Payroll Associate

Remote from: USA
Annual salary: Undisclosed
Salary information is not provided for this position. Check our Salary Directory to estimate the average compensation for similar roles.
Department: Finance & Accounting
Employment type: Full Time,
Job posted: 14 May 2026
Apply before: 14 Jun 2026
Experience level: Midweight
Views / Applies: 31 / 5

We provide a comprehensive and flexible range of services to our clients, specialising in audit, accountancy, advisory, tax and legal services.

Accounting
1923

AI Summary

The Payroll Associate role supports payroll tax functions, ensuring accurate and timely processing of payroll transactions and compliance with government regulations. Responsibilities include maintaining payroll systems, reconciling taxes, preparing reports, and addressing employee inquiries. The ideal candidate has 1-3 years of experience, proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Workday Payroll, and strong organizational skills. This remote position offers a full-time schedule with a focus on accuracy and confidentiality. The employer, Forvis Mazars, LLP, is a large accounting firm with a robust total rewards program.

Job Complexity

Easy Hard

AI Insight This is an entry-level to mid-level role requiring 1-3 years of experience and basic payroll knowledge, making it relatively accessible.

Salary Analysis

AI Insight The salary for this Payroll Associate role is not specified, but the estimated median of $55,000 is competitive for entry-level payroll positions. The market range of $40,000 to $70,000 reflects variations by location and experience.

Key Skills

Payroll Processing Tax Compliance Workday Payroll Microsoft Excel Data Reconciliation Payroll Accounting Regulatory Compliance Employee Support Attention to Detail Time Management

Cover Letter Sample

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am excited to apply for the Payroll Associate position at Forvis Mazars, LLP. With over two years of experience in payroll processing and a strong attention to detail, I am confident in my ability to support accurate and timely payroll operations. My proficiency in Workday Payroll and Microsoft Excel, combined with my knowledge of federal and state tax regulations, aligns well with the requirements of this role.

In my previous role, I successfully managed payroll for over 200 employees, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and resolving discrepancies efficiently. I am adept at maintaining confidentiality and collaborating with cross-functional teams to improve processes. I am eager to bring my skills to Forvis Mazars and contribute to your commitment to excellence.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can support your payroll team.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Possible Interview Questions

Can you describe your experience with payroll tax reconciliation and how you ensure accuracy?

In my previous role, I reconciled payroll taxes on a monthly basis by comparing payroll reports to tax filings and resolving discrepancies. I used a checklist to verify all tax liabilities and payments were accurate, and I double-checked calculations for federal, state, and local taxes. I also coordinated with the tax team to ensure timely corrections.

How do you handle tight deadlines and multiple priorities in payroll processing?

I prioritize tasks by deadline and complexity, using a calendar to schedule critical activities like payroll runs and tax filings. I communicate proactively with stakeholders to manage expectations and delegate when possible. For example, during year-end processing, I created a timeline and checked progress daily to ensure all W-2s were accurate and distributed on time.

What steps do you take to maintain confidentiality in payroll?

I follow strict protocols, such as locking my workstation when away, using secure passwords, and only sharing payroll information on a need-to-know basis. I also adhere to company policies regarding data privacy and report any suspicious activity immediately. In my last job, I helped implement a two-factor authentication system for payroll access.

Describe a time you identified and resolved a payroll error. What was the outcome?

Once, I noticed an employee's deduction for benefits was incorrect due to a data entry error. I investigated by cross-referencing the benefit enrollment form and payroll system, then corrected the deduction and adjusted the next paycheck. I also communicated with the employee to explain the correction and updated the process to prevent future errors.

How proficient are you with Workday Payroll, and what specific features have you used?

I have used Workday Payroll for over two years, including processing payroll runs, managing tax updates, and generating reports. I am familiar with setting up deduction codes, handling garnishments, and running retroactive pay calculations. I also used Workday's reporting tools to audit payroll data and ensure accuracy.

