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Payroll Backup Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TEKsystems

Senior Payroll Specialist

Manhattan, NY · Hybrid

$33 - $35/hr

... payroll backup in the absence of the Payroll Manager. • Perform additional duties and participate in special projects as assigned. Skills 5 years payroll experience, Proficient in excel, ADP ...

Zeeco

Payroll Administrator

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$22.50 - $30.25/hr

Backup for processing US and Canadian payrolls * Entering and updating employee changes to employee profiles * Post payroll reporting * Provide documentation for audits To be a good fit you'll have:

Zeeco

Payroll Administrator

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$22.50 - $30.25/hr

Backup for processing US and Canadian payrolls * Entering and updating employee changes to employee profiles * Post payroll reporting * Provide documentation for audits To be a good fit you'll have:

Zeeco

Payroll Administrator

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$22.50 - $30.25/hr

Backup for processing US and Canadian payrolls * Entering and updating employee changes to employee profiles * Post payroll reporting * Provide documentation for audits To be a good fit you'll have:

TEKsystems

Senior Payroll Specialist

Manhattan, NY · Hybrid

$33 - $35/hr

... payroll backup in the absence of the Payroll Manager. • Perform additional duties and participate in special projects as assigned. Skills 5 years payroll experience, Proficient in excel, ADP ...

The O'Connor Group TOG Inc.

Office Administrator

Exton, PA · On-site

$17.25 - $24/hr

The position touches everything from executive support, onboarding, payroll backup, and compliance tracking to facilities coordination, travel logistics, and company-wide events. Requirements ...

The O'Connor Group

Office Administrator

Exton, PA · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

The position touches everything from executive support, onboarding, payroll backup, and compliance tracking to facilities coordination, travel logistics, and company-wide events. Requirements ...

Swish Data

Be Seen First

Accountant

Mclean, VA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Serve as payroll backup, including data review, validation, and coordination with payroll providers * Assist with expense reports, credit card reconciliations, and employee reimbursements * Support ...

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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 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:

Employee Operations Analyst

Thermosafe Technologies Inc

Arlington Heights, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

Job description


Company Overview

ThermoSafe is a leading provider of temperature-controlled packaging solutions, recently divested from Sonoco Products Company and now operating as an independent company with approximately 900 employees. We are building a strong, people-first culture as we establish our own HR foundation. This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing organization where your contributions will directly shape our employee experience.

Position Summary

We are seeking a versatile and proactive Employee Operations Analyst to provide hybrid support for our Human Resources function in a fully remote capacity. This role is approximately 50% focused on hourly recruiting, 15% on payroll backup support, and 35% on HR projects and employee services. The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, and thrives in a fast-paced environment where they can wear multiple hats. This position reports to the HR Director and works closely with Talent Acquisition, Payroll and hiring managers across the organization.

Key ResponsibilitiesHourly Recruiting (≈50%)
  • Support full-cycle recruiting for hourly/production positions, including job postings, resume screening, phone screens, interview coordination, and offer management
  • Partner with hiring managers to understand staffing needs and maintain a strong candidate pipeline
  • Support pre-employment processes (background checks, drug screens, I-9 verification)
Payroll Backup Support (≈15%)
  • Provide backup support for payroll processing, including timecard review, data entry, and employee inquiries
  • Assist with payroll-related employee questions and issue resolution
  • Help maintain accurate employee records in the HRIS and payroll systems
  • Support payroll audits and compliance activities as needed
HR Projects & Employee Services (≈35%)
  • Lead or support HR projects such as employee engagement initiatives, policy updates, and process improvements
  • Assist with benefits administration, open enrollment support, and employee communications
  • Maintain HR documentation, compliance records, and reporting
  • Contribute to the development of employee programs and resources as the company continues to grow post-divestiture
  • Handle general employee inquiries and provide excellent customer service to team members
  • Must be eligible to work in the United States
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s Degree required
  • 2–4 years of demonstrated experience with recruiting and/or payroll support
  • Experience recruiting for multi-site hourly or manufacturing/production roles
  • Experience in supporting Corporate Functions to include Payroll, Benefits and People services
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS/payroll systems (experience with UKG, ADP, or similar is a plus)
  • Previous payroll or HRIS experience
  • Create and analyze reporting for Payroll, Talent Acquisition and Benefits
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a remote environment
  • High level of discretion and ability to handle confidential information
  • Comfortable working in a growing, post-divestiture environment
  • Travel will be required – up to 25%