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Payroll Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As Director of Payroll Operations, you will lead the team responsible for ensuring thousands of employees are paid accurately, on time, and in compliance across multiple states. This role oversees ...

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a { text-decoration: none; color: #464feb; } tr th, tr td { border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; } tr th { background-color: #f5f5f5; } Payroll Operations Manager Salary: $110,000-$140,000 | Columbus, OH Area ...

Amalgamated Sugar Company is seeking a Payroll Operations Lead to oversee end-to-end payroll operations in a complex, multi-state, unionized environment. This hands-on leadership role ensures payroll ...

The Director of NAMER Payroll Operations will have led a payroll team in a complex and dynamic environment and will be able to leverage prior US and Canada payroll experience. To be successful in ...

The Director of NAMER Payroll Operations will have led a payroll team in a complex and dynamic environment and will be able to leverage prior US and Canada payroll experience. To be successful in ...

Payroll Operations Specialist

New York, NY · On-site

$25.75 - $35/hr

The Payroll Operations Specialist will help ensure payrolls are reviewed, processed, reconciled, and supported in a timely and compliant manner. This role may communicate with clients by email to ...

Payroll Operations Manager

New York, NY · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

As Via's Payroll Operations Manager , you will manage the full payroll function for Via's growing workforce across the United States, including both corporate employees and frontline operations ...

The Assistant Vice President (AVP), Payroll Operations is a senior payroll leader responsible for the execution of North America payroll operations, ensuring accurate, compliant, and scalable payroll ...

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Payroll Operations Specialist

Howell, NJ · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Summary ESHYFT is seeking a Payroll Operations Specialist to support payroll operations for a large, multi-state healthcare workforce. Reporting to the Payroll Manager, this role serves as a key ...

The Assistant Vice President (AVP), Payroll Operations is a senior payroll leader responsible for the execution of North America payroll operations, ensuring accurate, compliant, and scalable payroll ...

As Via's Payroll Operations Manager , you will manage the full payroll function for Via's growing workforce across the United States, including both corporate employees and frontline operations ...

The Assistant Vice President (AVP), Payroll Operations is a senior payroll leader responsible for the execution of North America payroll operations, ensuring accurate, compliant, and scalable payroll ...

Manage payroll operations within Workday, including earnings, deductions, commissions, bonuses, garnishments, PTO, and tax withholdings * Ensure payroll is processed accurately and on schedule while ...

OR · On-site

A Brief Overview The Payroll Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing all activities of payroll processing and the payroll tax functions to ensure the timely and accurate remittance in ...

Manage payroll operations within Workday, including earnings, deductions, commissions, bonuses, garnishments, PTO, and tax withholdings * Ensure payroll is processed accurately and on schedule while ...

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Payroll Operations information

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$42K

$89.4K

$133K

How much do payroll operations jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for payroll operations in the United States is $89,396.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,000.00 and $104,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are common challenges faced in Payroll Operations, and how can new team members effectively handle them?

A common challenge in Payroll Operations is ensuring absolute accuracy and compliance with ever-changing tax regulations and company policies. New team members often need to quickly become proficient with specialized payroll software while managing tight deadlines, especially during pay cycles. To handle these challenges effectively, it’s important to regularly communicate with HR and finance departments, stay updated on legal requirements, and develop strong attention to detail. Many organizations provide ongoing training and encourage collaboration, which helps new hires build confidence and perform efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Payroll Operations, and why are they important?

To thrive in Payroll Operations, you need a strong grasp of payroll processes, tax regulations, and compliance standards, usually backed by experience in finance or accounting. Familiarity with payroll software like ADP, SAP, or Workday, and certifications such as Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) are commonly expected. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to communicate clearly with employees and management set top performers apart. These skills are essential for ensuring accurate, timely payroll processing and maintaining compliance with legal requirements.

What is Payroll Operations?

Payroll Operations refers to the processes and systems involved in managing employee compensation within an organization. This includes calculating wages, withholding taxes, distributing paychecks, and maintaining payroll records. Payroll Operations also ensure compliance with legal regulations and company policies regarding employee pay. The goal is to ensure employees are paid accurately and on time while adhering to all relevant laws and guidelines.

What is the difference between Payroll Operations vs Payroll Specialist?

AspectPayroll OperationsPayroll Specialist
Primary FocusOversees end-to-end payroll processes, including system management and complianceProcesses payroll, verifies data, and ensures accurate employee payments
Required CredentialsKnowledge of payroll systems, HRIS, and compliance regulationsSimilar credentials, often with payroll certification or related training
Work EnvironmentTypically in HR or payroll departments, handling multiple payroll functionsIn HR or payroll teams, focusing on data entry and payroll processing

Payroll Operations roles generally involve managing the entire payroll process and systems, while Payroll Specialists focus on executing payroll tasks. Both roles require similar skills and certifications, but Payroll Operations has a broader scope and strategic responsibilities.