General information

Name Payroll Associate Posting Title Payroll Associate Ref # 2236775 Date Published Monday, May 11, 2026 Close Date 07/14/2026 Job Category Internal Firm Services Advertised Location US-Remote Working time Full Time

Description & Requirements

The Payroll Associate supports the payroll tax function, ensuring pay and payroll taxes are processed on time, accurately, and in compliance with government regulations.
In collaboration with others, the Payroll Associate ensures accurate payroll processing and payroll taxes and thorough validation of payroll data for the firm. The ideal candidate will be experienced, well-organized, detail-oriented, flexible, and possess excellent time management skills.
Requirements of this position include the ability to interact with all levels of staff in a fast-paced environment, under pressure, while remaining flexible, proactive, resourceful, and efficient, with a high level of professionalism. Confidentiality is crucial to this role. Advanced written and verbal communication skills, critical thinking, and the ability to make sound decisions are equally important.
The Payroll Associate is responsible for reporting all matters of significance promptly to the Payroll Tax Lead or the Payroll Manager and keeps them informed of the day to day activities of the department.
What You Will Do:

Support maintenance and review of payroll tax processing and accounting systems to ensure timely and accurate processing of payroll transactions including salaries, benefits, garnishments, taxes, and other deductions.
Ensure accurate and timely processing of payroll updates including new hires, terminations, and changes to pay rates, and tax locations.
Support reconciliation of taxes.
Prepare periodic reports.
Prepare and maintain accurate records and reports of payroll tax transactions.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, wage, tax, and hour laws and best practices.
Support the internal and external audit processes as required.
Identify and recommend updates to payroll accounting software, systems, and procedures.
Collaborate with finance on general ledger for accuracy and any necessary adjustments.
Address payroll questions and issues from employees and partners, timely and accurately.
As needed, make adjustments, generate W2C’s, process supplemental payroll runs, and process reversals

Minimum Qualifications:

1-3 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field
3-5 years of related experience
Knowledge of payroll functions including preparation, balancing, internal control, and payroll taxes.
Experience with and specialized knowledge of US payroll.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Microsoft Excel, or related software.
Proficient with Payroll software, with Workday Payroll software proficiency

#LI-CW1

About Forvis Mazars, LLP

Forvis Mazars, LLP is an independent member of Forvis Mazars Global, a leading global professional services network. Ranked among the largest public accounting firms in the United States, our 7,000+ team members deliver assurance, tax, and consulting services to clients in all 50 states and internationally.With a legacy spanning more than 100 years, we’re building something different. We are guided by a shared promise: Together, we create extraordinary experiences. That means delivering an Unmatched Client Experience® while creating a workplace where relationships matter, learning fuels growth, and every person feels valued and supported to thrive.
What We OfferOur robust total rewards program and flexible work environment reflect our commitment to people, careers, and well-being—empowering our team to grow and thrive while delivering exceptional service. To explore what makes working at Forvis Mazars special, visit www.forvismazars.us/careers.
Legal NoticeForvis Mazars, LLP is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer in accordance with applicable law. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity, or other protected classifications.It is Forvis Mazars, LLP standard policy not to accept unsolicited referrals or resumes from any source other than directly from candidates.Forvis Mazars, LLP expressly reserves the right not to consider any unsolicited referrals, resumes or CVs from vendors including and without limitation, search firms, staffing agencies, fee-based referral services, and recruiting agencies.Forvis Mazars, LLP further reserves the right not to pay a fee to a recruiter or recruiting agency unless such recruiter or recruiting agency has a signed vendor agreement with Forvis Mazars, LLP. Any resume(s) or CV(s) submitted to anyone working for Forvis Mazars, LLP, or submitted to a Forvis Mazars, LLP general email, without having a Forvis Mazars, LLP vendor agreement in place, will be considered the property of Forvis Mazars, LLP.

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