Sr. Payroll Specialist

Senior Payroll Specialist

Carlsbad, CA (Onsite)

$75,000-$85,000 + Bonus Potential + Comprehensive Benefits

Looking for a Payroll Role Where You Can Truly Own the Process?

We're seeking a Senior Payroll Specialist to serve as the primary payroll expert for a growing organization in Carlsbad. This is an opportunity to take ownership of payroll operations, work closely with accounting and leadership teams, and play a key role in ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time.

If you enjoy problem-solving, payroll compliance, auditing, and being the go-to payroll resource, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Be Doing

• Process weekly payroll for approximately 100 employees across multiple states
• Audit timecards, overtime, PTO, employee changes, and payroll data before processing
• Ensure payroll accuracy and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
• Administer payroll-related deductions including benefits and 401(k) contributions
• Process payroll adjustments, off-cycle checks, and other payroll transactions
• Support payroll reporting, reconciliations, and year-end activities
• Research and resolve payroll discrepancies and employee inquiries
• Partner with HR and Accounting to improve payroll processes and controls

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years of payroll experience
• Full-cycle payroll processing experience
• Multi-state payroll experience
• Strong payroll auditing and compliance knowledge
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of payroll operations
• Experience supporting hourly and salaried employees

Nice to Have

• Dayforce experience
• Manufacturing, production, aerospace, medical device, or similar environment
• Experience with timekeeping systems
• Exposure to benefits administration, garnishments, and 401(k) plans

Why People Are Interested

Stable, long-term opportunity

Opportunity to own the payroll function

Visible role with direct impact on employees and leadership

Strong benefits package

Flexible start times

Collaborative team environment

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Carlsbad, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $75,000.00 - $85,000.00/yr. 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. Competitive compensation package Comprehensive benefits program Retirement contribution program Bonus opportunity Stable, team-oriented work environment Long-term growth opportunity within a successful organization

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Carlsbad, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 8, 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 View email address on click.appcast.io 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.