 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 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 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 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.

What jobs can I do with payroll backup experience?

Payroll backup experience prepares individuals for roles such as payroll specialist, payroll clerk, or payroll administrator, where they handle payroll processing, data entry, and compliance tasks. These roles often require proficiency with payroll software, attention to detail, and understanding of payroll regulations.

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.
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 79% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,982 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Payroll Clerk and Payroll Backup

CCI Mechanical, Inc.

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

$19 - $24.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 26 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.
#cci
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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.

#cci
#LI-DC1
#LI-LS1
#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 Employer
As 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/Disabled
Affirmative Action Policy
Please review our Affirmative Action Policy.
Notice to Prospective Employees
Notice 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.

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