1

Payroll Manager Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Payroll Specialist

Pawtucket, RI · On-site

$22.75 - $31.25/hr

Manage payroll deductions including benefits, garnishments, and levies. * Partner with HR and Finance to ensure employee data is accurate and aligned across systems. * Assist with identifying ...

Payroll Specialist

Pawtucket, RI

$22.75 - $31.25/hr

Manage payroll deductions including benefits, garnishments, and levies. * Partner with HR and Finance to ensure employee data is accurate and aligned across systems. * Assist with identifying ...

Certified Payroll Professional

Pawtucket, RI · On-site

$36.10 - $41.80/hr

Use certified payroll compliance platforms or similar tools to manage submissions and monitor status updates. * Support broader payroll compliance efforts by identifying how payroll processing ...

Ensures employee payroll deductions are properly calculated and deducted (benefits, wage garnishments, taxes). * Responsible for assigned payroll process and data accuracy, including upload file ...

Payroll Specialist

Lincoln, RI · On-site

$5.5K - $60K/yr

Ensures employee payroll deductions are properly calculated and deducted (benefits, wage garnishments, taxes). * Responsible for assigned payroll process and data accuracy, including upload file ...

Payroll Specialist

Lincoln, RI · On-site

$5.5K - $60K/yr

Ensures employee payroll deductions are properly calculated and deducted (benefits, wage garnishments, taxes). * Responsible for assigned payroll process and data accuracy, including upload file ...

Payroll Based Journal Coordinator

Providence, RI · On-site

$22.75 - $30.25/hr

Payroll Based Journal Coordinator/Executive Assistant Job Location: Providence, RI Company Name: AdviniaCare Are you a highly organized and detail-oriented professional seeking a challenging and ...

Showing results 21-40

Payroll Manager information

See Rhode Island salary details

$41.1K

$87.5K

$130.2K

How much do payroll manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for payroll manager in Rhode Island is $87,546.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,500.00 and $101,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a payroll manager?

A payroll manager works in the payroll or HR department of a business or organization and manages the payroll process for all employees and contractors. Payroll managers are responsible for ensuring that all employees are paid on time, in the correct amounts, and for issuing pay stubs. They are also responsible for compiling payroll information and managing the pre-payroll preparation process. Additionally, payroll managers complete records for earnings, taxes, deductions, leave, benefits and disability, and maintain records for the organization and tax reporting. Payroll managers may also oversee recruiting, hiring, training and evaluating of payroll department staff members.

What does a payroll manager do?

A Payroll Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing an organization's payroll functions. This includes ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time, maintaining payroll records, and complying with relevant tax laws and regulations. Payroll Managers also handle payroll reporting, resolve payroll discrepancies, and may supervise payroll staff. Their role is crucial in maintaining employee satisfaction and legal compliance within a company.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a payroll manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Payroll Manager, you need strong knowledge of payroll regulations, tax laws, and accounting principles, often backed by a degree in finance or accounting and relevant experience. Familiarity with payroll software (such as ADP or Paychex), HR information systems, and professional certifications like CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) are typically required. Exceptional attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills help Payroll Managers stand out. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring accurate payroll processing, regulatory compliance, and effective team leadership.

How does a payroll manager typically collaborate with other departments to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing?

Payroll Managers regularly coordinate with Human Resources and Finance teams to gather accurate employee data, such as new hires, terminations, benefit deductions, and salary changes. They also work closely with IT to ensure payroll systems are functioning correctly and with compliance teams to meet legal and tax requirements. Effective communication and collaboration are essential for resolving discrepancies quickly and maintaining seamless payroll cycles. This cross-departmental interaction offers Payroll Managers a comprehensive view of organizational operations and strengthens their problem-solving skills.

What is the difference between Payroll Manager vs Payroll Specialist?

AspectPayroll ManagerPayroll Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field; certifications like CPP or FPC are commonSimilar credentials; often holds CPP or FPC certifications, with less emphasis on management experience
Work EnvironmentOversees payroll departments, manages teams, and collaborates with HR and financePerforms payroll processing, data entry, and compliance tasks primarily independently or in small teams
Employer & Industry UsageFound in mid to large organizations across various industriesCommon in organizations of all sizes, especially in HR or finance departments

The main difference between a Payroll Manager and a Payroll Specialist lies in their responsibilities and scope. Payroll Managers oversee payroll operations, manage teams, and ensure compliance at a strategic level, while Payroll Specialists focus on processing payroll data accurately and efficiently. Both roles require similar credentials, but the Payroll Manager's role involves more leadership and oversight.

Is a payroll manager a hard job?

A payroll manager's job involves overseeing payroll processing, ensuring accuracy, compliance with tax laws, and managing payroll systems, which requires attention to detail and knowledge of relevant regulations. The role can be demanding during peak periods such as month-end or year-end, and it often requires strong organizational and communication skills. Certification and experience with payroll software are beneficial for managing the workload effectively.

What do payroll managers earn?

Payroll managers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $85,000, depending on experience, location, and company size. They are responsible for overseeing payroll processing, ensuring compliance with regulations, and often use payroll software or systems to manage employee compensation accurately.

