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Payroll Processing Associate Jobs in Wathena, KS

Americo Life, Inc.

Payroll Analyst

Kansas City, MO

Process and audit weekly payroll, ensuring accurate earnings, deductions, taxes, and timekeeping ... Compensation Our competitive pay and robust bonus program, offered to all associates, will make you ...

First Student, Inc.

Payroll Lead

Saint Joseph, MO · On-site

$20/hr

Process payroll using systems such as Workday, ADP, Kronos, UltiPro, PeopleSoft, Ceridian, or ... HS Diploma required, Associates or Bachelors preferred but not required * Proven experience with ...

First Student

Payroll Lead

Saint Joseph, MO · On-site

$20/hr

Process payroll using systems such as Workday, ADP, Kronos, UltiPro, PeopleSoft, Ceridian, or ... HS Diploma required, Associates or Bachelors preferred but not required * Proven experience with ...

First Student

Payroll Lead

Saint Joseph, MO · On-site

$20/hr

Process payroll using systems such as Workday, ADP, Kronos, UltiPro, PeopleSoft, Ceridian, or ... HS Diploma required, Associates or Bachelors preferred but not required * Proven experience with ...

UMB Financial

Payroll Specialist

Kansas City, MO

$38K - $56K/yr

... associate information. We're excited to talk with you if: * You have a bachelor's degree or equivalent professional work experience. * You bring 1-3 years of hands-on payroll and timecard processing ...

UMB Financial Corporation

Payroll Specialist

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$38K - $56K/yr

... associate information. We're excited to talk with you if: * You have a bachelor's degree or equivalent professional work experience. * You bring 1-3 years of hands-on payroll and timecard processing ...

UMB Financial

Sr Payroll Analyst

Kansas City, MO

$57K - $90K/yr

The Senior Payroll Analyst is part of the Payroll team, which is responsible for processing full ... UMB offers competitive and varied benefits to eligible associates, such as Paid Time Off; a 401(k) ...

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Payroll Processing Associate information

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How much do payroll processing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for payroll processing associate in Wathena, KS is $22.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $25.29 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.
Payroll Processing Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Payroll Processing Associate job openings in Wathena, KS as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,324 per year, or $22.3 per hour.
Payroll Analyst

Payroll Analyst

Americo Life, Inc.

Kansas City, MO

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Americo is hiring a full-time Payroll Analyst to join our expanding team!

The standard hours for this position are MondayFriday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, on-site at our Kansas City, MO office.

Overview

The Payroll Analyst is an individual contributor role within the Human Resources department, and is responsible for the accurate, timely, and compliant administration of payroll, payroll tax activities, workforce reporting, and payroll system maintenance. This role serves as the organization's subject matter expert for payroll operations, payroll compliance, employee data management, workforce reporting, garnishments, unemployment claims, and year-end payroll processes.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Processing & Administration

  • Process and audit weekly payroll, ensuring accurate earnings, deductions, taxes, and timekeeping data
  • Research and resolve payroll discrepancies, including employee inquiries, overpayments, and underpayments
  • Maintain payroll records and documentation in compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements
  • Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local wage and hour laws

Payroll Tax & Compliance

  • Serve as the internal payroll tax resource, supporting proper taxation, filings, reconciliations, and audits
  • Administer payroll-related compliance activities, including garnishments, levies, child support orders, and unemployment claims
  • Support internal and external audits by providing required payroll documentation and reconciliation support

Year-End & Fringe Benefit Administration

  • Coordinate year-end payroll processes, including W-2 preparation, reconciliation, and annual balancing
  • Calculate, process, and ensure accurate reporting of taxable fringe benefits and imputed income in compliance with IRS regulations

Payroll Reconciliation & Reporting

  • Perform payroll reconciliations across payroll registers, tax liabilities, benefit deductions, and general ledger interfaces
  • Analyze payroll data to identify discrepancies, trends, and opportunities for process improvement
  • Develop, maintain, and validate recurring and ad hoc payroll, workforce, and compliance reports, dashboards, and data extracts
  • Support month-end, quarter-end, year-end, audit, and regulatory reporting requirements
  • Partner with HR, Finance, and business leaders to deliver payroll insights and reporting support

HRIS & System Administration

  • Maintain payroll-related employee records and ensure data integrity across systems
  • Process employee lifecycle and compensation changes, including hires, terminations, and organizational updates
  • Administer payroll system security, user access, and internal controls
  • Support system testing, upgrades, implementations, and continuous process improvements in partnership with HR and IT

Required Qualifications

  • 3+ years of progressive payroll experience
  • Strong knowledge of payroll tax regulations, wage and hour laws, garnishments, unemployment claims, and compliance requirements
  • Experience processing multi-state payrolls.
  • Demonstrated experience performing payroll reconciliations and resolving complex payroll issues.
  • Experience developing and maintaining payroll, workforce, and compliance reports.
  • Advanced Excel skills with the ability to independently create Pivot Tables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, formulas, and perform data validation and large dataset analysis
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
  • High level of discretion and ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree, preferably in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or related
  • Experience with ADP Workforce Now
  • Experience with ADP Workforce Manager
  • Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation
  • Experience supporting year-end payroll processing, including W-2s and fringe benefits
  • Experience administering payroll system security and access controls
  • Experience creating custom reports using ADP reporting tools, DataBridge, or similar platforms


About Us

Americo: Were in this for life!

The roots of the Americo family of companies date back more than 100 years. Americo is a life insurance and annuity company providing innovative products to our customers. At Americo, its the people who make things work, so we hope you join us!

What Youll Love About Working at Americo:

Compensation

Our competitive pay and robust bonus program, offered to all associates, will make you feel valued.

Learning and development

We prepare you for success with a comprehensive, paid training program. Additionally, our Talent Development team creates various development opportunities for associates at every stage of their careers.

Work-life balance

We value work-life balance with our generous paid time off; you begin accruing hours every month, and they increase with tenure. All new hires earn over three weeks of paid time off annually, plus 11 paid company holidays! We also support new parents with a maternity and parental leave program, along with paid STD and LTD.

Health and well-being

We are committed to your health and are pleased to offer flexible benefits designed to support you and your family, with high quality coverage and meaningful company contributions.

Benefits include PPO and HDHP medical plan options with HSA and FSA eligibility, along with dental and vision coverage. Additionally, we provide company paid life insurance, disability coverage, a confidential EAP, a wellness program, comprehensive health resources, corporate fitness discounts, and a 401(k) plan with employer matching.

Future planning

Americo offers a 401(k) with a company match. We also have tuition reimbursement programs to further your education.

Giving back

We support several local organizations, such as Ronald McDonald House, Hope Lodge, the American Red Cross, Harvesters, and many more. Our associates volunteer their time and donate money alongside the company to make a difference in our community.

The fun stuff

Americo participates in the Kansas City Corporate Challenge, a great way to connect with coworkers. Additionally, we host events like a Royals Party at the K, a legendary Holiday Party, and in-office events with local vendors to allow associates to step away from work and enjoy each others company.

Bustling environment

Our newly renovated offices are conveniently located in downtown Kansas City, within walking distance of your favorite restaurants and attractions. Plus, youll receive complimentary paid parking near our Americo offices downtown parking is a premium, but weve got you covered.

The annual base salary range for this position is $75,000-$85,000 plus a targeted annual bonus and comprehensive benefits package. Final compensation will be determined based on market data, experience, education, and internal equity.


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