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Payroll Processing Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Payroll Coordinator

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Fully onsite in El Cajon What You'll Do * Assist with payroll processing and payroll audits to ... In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other ...

Fully onsite in El Cajon What You'll Do * Assist with payroll processing and payroll audits to ... In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other ...

Payroll Coordinator

Ontario, CA · On-site

$26 - $28/hr

Address associates' payroll inquiries with professionalism. * Review time entry reports on Mondays ... processes and regulations. * Familiarity with payroll software and Google Suite. * Ability to ...

Payroll Specialist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$27 - $30/hr

Associate degree or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience required. * Minimum of 1 year of payroll processing experience required. * Experience with ADP Workforce Now ...

Associate's degree in accounting, Finance, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered * 4+ years of payroll processing experience, preferably in a mid-to-large organization

Be Seen First

You will assist with weekly certified payroll processing and uploads to the DIR portal and ... Associate's degree in accounting, business, or related field preferred * Certified Payroll ...

Payroll Administrator

San Diego, CA · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

Process full-cycle payroll for hourly and salaried employees * Review and audit timesheets, payroll ... In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other ...

Payroll Specialist

Sacramento, CA

$25 - $34/hr

Process bi-weekly payroll accurately and on time in accordance with federal, state, and local ... Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related ...

Payroll Administrator

San Diego, CA · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

Process full-cycle payroll for hourly and salaried employees * Review and audit timesheets, payroll ... In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other ...

Payroll Specialist

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$38 - $42/hr

Process bi-weekly payroll accurately and on time in accordance with federal, state, and local ... Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related ...

Payroll Manager

Brea, CA · On-site

$114K - $121K/yr

Our 60,000+ associates work across the globe at more than 15 unique businesses within life sciences ... This role includes ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing, maintaining compliance with ...

Payroll Manager

Brea, CA · On-site

$114K - $121K/yr

Our 60,000+ associates work across the globe at more than 15 unique businesses within life sciences ... This role includes ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing, maintaining compliance with ...

D.; Associate's Degree in Business Administration preferred; • Five or more years of payroll processing experience; • Ability to handle non-routine issues or new issues and resolve; • ...

D.; Associate's Degree in Business Administration preferred; • Five or more years of payroll processing experience; • Ability to handle non-routine issues or new issues and resolve; • ...

Associate's Degree in Business Administration preferred;Five or more years of payroll processing experience;Ability to handle non-routine issues or new issues and resolve;Familiarity with the ...

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Payroll Processing Associate information

See California salary details

$14

$25

$49

How much do payroll processing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for payroll processing associate in California is $25.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.70 and $27.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Payroll Processing Associate do?

A Payroll Processing Associate is responsible for handling the accurate and timely processing of employee payroll. This includes collecting timesheets, calculating wages, ensuring compliance with tax laws, and distributing paychecks or direct deposits. They also address payroll discrepancies, answer employee questions about their pay, and maintain confidential payroll records. Their role is essential to ensure employees are paid correctly and on schedule.

How much do payroll associates make in the US?

Payroll processing associates in the US typically earn between $40,000 and $55,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. Entry-level roles may start lower, while experienced professionals with certifications can earn higher salaries. The role often requires proficiency with payroll software and attention to detail.

Is payroll more HR or accounting?

Payroll processing associates primarily work within the payroll or finance department, focusing on calculating employee wages, deductions, and ensuring timely payments. While payroll involves understanding tax regulations and compliance, it is generally considered part of the accounting function rather than HR, which handles employee relations and benefits. Some roles may require knowledge of both areas, but payroll is typically aligned with accounting tasks.

What are some common challenges Payroll Processing Associates face, and how can they effectively manage them?

Payroll Processing Associates often encounter challenges such as handling last-minute changes to employee timesheets, staying compliant with evolving tax regulations, and ensuring timely and accurate payroll delivery. Effective management involves maintaining strong organizational skills, regularly updating knowledge on payroll laws, and leveraging payroll software to automate and double-check calculations. Collaborating closely with HR and accounting departments also helps quickly resolve discrepancies and maintain smooth payroll operations.

What is the highest paying job in payroll?