What are the most commonly searched types of Payroll jobs in Rhode Island?

The most popular types of Payroll jobs in Rhode Island are:

What are popular job titles related to Payroll Manager jobs in Rhode Island?

For Payroll Manager jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Payroll Manager jobs in Rhode Island look for?

The top searched job categories for Payroll Manager jobs in Rhode Island are:

What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Payroll Manager jobs?

Cities in Rhode Island with the most Payroll Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Payroll Manager job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 72% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,546 per year, or $42.1 per hour.

Payroll Specialist

Encore Fire Protection

Pawtucket, RI • On-site

$22.75 - $31.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 18 days ago


Encore Fire Protection rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

30th of 37 rated health and safety providers


Job description

Who We Are

At Encore Fire Protection, we are proud to be the east coast's largest full-service fire protection company, serving over 90,000 customers from Maine to Louisiana. With a team of over 2,200 dedicated employees, we provide innovative, customized fire suppression, fire sprinkler, and fire alarm solutions that protect lives and properties every day.

Our goal is to deliver superior experience to those who trust us to safeguard what matters most. We are passionate about continuous growth, innovation, and maintaining a culture that thrives on success and commitment to safety. Our mission? To be the best fire protection company the industry has ever seen. 

The Opportunity

Payroll at Encore moves quickly. With weekly payroll cycles, multiple states, unique job types, prevailing wage requirements, and a steady stream of timecards, accuracy and timing are everything. That's why we are looking for a Payroll Specialist who enjoys staying organized, solving problems early, and keeping payroll running smoothly behind the scenes. 

You will support all phases of weekly payroll across our growing workforce, ensuring codes are correct, hours are clean, laws are followed, and employees get exactly what they earned. It is a detail-heavy role that requires focus, consistency, and a knack for spotting errors that others might miss. 

If you are the type of person who notices a wage code mismatch before the system even loads, or who can look at a timecard and immediately see what does not belong, you will thrive here. 

Key Responsibilities

Your work centers on turning piles of timecards, wage codes, and changing rules into paychecks that are accurate the first time. You keep weekly cycles moving, catch the line that does not look quite right, and make sure people get exactly what they earned, when they expect it. 

  • Process timely and accurate weekly payroll including hours collection, wage calculations, adjustments, and distribution.
  • Reconcile timecards across multiple offices and ensure hours are coded accurately and compliant with wage laws.
  • Maintain secure and accurate payroll records including rate changes, deductions, and vacation balances.
  • Serve as the go-to resource for employee payroll questions and provide timely, clear, helpful support.
  • Manage payroll deductions including benefits, garnishments, and levies.
  • Partner with HR and Finance to ensure employee data is accurate and aligned across systems.
  • Assist with identifying opportunities for process improvements, automation, and reporting enhancements. 
What You Bring to the Table
  • Two to three years of payroll experience, preferably in a construction, service-based or multi-state environment.
  • Experience with certified payroll, prevailing wage, or labor-intensive payroll processes.
  • Proficiency in Excel including formulas, pivot tables, and organized data management.
  • Familiarity with payroll systems; SAGE experience is a plus.
  • Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage weekly deadlines consistently.
  • Clear and professional communication skills with the ability to support employees and internal teams.
  • A proactive, accountable mindset with the desire to improve processes and maintain high accuracy. 

What Will Make You Stand Out? 

  • You have a bachelor's degree in Business, HR, Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
  • You have experience working in a private equity-backed environment or within a scaling, growth-oriented business. 
Beyond the Paycheck

At Encore, we're all about creating a culture where success is celebrated. We recognize that our work makes people's lives safer, and we reward those who contribute to our growth. Here's what you can expect: 

  • Competitive Salary: Compensation commensurate with your experience, with the opportunity to earn performance-based bonuses tied to your personal effectiveness and contributions to the team.  
  • Purpose-Driven Work Environment: We believe in working smarter, not harder. You'll be part of a culture that values results, and we empower our team to focus on impactful work.  
  • Flexible Dress Code: Upon joining, you'll receive branded Encore swag, and we believe in dressing for the objective, not the occasion. Most days, you can enjoy a casual work environment, but we'll dress up when the situation calls for it.  
  • People-Focused Culture: We know our greatest strength is our people. That's why we've built a culture that encourages experimentation, learning, and improving together. You'll have the space to share your ideas and help shape a company that is constantly growing.  
  • Tools for Success:Access to leading-edge web-based productivity tools.  
  • Health and Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage to keep you and your family healthy.  
  • Retirement Planning: Participation in our Fidelity 401(k) plan with a company match, helping you save for your future.  
  • Life Insurance: Company-paid life insurance policy of $50,000 to give you peace of mind. 
EEO Statement

Encore Fire Protection is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

Encore Fire Protection is an E-Verify Employer. 

As an EEO/AA employer, Encore Fire Protection considers applicants for employment without regard to, and does not discriminatebased ongender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, race, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. 

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

What Encore Fire Protection employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom