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Payroll Operations Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Robert Half

Payroll Specialist

Ames, IA · On-site

$25.65 - $29.70/hr

... operations for a workforce of more than 1,500 employees while working in a fast-paced, high ... Responsibilities: • Manage the complete biweekly payroll cycle for a large employee population ...

Robert Half

Payroll

Davenport, IA · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

We are looking for a Payroll Administrator to oversee accurate and timely payroll operations for our team. This position is ideal for someone who is highly organized, comfortable managing deadlines ...

Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Operations Manager

Cedar Rapids, IA

GENERAL SUMMARY & SCOPE The Operations Manager (OM) is responsible for leading through Ulta Beauty ... Leverage store forecast and payroll budgets to support with store scheduling needs and communicate ...

Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Operations Manager

Cedar Rapids, IA

GENERAL SUMMARY & SCOPE The Operations Manager (OM) is responsible for leading through Ulta Beauty ... Leverage store forecast and payroll budgets to support with store scheduling needs and communicate ...

Ulta Beauty

Operations Manager

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

GENERAL SUMMARY & SCOPE The Operations Manager (OM) is responsible for leading through Ulta Beauty ... Leverage store forecast and payroll budgets to support with store scheduling needs and communicate ...

Synchronoss Technologies

Work closely with HR, Finance, and other departments to ensure smooth payroll operations, including providing guidance and resolving issues as needed. * Vendor Management: Oversee relationships with ...

Hogan

Operations Manager

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

... reporting, and payroll confirmation. Driver coaching for retention. Essential Duties and ... operation staff and management via Qualcomm, telephone and in person. • Ability to suggest and ...

Hogan

Operations Manager

Cedar Falls, IA

... reporting, and payroll confirmation. Driver coaching for retention. Essential Duties and ... operation staff and management via Qualcomm, telephone and in person. · Ability to suggest and ...

Robert Half

Legal Operations Manager

Hiawatha, IA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

... payroll coordination, benefits oversight, compliance practices, and employee records management ... operations such as billing support, collections follow-up, accounts payable processes, and ...

Theatres

Theatre Operations Manager

Cedar Rapids, IA

Monitor revenue, payroll, and expenses to meet budget goals, implement contingency plans, and explain variances. * Cost Control: Develop systems to control costs, manage inventories, and justify non ...

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All JobsPayroll Operations Manager JobsPayroll Operations Manager Jobs in Iowa

Payroll Operations Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$39.4K

$84K

$124.9K

How much do payroll operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for payroll operations manager in Iowa is $83,967.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,700.00 and $97,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Payroll Operations Manager, you need expertise in payroll processing, compliance with labor laws, and a strong background in finance or accounting, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with payroll software such as ADP, Workday, or SAP, as well as certifications like CPP (Certified Payroll Professional), is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail are crucial soft skills for managing teams and ensuring accuracy. These skills are vital to guarantee timely and compliant payroll operations, minimize errors, and lead an efficient payroll department.

What is the difference between Payroll Operations Manager vs Payroll Specialist?

AspectPayroll Operations ManagerPayroll Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field; payroll certifications preferredUsually requires a high school diploma or associate degree; payroll certifications beneficial
Work EnvironmentOversees payroll teams, manages processes, and ensures compliance across departmentsPerforms payroll processing, data entry, and verification tasks
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in medium to large organizations across various industriesFound in organizations of all sizes, often in HR or finance departments

The Payroll Operations Manager focuses on overseeing payroll processes, managing teams, and ensuring compliance, while the Payroll Specialist handles the day-to-day payroll data entry and processing tasks. Both roles require payroll knowledge, but the manager position involves leadership and strategic oversight.

How much do payroll managers get?

Payroll managers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, location, and company size. They oversee payroll processing, ensure compliance with tax laws, and often use payroll software like ADP or SAP. Salaries can vary widely based on industry and certifications such as CPP or FPC.

What does a payroll operations manager do?

A payroll operations manager oversees the processing of employee compensation, ensuring accurate and timely payment while maintaining compliance with tax laws and company policies. They manage payroll systems, coordinate with HR and finance departments, and often use payroll software to streamline operations. Strong attention to detail and knowledge of payroll regulations are essential for this role.

What are some common challenges faced by Payroll Operations Managers, and how can they be addressed?

Payroll Operations Managers often encounter challenges such as staying compliant with frequently changing tax laws, managing high volumes of data accurately, and ensuring timely payroll processing across multiple locations. To address these, it's important to implement robust payroll software, maintain ongoing training for staff, and establish strong internal controls. Effective communication with HR, finance, and external vendors also plays a crucial role in resolving discrepancies and maintaining smooth operations.

How much do payroll managers make?

Payroll managers typically earn an average salary of around $70,000 to $90,000 annually, depending on experience, company size, and industry. In larger organizations or with specialized skills like proficiency in payroll software and compliance knowledge, salaries can exceed $100,000. Compensation may also include benefits such as bonuses and health insurance.

What is the highest paying job in payroll?

The highest paying roles in payroll typically include Payroll Director or Payroll Vice President, who oversee payroll operations and strategy at an executive level. These positions often require extensive experience, leadership skills, and knowledge of payroll systems and compliance, with salaries significantly higher than standard payroll manager roles.
What are popular job titles related to Payroll Operations Manager jobs in Iowa? For Payroll Operations Manager jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Payroll Operations Manager jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Payroll Operations Manager jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Payroll Operations Manager jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Payroll Operations Manager job openings:
Payroll Operations Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Payroll Operations Manager job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,967 per year, or $40.4 per hour.
Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist

Robert Half

Ames, IA • On-site

$25.65 - $29.70/hr

Temporary

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

We are looking for an experienced Payroll Specialist to join a large healthcare organization in Ames, Iowa. This Long-term Contract opportunity is ideal for someone who can quickly take ownership of payroll operations for a workforce of more than 1,500 employees while working in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment. The role combines on-site collaboration with some remote work and calls for someone detail-oriented who can deliver accurate, compliant payroll support with minimal ramp-up time.
Responsibilities:
• Manage the complete biweekly payroll cycle for a large employee population, ensuring timely and accurate processing from start to finish.
• Prepare and process year-end wage statements and quarterly payroll tax filings internally, with a strong focus on accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Administer payroll taxes, wage garnishments, and related deductions while maintaining adherence to applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
• Investigate and resolve timekeeping discrepancies, payroll issues, and employee questions in a responsive and detail-oriented manner.
• Provide payroll operational support during organizational process changes, helping maintain continuity and accuracy throughout the assignment.
• Work closely with internal teams and stakeholders on-site and remotely to ensure payroll data is validated and processed correctly.
• Maintain detailed payroll records and documentation to support audits, reporting needs, and compliance standards.• At least 2 years of payroll experience, including hands-on responsibility for full-cycle payroll processing.
• Proven ability to process payroll in high-volume environments, preferably for organizations with more than 500 employees.
• Direct experience completing W-2 processing and 941 filings in-house.
• Strong understanding of multi-state payroll practices, payroll tax regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Proficiency with payroll systems such as ADP Workforce Now and related timekeeping or payroll platforms.
• Ability to step into an active payroll function quickly and work with limited training or supervision.
• Willingness to work on-site in Ames, Iowa, with flexibility for some remote responsibilities as needed.
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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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