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Payroll Processing Associate Jobs in Orange, CA (NOW HIRING)

Payroll Supervisor

Brea, CA · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Manage full-cycle payroll processing in a multi-state and multi-entity environment using ADP ... Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field preferred.

Payroll Supervisor

Brea, CA · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Manage full-cycle payroll processing in a multi-state and multi-entity environment using ADP ... Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field preferred.

Payroll Specialist

Brea, CA · On-site

$24.25 - $33.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

High School Diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field preferred. * 5 to 6 years of payroll processing experience ...

Payroll Specialist

Santa Ana, CA

$24.50 - $33.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Participate in payroll system testing and process improvement initiatives as opportunities arise Qualifications Required * Education: Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business ...

Payroll Specialist

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$24.50 - $33.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Participate in payroll system testing and process improvement initiatives as opportunities arise Qualifications Required * Education: Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business ...

Certified Payroll Specialist

Mira Loma, CA

$30 - $34/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Key Responsibilities Payroll Processing * Administer full-cycle, multi-state payroll for 600-700 ... Allison Lau Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life ...

Part-Time Payroll Clerk

Villa Park, CA · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

  • PTO

A Part-Time Payroll Clerk is responsible for assisting with payroll processing and ensuring ... Qualifications:  High school diploma or equivalent; associate degree in Accounting, Finance ...

Certified Payroll Specialist

Mira Loma, CA

$30 - $34/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Key Responsibilities Payroll Processing * Administer full-cycle, multi-state payroll for 600-700 ... Allison Lau Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life ...

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Payroll Specialist

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA · Remote

$24 - $32.75/hr

  • Retirement

... Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred Nice to Have Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation Experience with multi-state payroll processing ...

Payroll Specialist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$27 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

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 ...

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Payroll Specialist

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA · Remote

$24 - $32.75/hr

  • Retirement

... Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred Nice to Have Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation Experience with multi-state payroll processing ...

Payroll Specialist

Brea, CA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

High School Diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field preferred. * 5 to 6 years of payroll processing experience ...

Payroll Specialist

Brea, CA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

High School Diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field preferred. * 5 to 6 years of payroll processing experience ...

Payroll Specialist

Orange, CA · On-site

$25 - $34.25/hr

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field preferred. * 2-4 years of payroll processing experience, preferably in a publicly traded or multi ...

Payroll Manager

Brea, CA · On-site

$114K - $121K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

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Payroll Processing Associate information

See Orange, CA salary details

$15

$25

$41

How much do payroll processing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for payroll processing associate in Orange, CA is $25.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $29.04 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a payroll processing associate?

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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Payroll Processing Associate jobs in Orange, CA?

For Payroll Processing Associate jobs in Orange, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Payroll Processing Associate jobs in Orange, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Payroll Processing Associate jobs in Orange, CA are:

What cities near Orange, CA are hiring for Payroll Processing Associate jobs?

Cities near Orange, CA with the most Payroll Processing Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Payroll Processing Associate job openings in Orange, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,124 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

Payroll and Retirement Associate - LA

Excellent Education Development (ExED)

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

About Us

ExED (www.exed.org) is a nonprofit organization that fosters the development and management of high-performing charter schools. We believe every child should have access to high-quality public education, especially in educationally underserved communities. ExED is the only nonprofit charter school back office service provider in Southern California and operates offices in Los Angeles and San Diego. ExED works with approximately 100 charter schools, serving more than 44,000 students.

ExED supports new and existing charter schools, including financial services such as CFO advisory, accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, payroll processing, and public funding compliance; facility financing services; and data management support services. The services help our clients operate efficiently, build financial plans to meet short-term and long-term objectives, and secure affordable facilities, enabling school leaders to spend more time working to improve student achievement at their schools.

Position Overview

The Payroll and Retirement Associate will work on a team comprised of 16 team members who work with charter schools to ensure their success. This position offers a detail-oriented, highly organized professional the opportunity to apply payroll processing expertise in a unique way. We are looking for an experienced payroll professional who can take the lead in managing our payroll process and provide excellent customer service to our client schools.

Primary Responsibilities

Upload or key data, review, and process payroll for several client schools

Maintain accurate and current data in the payroll system and virtual personnel files

Determine eligibility and enrollment into CalSTRS and CalPERS retirement plans

Provide excellent customer service

Setup and process garnishment orders

Streamline payroll processes

Submit 401(k) and 403(b) employee deductions to vendors

Create and submit monthly CalSTRS and CalPERS retirement reports

Knowledge of quarterly payroll tax filings

Deposit SDI payments online to EDD

Assist in periodic training on payroll policies and procedures

Coordinate with accounting and other ExED staff when necessary

Assist schools with general payroll questions

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree

3-5 years of payroll processing experience

Computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel)

Team player with a demonstrated ability to initiate and maintain effective and cooperative professional relationships

Strong organizational skills; a self-starter who can prioritize and multi-task

Strong writing and communication skills

Strong analytical skills

Interest in and commitment to public education

Compensation

Compensation is commensurate with experience. Please be sure to submit your salary expectations on the application.

Salary Range: $60,000 - $70,000 annually

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, and a 403(b) retirement package.

We also offer a generous vacation, sick, and holiday allocation.

To Apply

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and salary expectations via our online application system at www.exed.org/careers.

ExED is an equal opportunity employer.

ExED will only consider candidates from the Southern CA area.