1

Sr Payroll Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Be Seen First

Senior Payroll Specialist

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$28.25 - $38.75/hr

Senior Payroll Specialist Location: Baton Rouge, LA Reports To: Payroll Manager Position Summary ... 000+ associates and offers full-service engineering, construction, and maintenance solutions ...

Senior Payroll Manager

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Senior Payroll Manager Bishop & Company, Inc. Honolulu, Hawaii, United States (On-site)----- Lead ... Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business, HR, or related field (or Associate's degree with 10+ ...

Senior Payroll Specialist

Chicago, IL

$30.50 - $41.50/hr

SENIOR PAYROLL SPECIALIST LOCATION: CHICAGO Position Summary: Client X is seeking a detailed ... Associate or bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Accounting or equivalent and five years ...

Senior Payroll Specialist

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$42 - $48/hr

Senior Payroll Specialist - Pasadena, CA Pay Range: $42.00 - $48.00 per hour A well-established ... Ryan Sydow Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life ...

Apply Early

Senior Payroll Specialist

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$35 - $46/hr

Senior Payroll Specialist Location: Pasadena, CA Job Type: Temp-to-Hire (Direct Hire considered for ... Allison Lau Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life ...

Apply Early

Senior Payroll Specialist Location: Pasadena, CA Job Type: Temp-to-Hire (Direct Hire considered for ... Allison Lau Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life ...

Apply Early

Senior Payroll Specialist - Pasadena, CA Pay Range: $42.00 - $48.00 per hour A well-established ... Ryan Sydow Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life ...

Apply Early

Senior Payroll Specialist

Nashville, TN · Hybrid

$67K - $70K/yr

Nashville, TN (HYBRID)- Midtown Senior Payroll Specialist The senior payroll specialist is ... Holland Hunt Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life ...

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 ...

Senior Payroll Specialist

Nashville, TN · Hybrid

$67K - $70K/yr

Nashville, TN (HYBRID)- Midtown Senior Payroll Specialist The senior payroll specialist is ... Holland Hunt Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life ...

Apply Early

Sr Payroll Analyst

Brea, CA · On-site

$40.98/hr

Sr Payroll Analyst Brea CA 92821 - Onsite Duration: 3+ Months Payrate: $40.98/Hr on W2 The Sr ... payment to associates. This role involves leading a team, managing payroll processes, ensuring ...

AP/Payroll Associate

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

AP/Payroll Associate Honolulu, HI | Full-Time | Temp-to-Hire (if applicable) OR Direct Hire Bishop ... This role will work closely with senior finance leadership and is responsible for day-to-day ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Sr Payroll Associate information

See salary details

$14

$23

$39

How much do sr payroll associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 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 Compensation and Benefits Manager, which require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often certifications like CPP or FPC. These positions oversee payroll operations, ensure compliance, and develop payroll strategies, often earning six-figure salaries depending on the organization and location.

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 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 highest position in payroll?

The highest position in payroll is typically the Payroll Director or Payroll Manager, responsible for overseeing payroll operations, ensuring compliance, and managing staff. In larger organizations, senior leadership roles such as Chief Human Resources Officer or CFO may also have ultimate oversight of payroll functions.

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.

What is an SR in payroll?

An SR in payroll typically refers to a Senior Payroll Associate, a role responsible for processing payroll, ensuring compliance with regulations, and maintaining accurate employee compensation records. This position often requires proficiency with payroll software and knowledge of payroll laws and tax 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:
Senior Payroll Specialist

$100K - $130K/yr

Contractor

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Senior Payroll Specialist
Location: Berkeley, CA
Employment Type: Temp - Hire
Salary: $100,000 - $130,000 annually

Job Summary
The Senior Payroll Specialist is responsible for processing accurate and timely payroll for a multi-state workforce while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations. This role manages payroll processing, tax reporting, benefits and deduction administration, payroll reconciliations, and year-end activities. The ideal candidate has extensive payroll experience, strong analytical skills, and the ability to resolve payroll issues while maintaining confidentiality and delivering excellent internal customer service.

Key Responsibilities
Process bi-weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly payroll accurately and on schedule.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and tax regulations.
Maintain employee payroll records, deductions, garnishments, and benefits.
Reconcile payroll reports and general ledger accounts.
Process payroll adjustments, bonuses, commissions, and final paychecks.
Prepare payroll tax filings and support year-end reporting (W-2s, audits, etc.).
Respond to employee payroll inquiries and resolve discrepancies.
Collaborate with Human Resources, Finance, and Benefits teams to ensure payroll accuracy.
Assist with payroll system maintenance, testing, and process improvements.

Qualifications
Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field preferred.
5+ years of payroll processing experience, including multi-state payroll.
Strong knowledge of federal and California payroll laws and tax regulations.
Experience with payroll systems such as ADP, Workday, UKG, Paycom, or Ceridian Dayforce.
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and excellent attention to detail.CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) certification preferred.

Certified Employment Group logo

About Certified Employment Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Certified Employment Group started in San Francisco in 1963. Our cornerstone mission was, and remains, to provide ethical, caring service to each of our clients and employees. These values mean using technology to create efficiencies for our clients, expand our service offerings and enhance the level of service we can provide. As Northern California businesses have prospered, Certified has responded by opening branches to serve high-growth areas. We have expanded our services to include on-site management for major accounts, developing a web based interface and opening specialized divisions in Legal, Renewable Energy and Accounting. Certified remains independently owned, responsive, flexible and wholly committed to our original values. We believe this is the reason for our success. Industry rankings continually place Certified in the top ten percent based on sales!

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Emeryville, CA, US

Year founded

1963