HR - Payroll

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Final date to receive applications:
This position is anticipated to close on Jan 16, 2026.

HR - Payroll Specialist

We are seeking a dedicated HR - Payroll Specialist to join our dynamic team. This role involves comprehensive payroll management and HR support, focusing on accuracy, compliance, and employee satisfaction. The ideal candidate will play a vital role in our growing organization, contributing to the development and improvement of HR and payroll processes.

• Serve as the point of contact for all timesheet-related inquiries, assisting managers and employees to ensure timely and accurate submissions.
• Monitor timesheets for discrepancies, obtain necessary approvals, and meet payroll deadlines.
• Process biweekly payroll for over 120 employees across multiple states, handling regular, off‑cycle, and bonus payrolls with precision.
• Ensure proper processing of wage garnishments, tax with holdings, and benefit deductions.
• Prepare and maintain payroll reports, including quarterly and year‑end filings.
• Participate in weekly team meetings to discuss issues, share feedback, and support continuous improvement.
• Oversee wage garnishments, tax configurations, and benefit deductions, coordinating with HRIS and tax agencies for compliance.
• Prepare, analyze, and interpret payroll and workforce reports to support audits and informed decision‑making.
• Provide expert guidance on payroll, HRIS, 401(k), and timekeeping policies, interpreting regulations and resolving issues.
• Assist with benefits administration, onboarding, terminations, and salary/job description reviews.
• Address employee questions about benefits and payroll discrepancies.
• Coach managers and employees on payroll‑related issues.
• Plan team events and holiday parties.
• Participate in HR and payroll meetings, sharing insights and supporting HR initiatives.
• Ensure HRIS data accuracy and support system enhancements.

• 3‑5+ years of experience in full‑cycle payroll and overall HR experience.
• Proficiency in HRIS/Payroll software, ideally Paylocity or Ceridian.
• Strong understanding of payroll policies, including final hours, garnishments, taxes, and deductions.
• Experience with multi‑state payroll processing.
• Knowledge of onboarding, offboarding, benefits, and salary adjustments.
• Experience in benefits administration and HRIS management.
• Familiarity with 401(k) plans and employee relations issues.
• Experience with Microsoft Excel, including VLOOKUP and pivot tables.
• Experience working in companies with over 50 employees.

• Experience with HRIS implementation is a significant advantage.
• Knowledge of employment law.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proactive problem‑solving skills and a start‑up mindset.

This is a hybrid role requiring at least one day onsite, ideally 2–3 days a week. Initial training will be 100% onsite for 2–6 weeks. Standard work hours are 9‑5 PM, with potential for additional hours during month‑end and system implementations. The role requires direct interaction with directors, VPs, and C‑suite executives, demanding professionalism, yet a friendly and approachable demeanor. The team values collaboration, innovation, and a willingness to suggest new ideas.

Contract to Hire position based out of Brea, CA.

The pay range for this position is $33.00‑$38.00/hr.

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&DD for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long‑term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program

• Mid‑Senior level

• Contract

• Human Resources

• Human Resources

Aston Carter provides world‑class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of…