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Sr Payroll Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Sr. Payroll Associate II supports the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of payroll operations while delivering a high-level of customer service to employees, agency partners, and ...

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Senior Payroll Associate

Mclean, VA · On-site

$56K - $87K/yr

COMMUNITY NAME Community Support Office Job ID 2026-242245 JOB OVERVIEW The Senior Payroll Analyst ... Provide training and guidance to other payroll associates, as needed * Work on various Workday ...

The Senior Payroll Associate assists in weekly payroll processing and maintenance. Is responsible for the weekly benefits reports and unemployment annual updates pertaining to payroll records.

Senior Payroll Associate

Mclean, VA · On-site

$29.75 - $40.75/hr

COMMUNITY NAMECommunity Support OfficeJOB OVERVIEW The Senior Payroll Analyst will work on a team ... Provide training and guidance to other payroll associates, as needed * Work on various Workday ...

Temp Senior Payroll Associate - East Coast

New York, NY · On-site

$32.25 - $44/hr

The Temp Senior Payroll Associate performs a variety of functions necessary for the accurate and timely processing of multi-state, multi-company, weekly and bi-weekly payrolls for non-union employees.

Give hope. Give health. Make your mark in the fight against cancer. At Accuray, we make a direct and powerful impact on the lives of cancer patients every day - helping them live longer, better lives.

Give hope. Give health. Make your mark in the fight against cancer. At Accuray, we make a direct and powerful impact on the lives of cancer patients every day - helping them live longer, better lives.

The Senior Union Payroll Associate performs a variety of functions necessary for the accurate and timely processing of multi-state, multi-company, weekly and bi-weekly payrolls for union and non ...

Senior Payroll Analyst

Mclean, VA · On-site

$71K - $88K/yr

When you join Sunrise Senior Living, you will be able to use your unique skills to empower ... Provide training and guidance to other payroll associates, as needed * Work on various Workday ...

$21.17 - $32.85/hr

Processes payroll transactions for academic and nonacademic personnel. * Assists new employees with ... Associate degree or combination of education and experience may substitute for minimum education.

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Sr Payroll Associate information

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How much do sr payroll associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for sr payroll associate in the United States is $23.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $27.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 command salaries significantly higher than entry-level payroll roles.

What does a payroll associate do?

A payroll associate is responsible for processing employee compensation, ensuring accurate and timely payment through payroll systems. They verify hours worked, calculate wages, deduct taxes and benefits, and maintain payroll records, often using software like ADP or SAP. Attention to detail and knowledge of payroll regulations are essential for this role.

What are the typical challenges a Sr Payroll Associate faces when managing payroll for a large organization?

Sr Payroll Associates in large organizations often manage complex payroll cycles involving multiple pay groups, varying tax jurisdictions, and diverse employee classifications. They frequently encounter challenges such as staying compliant with evolving tax and labor regulations, resolving discrepancies promptly, and coordinating with HR and finance departments to ensure accuracy. Managing tight deadlines and handling confidential information with discretion are also key aspects of the role. Adapting to new payroll software or process changes is common, making continuous learning important for success.

What is a senior payroll associate?

A senior payroll associate is a professional responsible for processing and managing employee payroll, ensuring accurate and timely salary payments. They often handle complex payroll tasks, maintain compliance with tax laws, and may use payroll software like ADP or Workday. This role typically requires attention to detail, knowledge of payroll regulations, and experience in payroll administration.

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

To thrive as a Sr Payroll Associate, you need a thorough understanding of payroll processes, tax regulations, and accounting principles, usually supported by experience in payroll administration and a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with payroll software such as ADP, SAP, or Workday, and proficiency in Microsoft Excel, are typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and clear communication set top performers apart in this role. These skills ensure accurate, timely payroll processing and compliance, which are critical for employee satisfaction and organizational integrity.

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

AspectSr Payroll AssociatePayroll Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires 2+ years payroll experience, relevant certifications (e.g., ADP, Paychex), and strong knowledge of payroll lawsUsually requires 1-3 years payroll experience and similar certifications
Work EnvironmentCorporate or HR department, handling complex payroll tasks and auditsPayroll department or HR team, focusing on processing payroll and resolving employee inquiries
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in large organizations, finance, and HR sectorsWidely used across industries, especially in companies with dedicated payroll teams

The main difference is that a Sr Payroll Associate typically has more experience and handles more complex payroll processes compared to a Payroll Specialist. Both roles require similar certifications and work in similar environments, but the senior role involves greater responsibility and oversight.

What does a Sr Payroll Associate do?

A Sr Payroll Associate is responsible for overseeing and processing payroll operations within an organization. Their duties typically include ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing, maintaining compliance with legal regulations, handling payroll discrepancies, and assisting with payroll reporting and audits. They may also provide guidance to junior payroll staff and collaborate with HR and finance teams to resolve payroll issues. Strong attention to detail and knowledge of payroll systems and tax regulations are essential in this role.

How much does a senior payroll specialist make in the US?

A senior payroll specialist in the US typically earns between $60,000 and $85,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. They often use payroll software and have strong knowledge of payroll laws and regulations.
What cities are hiring for Sr Payroll Associate jobs? Cities with the most Sr Payroll Associate job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Sr Payroll jobs? The most popular types of Sr Payroll jobs are:
What states have the most Sr Payroll Associate jobs? States with the most job openings for Sr Payroll Associate jobs include:
Infographic showing various Sr Payroll Associate job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,729 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

$56K - $87K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

When you join Sunrise Senior Living, you will be able to use your unique skills to empower residents to live longer, healthier, and happier lives. Not only will you build meaningful relationships with residents, their families, and team members alike, you will also gain joy in serving others and deep fulfillment in your work. Explore how you can follow your passions and shed light on meaningful ways to serve, grow, and shine together.