The highest paying roles in payroll typically include Payroll Manager, Payroll Director, or Payroll Vice President, which involve overseeing payroll operations and strategy. These positions often require extensive experience, leadership skills, and knowledge of payroll systems and compliance, and they can offer salaries significantly higher than entry-level payroll processing roles.

What is the difference between Payroll Processing Associate vs Payroll Specialist?

AspectPayroll Processing AssociatePayroll Specialist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationTypically requires certification or relevant payroll certifications
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, often in HR or finance departmentsOffice environment, often in HR, finance, or payroll departments
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in various industries for entry-level payroll tasksUsed across industries, often with more complex payroll responsibilities
Search & Comparison IntentOften searched for entry-level payroll roles or support positionsCompared for more advanced payroll duties and responsibilities

The Payroll Processing Associate typically handles basic payroll tasks such as data entry and processing, often as an entry-level role. In contrast, the Payroll Specialist usually has more advanced responsibilities, including compliance and troubleshooting. Both roles are essential in payroll operations, but the Payroll Specialist generally requires more experience or certifications.

What does a payroll associate do?

A payroll processing associate is responsible for calculating employee wages, ensuring accurate and timely payroll disbursements, and maintaining payroll records. They often use payroll software and must adhere to company policies and legal regulations related to compensation and taxes.

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

To thrive as a Payroll Processing Associate, you need a solid understanding of payroll regulations, attention to detail, and experience with payroll procedures, often supported by a degree in accounting or business. Proficiency with payroll software (such as ADP or Paychex), Microsoft Excel, and knowledge of tax compliance are typically required. Strong organizational skills, discretion, and effective communication help in managing sensitive information and collaborating with colleagues. These skills ensure accurate, timely payroll processing while maintaining compliance and safeguarding confidential employee data.
What are the most commonly searched types of Payroll Processing jobs in California? The most popular types of Payroll Processing jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Payroll Processing Associate jobs in California? For Payroll Processing Associate jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Payroll Processing Associate jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Payroll Processing Associate jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Payroll Processing Associate jobs? Cities in California with the most Payroll Processing Associate job openings:

Payroll Coordinator

LHH US

El Cajon, CA • On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Payroll Coordinator
El Cajon, CA | $25-$28/hr | Full-Time | Temp-to-Hire | 100% Onsite
Are you a payroll professional who enjoys supporting employees and partnering with HR? Our client is seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Coordinator to join their team in a highly visible role that combines payroll processing with HR support responsibilities. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to expand their experience across both payroll and human resources while working in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.
Position Details
  • Pay: $25-$28/hour DOE
  • Schedule: Monday-Friday
  • Hours: 7:30 AM-4:00 PM with some flexibility after training
  • Early Fridays
  • Temp-to-hire opportunity
  • Fully onsite in El Cajon
What You'll Do
  • Assist with payroll processing and payroll audits to ensure accuracy
  • Serve as a backup for payroll functions and employee payroll inquiries
  • Support onboarding, new hire paperwork, and orientation activities
  • Maintain employee records and HR documentation
  • Assist with benefits administration and open enrollment
  • Coordinate recruiting activities, interview scheduling, and candidate communication
  • Prepare reports, forms, correspondence, and other HR-related documentation
  • Ensure compliance with company policies and employment regulations
  • Handle sensitive employee information with a high level of confidentiality
What We're Looking For
  • Experience in payroll, HR administration, human resources, or a related support role
  • Knowledge of payroll processes and payroll systems
  • Strong Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office skills
  • Experience supporting onboarding, employee records, benefits, or recruiting activities
  • Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Strong communication and customer service abilities
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Experience with Paylocity, ADP, or similar HRIS/payroll systems is highly preferred
Why You'll Love This Opportunity
  • Blend of payroll and HR responsibilities that broadens your skill set
  • Opportunity to learn from an experienced HR and Payroll leader
  • Stable organization with strong employee tenure
  • Visible role with impact across the organization
  • Long-term growth potential and opportunity for permanent hire
Pay Details: $25.00 to $28.00 per hour
Search managed by: Nicolette Suskauer
Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Military connected talent encouraged to apply
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.lhh.com/us/en/candidate-privacy
The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:
  • The California Fair Chance Act
  • Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
  • Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
  • San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.