Payroll Specialist

Job Title: Payroll Specialist

Job Description

The payroll specialist is responsible for analyzing data exports from Workday and verifying the accuracy and completion of the information. This individual also assists with the company's time system and processes bi-weekly payroll for U.S. and international employees. The role involves preparing and posting journal entries, conducting account reconciliations regarding payroll, troubleshooting with the payroll system or HRIS manager to correct information when needed, and detecting data errors.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate efforts between various departments to ensure data collection and accuracy while adhering to a stringent schedule, resulting in completed and posted payroll.
• Review and verify all changes imported from Workday are accurate and complete.
• Ensure timesheets are processed and approved by employees and managers timely, following up as necessary.
• Monitor the payroll mailbox daily and respond to inquiries/requests within 48 hours.
• Research and resolve all payroll-related issues timely and accurately.
• Register new state tax jurisdictions and ensure they are set up and compliant.
• Prepare and post payroll journal entries.
• Assist with auditor requests related to payroll.
• Ensure payroll records are maintained and organized.
• Calculate and reconcile all retroactive and proactive amounts.
• Review Payroll Interface for errors.
• Run data reports for key stakeholders as requested.
• Perform reconciliations for payroll accounts and benefits related to year-end W2 processing.

Essential Skills

• 3+ years of experience in full-cycle processing of payroll for at least 500+ employees.
• Experience creating journal entries.
• Strong multitasking and analytical skills.
• Experience with web-based payroll systems such as ADP, Workday, Ceridian, SAP, or similar (training provided).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, specifically Word and Excel.
• Knowledge of payroll accounting, payroll concepts, and regulations.
• Experience completing year-end reporting and W2 processing.
• Ability to manage sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Effective communication skills across all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and effective time-management.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate Degree preferred.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) - APA is a plus.
• Knowledge of international and equity payroll is advantageous.
• Experience in reporting on and presenting information.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable to changing business needs.
• Demonstrated problem-solving mindset to ensure accuracy and thoroughness.

Work Environment

The role is based in Silver Spring with training 100% onsite from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. After training, there is a potential opportunity to work three days in the office and two days from home, though this is not guaranteed. The payroll team consists of five members, including an Associate Director, an Analyst, and a Specialist. The facility offers a variety of amenities such as free breakfast and lunch, a coffee bar, a gym with fitness classes and trainers, a sound lab, a lap pool, and activity courts.

This is a Contract position based out of Silver Spring, MD.

The pay range for this position is $33.66 - $43.27/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: 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&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Silver Spring,MD.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 20, 2026.

About Aston Carter

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 industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.