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Payroll Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Payroll Specialist

Johnston, IA

$22 - $30/hr

Position Summary The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll for all team members. This position ensures payroll transactions, deductions, taxes, and ...

Payroll Administrator

Davenport, IA · On-site

$21.75 - $29.25/hr

The Payroll Administrator will accurately process weekly office and union payrolls while ensuring payroll and tax data are correctly administered and reported. Responsibilities include, but are not ...

Payroll Specialist

Johnston, IA

$22 - $30/hr

Position Summary The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll for all team members. This position ensures payroll transactions, deductions, taxes, and ...

Payroll Administrator

Davenport, IA · On-site

$21.75 - $29.25/hr

The Payroll Administrator will accurately process weekly office and union payrolls while ensuring payroll and tax data are correctly administered and reported. Responsibilities include, but are not ...

Payroll Specialist

Johnston, IA · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

Position Summary The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll for all team members. This position ensures payroll transactions, deductions, taxes, and ...

Payroll Administrator

Davenport, IA · On-site

$21.75 - $29.25/hr

The Payroll Administrator will accurately process weekly office and union payrolls while ensuring payroll and tax data are correctly administered and reported. Responsibilities include, but are not ...

Payroll Clerk

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$24 - $27.50/hr

Robert Half is seeking a Payroll Specialist for an opportunity with our client in the Cedar Rapids area. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced payroll professional who thrives in a fast ...

Payroll Administrator

Davenport, IA · On-site

$21.75 - $29.25/hr

The Payroll Administrator will accurately process weekly office and union payrolls while ensuring payroll and tax data are correctly administered and reported. Responsibilities include, but are not ...

Payroll Specialist

Johnston, IA

$22 - $30/hr

Position Summary The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll for all team members. This position ensures payroll transactions, deductions, taxes, and ...

The Payroll Assistant plays a critical role in ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time. Key responsibilities include collecting timesheets, entering data into payroll systems, and ...

IA · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

This role is ideal for a payroll professional who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, ensuring accurate payroll processing, and providing excellent support to employees and management. Key ...

The Payroll Assistant plays a critical role in ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time. Key responsibilities include collecting timesheets, entering data into payroll systems, and ...

The Payroll Assistant plays a critical role in ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time. Key responsibilities include collecting timesheets, entering data into payroll systems, and ...

The Payroll Assistant plays a critical role in ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time. Key responsibilities include collecting timesheets, entering data into payroll systems, and ...

Payroll Specialist

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$23 - $31.25/hr

Job Summary As a Payroll Specialist, you'll be responsible for processing multi-state payroll for hourly and salaried employees. You'll ensure accurate compensation, maintain payroll records, and ...

Payroll Coordinator

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$21.25 - $28.50/hr

Be a Key Player in Our Growing Payroll Team! Location: On-site in Ankeny, IA We're expanding, and we need YOU to help shape our future! We're looking for a Payroll Coordinator to join our HR team in ...

Payroll Specialist

Osceola, IA

$22.25 - $30.25/hr

Payroll · Process biweekly payroll and maintain accurate employee payroll records. · Ensure compliance with federal and Iowa payroll tax requirements, including withholding, reporting and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Payroll information

See Iowa salary details

$14

$25

$36

How much do payroll jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for payroll in Iowa is $25.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.20 and $28.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is payroll a good career to get into?

Payroll is a stable career that involves processing employee compensation, managing tax deductions, and ensuring compliance with regulations. It requires attention to detail, proficiency with payroll software, and often a basic understanding of accounting or finance. The job can offer steady employment and opportunities for advancement in HR or finance departments.

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

To thrive as a Payroll Specialist, you need strong numerical skills, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of payroll laws and regulations, typically supported by a degree in accounting or a related field. Proficiency with payroll software (such as ADP, Paychex, or QuickBooks) and knowledge of HRIS systems and tax compliance are essential. Excellent organizational skills, discretion, and effective communication help you handle sensitive data and resolve employee inquiries efficiently. These skills ensure accurate and timely payroll processing, compliance with legal requirements, and employee satisfaction.

How do you become a payroll?

To become a payroll professional, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with knowledge of payroll processes, tax regulations, and payroll software. Many employers prefer candidates with experience in accounting or human resources, and certifications like the Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) can enhance job prospects.

What is the difference between Payroll vs Bookkeeper?

AspectPayrollBookkeeper
Primary RoleCalculates employee wages, manages tax deductions, and processes paymentsMaintains financial records, records transactions, and manages accounts
Required CredentialsKnowledge of payroll laws, payroll software, sometimes certifications like CPPBasic accounting knowledge, often bookkeeping certifications
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, often HR or finance departmentsOffice environment, accounting or finance departments
Industry UsageCommonly used in HR, finance, and payroll service providersUsed across small to large businesses for financial record-keeping

Payroll specialists focus on employee compensation, tax deductions, and compliance, while bookkeepers handle overall financial record-keeping and transaction management. Both roles are essential for business financial health but serve different functions within the finance department.

