Payroll Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Payroll Specialist

Job Description

We are seeking a detail-oriented and organized Payroll Specialist to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring the accurate and timely processing of payroll for all employees, while maintaining a high level of confidentiality and compliance. The ideal candidate will have a strong in payroll administration, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to handle a variety of payroll-related tasks effectively.

Responsibilities

• Verify the accuracy of employee timesheets and ensure all hours worked are properly documented and accounted for.
• Enter payroll data into databases and spreadsheets with high accuracy, ensuring all employee information, hours worked, and compensation details are correctly captured.
• Handle employee direct deposit requests, update banking information, and ensure timely processing of deposits.
• Process paper checks for distribution and ensure proper documentation and signatures are acquired before disbursement.
• Make pay adjustments for raises, bonuses, commissions, and any other changes to employee compensation, ensuring all calculations are accurate.
• Process and track wage garnishments according to legal requirements and ensure timely deductions.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all payroll-related transactions, including tax withholdings, garnishments, and employee benefits.
• Prepare and generate payroll reports, as needed, for internal departments and management, ensuring accurate reporting for accounting and financial audits.
• Address and resolve employee inquiries related to payroll, deductions, and payment discrepancies, providing exceptional customer service.
• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality with employee payroll information and ensure compliance with relevant payroll regulations.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience in payroll processing, with strong knowledge of payroll systems and software.
• Familiarity with wage garnishments, tax deductions, and other payroll-related regulations.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to work accurately under tight deadlines.
• Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with employees.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and experience with payroll software systems.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax laws and compliance regulations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Experience with Oracle and Ceridian is a plus.
• Customer service can help, especially for dealing with compensation errors and issues.
• Experience with AskHR is not required but can be beneficial.

Work Environment

Join a small but powerful team of four, reporting to the Payroll Manager. Most team members start at 7 AM, with flexibility allowed. The latest start time is 8:30 AM unless other arrangements are approved. Initial training is fully in-office for 1-2 weeks, followed by a hybrid work model with 3 days in the office. The schedule is flexible, but at least one team member must be present in the office each day.

This is a Contract position based out of Northbrook, IL.

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $25.00/hr.

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 Northbrook,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 10, 2026.

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® double diamond 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 View email address on ziprecruiter.com 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.