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Payroll Backup Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Robert Half

HR Generalist - Payroll Backup

Murfreesboro, TN · On-site

$26.13 - $30.25/hr

This long-term contract position combines generalist HR work with cross-training to provide backup support for payroll processing. The role is well suited for someone who can partner with managers ...

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 ...

New

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 ...

New

Wunderlich-Malec

HR/Payroll Coordinator

Eden Prairie, MN · On-site

$27 - $32/hr

The role also serves as a primary payroll backup and supports department-wide initiatives. Major Responsibilities * Assist with new employee onboarding to ensure accurate completion of payroll and ...

Wunderlich-Malec

HR/Payroll Coordinator

Eden Prairie, MN · Hybrid

$27 - $32/hr

The role also serves as a primary payroll backup and supports department-wide initiatives. Major Responsibilities * Assist with new employee onboarding to ensure accurate completion of payroll and ...

Signs of Success

Construction Bookkeeper

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$26 - $33/hr

... payroll backup documentation - Help maintain accurate payroll records Certified Payroll / Prevailing Wage Support - Assist with certified payroll tracking and documentation - Gather timecard, project ...

Signs of Success

Construction Bookkeeper

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$26 - $33/hr

... payroll backup documentation - Help maintain accurate payroll records Certified Payroll / Prevailing Wage Support - Assist with certified payroll tracking and documentation - Gather timecard, project ...

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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 Jun 6, 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 some 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Payroll Backup, and why are they important?

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 are Payroll Backup roles and responsibilities?

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:
HR Generalist - Payroll Backup

HR Generalist - Payroll Backup

Robert Half

Murfreesboro, TN • On-site

$26.13 - $30.25/hr

Temporary

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

We are looking for an experienced HR specialist to support a manufacturing operation through a broad range of employee-focused and operational human resources activities. This long-term contract position combines generalist HR work with cross-training to provide backup support for payroll processing. The role is well suited for someone who can partner with managers, handle sensitive employee matters appropriately, and help maintain compliant, efficient HR practices across the site.
Responsibilities:
• Advise supervisors and team members on workplace policies, performance concerns, development opportunities, compensation topics, benefits questions, and employee relations matters.
• Support core people programs such as goal setting, performance reviews, learning initiatives, succession planning, compensation review processes, and employee engagement efforts.
• Coordinate recruitment activities for salaried and hourly positions, including posting roles, screening candidates, participating in interviews, and supporting pre-employment checks.
• Lead or assist with employee relations reviews, document findings, conduct exit meetings, and recommend practical resolutions to workplace issues.
• Facilitate onboarding and orientation to help employees transition smoothly into the organization.
• Respond to employee questions regarding benefit plans and leave programs, including disability-related absences, military leave, and other time-away-from-work matters.
• Maintain HRIS data, training records, organizational charts, and reporting metrics while ensuring information remains accurate and current.
• Provide backup assistance for payroll tasks as needed, including time-related support and other payroll processing activities after training.
• Oversee workers’ compensation cases by coordinating documentation, treatment follow-up, and return-to-work arrangements in alignment with legal requirements.
• Help implement policy updates, monitor HR compliance obligations, and support adherence to applicable quality, environmental, and employment standards.• At least 2 years of experience in human resources, employee relations, payroll support, or a closely related function.
• Ability to manage sensitive employee matters with professionalism, sound judgment, and confidentiality.
• Working knowledge of HR administration, performance management, employee counseling, and conflict resolution.
• Experience supporting recruiting, onboarding, and day-to-day HR operations in a business environment.
• Comfort working with HR systems, maintaining accurate records, and preparing reports or metrics.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to partner effectively with employees and leadership.
• Willingness to learn payroll responsibilities and serve as a trained backup for payroll processing.
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About Robert Half

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in 1948, Robert Half pioneered the idea of professional talent solutions to connect opportunities at great companies with highly skilled job seekers. As business needs changed, we evolved to offer specialized talent solutions for finance and accounting, technology, administrative and customer support, creative and marketing, and legal fields. In 2002, we introduced our subsidiary, Protiviti, a global independent risk consulting and internal audit service, to support companies as they faced more strategic business challenges.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Ramon, CA, US

Year founded

1948

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