What is payroll?

Payroll refers to the process by which employers pay their employees for the work they have performed. This includes calculating wages, withholding taxes and deductions, distributing paychecks, and maintaining records of employee earnings. Payroll professionals ensure that all legal and regulatory requirements are met and that employees are paid accurately and on time. Managing payroll also involves handling benefits, overtime, bonuses, and compliance with labor laws.

What are the most common challenges faced by payroll professionals, and how can they be managed effectively?

Payroll professionals often encounter challenges such as staying current with ever-changing tax laws, managing tight deadlines for payroll processing, and ensuring absolute accuracy to avoid costly errors. Effective management involves maintaining up-to-date knowledge of regulations, leveraging reliable payroll software, and developing strong organizational habits. Regular communication with HR and finance teams also helps identify and resolve discrepancies early, fostering a smooth payroll cycle.

Is payroll a stressful job?

Payroll professionals are responsible for accurately processing employee compensation and ensuring compliance with tax laws, which can involve tight deadlines and attention to detail. The job can be stressful during busy periods such as payroll processing deadlines or audits, but effective organization and familiarity with payroll software can help manage workload and reduce stress.
What are the most commonly searched types of Payroll jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Payroll jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Payroll jobs in Iowa? For Payroll jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Payroll jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Payroll job openings:
Infographic showing various Payroll job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,521 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Payroll Specialist

WesleyLife

Johnston, IA

$22 - $30/hr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


WesleyLife rating

4.3

Company rating: 4.3 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Position Summary

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll for all team members. This position ensures payroll transactions, deductions, taxes, and related records are processed in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, organizational policies, and established payroll procedures. The Payroll Specialist serves as a key resource for payroll-related inquiries and works collaboratively with Finance, People & Culture, and operational leaders to ensure payroll accuracy and data integrity.

Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities

Payroll Processing

  • Processes biweekly payroll accurately and timely through the organization's payroll system (UKG).
  • Audits payroll data, timecards, earnings, deductions, and pay adjustments to ensure accuracy prior to payroll processing.
  • Reviews team member time records for completeness and accuracy and follows up with leaders regarding missing approvals or discrepancies.
  • Processes payroll adjustments, corrections, retroactive pay increases, and other payroll-related transactions as needed.
  • Ensures payroll records are maintained in accordance with organizational policies and applicable regulations.

Employee Record Maintenance

  • Maintains payroll-related employee records, including updates to addresses, tax withholding forms, direct deposit information, and other payroll-related demographic data.
  • Processes employee status changes impacting payroll, including transfers, leaves of absence, and terminations, in coordination with the People & Culture team.
  • Ensure payroll records are complete and up to date within the payroll system.

Garnishments, Taxes, and Deductions

  • Processes wage garnishments, child support orders, tax levies, and other court-ordered deductions in accordance with legal requirements.
  • Maintains payroll tax withholding records and ensures employee withholding elections are accurately reflected in payroll.
  • Provides general information regarding payroll deductions and withholding elections and directs team members to appropriate governmental resources or personal tax advisors for tax-specific guidance.

Benefits and Reconciliations

  • Reviews and audits benefit deductions for accuracy.
  • Partners with the Total Rewards Manager and People & Culture team to verify employee benefit enrollments are accurately reflected in payroll.
  • Reconciles benefit invoices and supporting enrollment data and submits approved invoices for payment processing.

Reporting and Compliance

  • Generates routine and ad hoc payroll reports for management, Finance, People & Culture, and regulatory reporting purposes.
  • Assists with preparation of reports and documentation required by governmental and regulatory agencies.
  • Supports payroll audits by providing requested documentation, reconciliations, and reports.

Systems Administration and Support

  • Utilizes UKG and other integrated systems to support payroll processing and reporting.
  • Assists with maintaining payroll-related system configurations, testing system updates, and validating payroll functionality.
  • Creates and runs payroll reports to support payroll reconciliation, data verification, and management reporting.

Customer Service and Collaboration

  • Responds to payroll-related questions from leaders and team members in a timely and professional manner.
  • Collaborates with Finance, People & Culture, and operational leaders to resolve payroll issues Fand ensure data accuracy.

Education & Experience

  • Minimum of 2–3 years of payroll, accounting, finance, or related experience, preferably within a multi-site organization.
  • Working knowledge of payroll laws, regulations, payroll taxes, garnishments, and wage-and-hour requirements.
  • Experience using payroll systems, preferably UKG or similar HRIS/payroll platforms.
  • Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel and payroll reporting tools.
  • Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and accuracy.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Join WesleyLife and Help Revolutionize the Aging Experience!

WesleyLife is revolutionizing the experience of aging by challenging the stigma that aging means decline and promoting the idea that life transitions are opportunities for growth and purpose. Come be a part of the revolution!

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