Payroll Specialist

Join a well-established and growing HVAC services company in San Marcos that takes pride in delivering exceptional solutions to customers throughout the region. We are seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Specialist to support our accounting and operations team by ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working independently, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and values being part of a collaborative team that keeps a successful business running smoothly. Flexible part-time hours make this role ideal for an experienced payroll professional looking to make a meaningful impact while maintaining work-life balance.

Qualifications:

1+ year of experience within full-cycle payroll processing for CA

Experience with Dayforce or any other payroll processing/ HRIS system

Ability to process 50+ employees on a weekly/ bi-weekly cycle

Job Description

The Payroll Specialist will provide essential payroll coverage for a high-volume branch operation, stepping in following the departure of the current payroll administrator. This role involves processing payroll for approximately 60 employees and ensuring accurate and timely payroll submissions.

Responsibilities

• Review employee time-clock activity.

• Audit employee punches and timecards.

• Identify and correct payroll discrepancies.

• Review meal penalties and California payroll compliance requirements.

• Process payroll efficiently and accurately.

• Meet payroll submission deadlines.

• Communicate with employees regarding payroll questions or missing information.

• Maintain payroll records and documentation.

• Assist with light administrative tasks as needed.

• Support branch operations during the transition period.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of San Marcos, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $39.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in San Marcos,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 10, 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 (%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.