Sunrise Senior Living was again certified as a Great Place to Work® by Activated Insights. This is the 9th time Sunrise has received this top culture and workplace designation, highlighting the special place Sunrise is to be a part of.


Community Support Office
2026-242245

The Senior Payroll Analyst will work on a team that is responsible for running weekly and bi-weekly payrolls in the US and Canada, as well as handling Payroll related inquiries. The candidate will perform duties that require an understanding of company policies, systems, and procedures with a strong level of customer service.


Essential Duties

As a part of the Sunrise team, supporting our Mission, Principles of Service and Core Values, is a fundamental part of this job. Our foundational belief is the sacred value of human life. The unique responsibilities for this role include but are not limited to the essential functions listed as follows:

  • Utilize Workday experience to process multi-state US and Canadian payroll for 20K+ employees accurately and on-time on a weekly and bi-weekly basis.
  • Review payroll output post payroll processing to ensure proper processing of payroll on a bi-weekly basis for all US and Canadian hourly and salaried employees and make appropriate adjustments as necessary.
  • Assist with payroll funding for net pay, taxes, and garnishments for both the US and Canada.
  • Coordinate off-cycle payments for timecards and other pay corrections along with special one-time payments.
  • Review, analyze, and verify payroll reports and documents for accuracy; make necessary adjustments or corrections through journal entries or other established procedures.
  • Review annual tax statements (W-2’s, T4’s) to ensure accuracy.
  • Assist in the biweekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll, tax, and compliance activities.
  • Process, audit, analyze and review timekeeping, payroll, and benefit deductions made on a weekly and biweekly basis.
  • Provide training and guidance to other payroll associates, as needed
  • Work on various Workday projects including, but not limited to, system updates, special projects, and system migrations, including testing for changes to ensure output is working as intended.
  • Determine root cause of payroll errors by collecting and analyzing information under strict deadlines.
  • Work closely with the accounting team to assist with variance queries and balance sheet reconciliations.
  • Handle payroll post-payment administrative activities, including returned checks and direct deposits, as well as unclaimed property reporting and filings per state requirements.
  • Complete Workers Compensation claims as dictated by state Laws.
  • Correspond electronically and via telephone with employees and third-party providers to resolve payroll inquiries, including moderate to complex questions related to paycheck, tax, or other payroll information.
  • Cross train and back-up responsibilities of other payroll resources, including time entry processing.
  • Analyze and respond to complex matters requiring comprehensive knowledge of payroll policies and procedures.
  • Assist in maintaining payroll forms and job aids on internal site.
  • Maintain compliance in assigned required training and all training required by state/province or other regulating authorities as applicable to this role to ensure that Sunrise standards are always met.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Core Competencies
  • Customer service skills
  • Detail oriented
  • Ability to meet deadlines
  • Mathematical skills
  • Clerical skills
  • Accounting skills
  • Ability to follow directions
Experience and Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed throughout this job description are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required.

  • High school diploma required with some college preferred.
  • Five (5) years of US payroll processing experience and funding, preferably with a large multi-state high volume payroll.
  • 2+ years’ experience with Workday hands-on Payroll processing is required
  • Experience with Canadian payroll a plus.
  • Experience with Canadian payroll a plus.
  • Ability and desire to work on a team with the common goal to pay our employees accurately and on time.
  • Deep knowledge of payroll principles, practices, regulations, and procedures.
  • Knowledge of basic accounting practices and procedures.
  • Knowledge of practice, methods, and techniques of process improvement.
  • Experience with year-end payroll reporting/processing including delivery of W-2’s to employees.
  • Knowledge of US federal and state labor and tax withholding laws and regulations.
  • Ability to read and decipher payroll reporting from payroll systems.
  • Experience working with third-party outsourced vendors preferred.
  • Solid understanding of workers compensation claims processing.
  • Proven ability to provide excellent customer service to employees via verbal and written communications.
  • Detail-oriented and can pivot from a task when needed.
  • Ability to solve problems.
  • Ability to multitask and work well under pressure.
  • Experience working with HRIS and time keeping systems, ADP, Kronos, and Workday a plus.
  • Experience using Microsoft Office, Work, Excel, Access.
  • Willingness to learn new processes and job skills.

Ready to take the next step and make a bigger impact than you ever imagined? As part of our team, you will help brighten the future for everyone at Sunrise and beyond. That is why we make it a priority to celebrate the unique ways you bring moments of togetherness and joy to everyone you serve. And when combined with the support, benefits, and growth opportunities we offer, the result is a career that PositivelyShines with everything you need to reach your goals – at work and in your life.

We also offer benefits and other compensation that include:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability Plans
  • Retirement Savings Plans
  • Employee Assistant Program / Discount Program
  • Paid time off (PTO), sick time, and holiday pay
  • myFlexPay offered to get paid within hours of a shift 
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • In addition to base compensation, Sunrise may offer discretionary and/or non-discretionary bonuses. The eligibility to receive such a bonus will depend on the employee’s position, plan/program offered by Sunrise at the time, and required performance pursuant to the plan/program.
  • Some benefits have eligibility requirements

Apply today to learn why Sunrise Senior Living is a certified Great Place to Work®


Sunrise considers the health and safety of its residents, family members, and team members among its highest priorities. Employment with Sunrise is contingent upon successful completion of required pre-employment screenings and health evaluations in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Covid 19 and Influenza vaccination may be required if mandated by applicable federal, state, and local laws and authorities.


Selected candidates will be offered competitive compensation based on geographic location of community/office, skills, experience, qualifications, and certifications/licenses (where applicable).