Payroll Analyst (EST)

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Payroll Analyst **(MUST live in EST time zone and work EST hours)**

Job Description

We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Payroll Analyst to join our team. This role involves managing and executing end-to-end payroll operations, ensuring compliance with local and international regulations, and supporting cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end payroll activities across multiple locations and pay cycles, including both domestic and international employee groups.
• Ensure payroll is processed accurately and on schedule, covering new hires, separations, leave situations, pay adjustments, incentives, retro pay, and off-cycle transactions.
• Review and reconcile payroll data integrations between internal systems and external partners such as banks, benefits providers, and timekeeping platforms.
• Validate employee records to confirm accuracy of compensation, tax setup, benefit elections, and direct deposit information.
• Address urgent payroll-related issues with speed and precision.
• Support payroll operations across multiple countries by working with international vendors and regional payroll partners.
• Act as a key contact for global payroll systems and third-party providers.
• Stay informed on country-specific payroll laws and compliance requirements.
• Collaborate with HR, Legal, and Finance teams on cross-border compensation matters and employee lifecycle changes impacting pay.
• Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations.
• Track updates to tax laws, unemployment rates, wage requirements, and garnishment obligations.
• Oversee year-end deliverables such as W-2 distribution, payroll tax filings, ACA reporting, and reconciliations.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, internal controls, and training resources.
• Assist with internal and external audits by providing reports, analysis, and supporting documentation.
• Prepare and review payroll-related journal entries and general ledger files.
• Investigate discrepancies and partner with Accounting to resolve variances.
• Contribute to close activities by supporting accruals, reconciliations, and accurate payroll postings.
• Maintain payroll system configurations, including earnings codes, deduction setups, tax profiles, and workflow rules.
• Generate standard and ad hoc payroll reports for leadership, Finance, HR, and audit teams.
• Monitor key payroll metrics and leverage advanced Excel capabilities for data analysis.
• Act as the escalation point for complex payroll questions related to pay, taxes, benefits, and time tracking.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams and external partners to resolve payroll issues and improve processes.
• Provide timely, professional support to employees and leadership regarding payroll inquiries.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance accuracy, compliance, and scalability.

Essential Skills

• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience, including multi-state payroll processing and tax compliance.
• Hands-on exposure to international payroll operations and coordination with global vendors.
• Experience with enterprise payroll systems such as UKG, ADP, Workday, Ceridian, or similar platforms.
• Understanding of payroll accounting, reconciliations, audits, and internal controls.
• Knowledge of wage and hour regulations, payroll tax requirements, and garnishment processes.
• Advanced Excel proficiency, including data analysis and reconciliation tools.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in high-growth, multi-entity, or private equity-backed organizations.
• Familiarity with global payroll platforms such as Deel, Rippling, Papaya Global, or ADP Global.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC), preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, HR, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience processing equity-based compensation (e.g., RSUs, stock options).
• Bilingual in Spanish and English is a plus.

Work Environment

This is a fully remote position, but candidates must reside in the Eastern Time Zone. The schedule is 8-5 PM EST. The role requires working collaboratively across various departments and utilizing enterprise payroll systems. The position covers for maternity leave with an initial duration of four months, with the potential for extension.

This is a Contract position based out of Chino, CA.

The pay range for this position is $32.00 - $40.00/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 remote position.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 8, 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® 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 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.