More about Payroll Operations jobs
What cities are hiring for Payroll Operations jobs? Cities with the most Payroll Operations job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Payroll Operations jobs? The most popular types of Payroll Operations jobs are:
What states have the most Payroll Operations jobs? States with the most job openings for Payroll Operations jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Payroll Operations jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Payroll Operations jobs are:
Infographic showing various Payroll Operations job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,396 per year, or $43 per hour.

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Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Position Summary

The Payroll Operations Advisor serves as a strategic operational resource to the Director of Payroll and the Payroll leadership team. This role exercises independent judgment and discretion in evaluating payroll operations, recommending and implementing process improvements, and resolving complex operational matters across Payroll, Managed Payroll, and Implementation functions. Areas of focus include process improvement, operational consistency, reporting and analytics, training, escalation resolution, documentation, and workflow optimization.

The Payroll Operations Advisor independently analyzes operational challenges, determines appropriate courses of action, and drives initiatives that enhance scalable service delivery, client experience, and overall department effectiveness. This position does not have direct people management responsibilities and influences outcomes through specialized expertise, independent analysis, sound judgment, and ownership of operational initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

Operational Support & Process Improvement

  • Develop, maintain, and govern Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across Payroll, Managed Payroll, and Implementation functions.
  • Independently evaluate process inefficiencies and determine recommendations for workflow improvements, operational consistency, and service quality enhancements.
  • Lead the documentation, implementation, and rollout of approved operational initiatives.
  • Design and maintain scalable operational processes to support company growth.
  • Conduct process reviews and operational audits, exercising judgment to identify and prioritize opportunities for improvement.

Reporting, Analytics & Automation

  • Develop, maintain, and interpret operational reports and dashboards, providing analysis and recommendations that inform Payroll leadership decision-making.
  • Create and maintain reporting related to payroll risk, missed payrolls, implementation activity, SLA compliance, ticket aging, ACH monitoring, funding exceptions, escalations, and operational performance.
  • Identify and implement opportunities to automate manual reporting and operational workflows.
  • Lead ongoing enhancements within Zoho Analytics, Zoho Desk, and related operational systems.

Complex Payroll Operations & Research

  • Serve as the subject-matter resource for complex payroll situations requiring independent research, analysis, documentation, and process review.
  • Analyze and assist payroll voids, reversals, corrections, adjustments, amendments, and other specialized payroll activities.
  • Research payroll processing challenges, determine root causes, and implement process improvements to reduce future risk.
  • Develop SOPs, training materials, and knowledge resources related to complex payroll procedures.
  • Lead root cause analysis efforts related to payroll errors, operational defects, and recurring service issues.

Escalation Resolution & Client Retention

  • Support and resolve escalated client concerns and service recovery efforts, engaging Payroll leadership when matters require their involvement.
  • Research and resolve escalated payroll, implementation, tax, funding, and service-related issues, determining appropriate resolution strategies to present to leadership.
  • Maintain escalation tracking and trend reporting, and use findings to recommend corrective action for recurring operational concerns.
  • Drive client retention initiatives through investigation, documentation, and resolution of client matters.

Training & Knowledge Management

  • Develop and maintain role-based training materials and operational documentation.
  • Maintain Zoho Learn content and lead ongoing knowledge management initiatives.
  • Support onboarding, cross-training, and continuous education efforts across Payroll and Managed Payroll, and Implementation teams.

Strategic Project Support

  • Support the implementation of approved Managed Payroll initiatives and scalable service processes.
  • Plan and execute testing, documentation, training, and rollout of operational enhancements and service improvements.
  • Participate in cross-functional projects designed to improve operational efficiency, client experience, and service delivery.
  • Provide research, planning, and implementation leadership for approved business improvement initiatives.
  • Other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
  • 5+ years of payroll operations experience
  • Experience within payroll bureau, HCM, PEO, managed payroll, or related service environments
  • Advanced reporting, analytical, and problem-solving skills
  • Experience with payroll systems, HRIS platforms, reporting technologies, and operational workflow management
  • Strong process improvement and project management capabilities
Preferred Qualifications
  • CPP Certification
  • Experience supporting complex payroll environments
  • Experience with Zoho Desk, Zoho Analytics, Zoho Learn, Zoho Projects, and related operational platforms
  • Experience developing scalable service models and operational processes
Core Competencies
  • Operational Excellence
  • Process Improvement
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Client Retention & Service Recovery
  • Collaboration & Influence
  • Change Management
  • Business Analytics
  • Accountability & Ownership
  • Training & Knowledge Sharing
  • Continuous Improvement
Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Note

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.

The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.