Certified Payroll Specialist

Certified Payroll Specialist We are partnering with a great client to hire a Certified Payroll Specialist for a short-term contract opportunity. This role will focus on training and mentoring a current employee on certified payroll processes, so previous certified payroll experience is required. If you're looking to get back to work quickly, earn competitive pay, and maintain flexibility while searching for the right long-term opportunity, this could be an excellent fit. This position offers $25-$35/hour, depending on experience, and the chance to work with a well-established company known for its positive culture and supportive team environment. We're looking for someone who can hit the ground running, share their expertise, and make an immediate impact. The assignment is expected to last a few months. Job Description The Payroll Specialist oversees certified and union payroll processes for federally funded projects, ensuring accurate, compliant reporting of prevailing wages. This role focuses on mastering the organizations certified/union payroll procedures and then training a Staff Accountant to run these processes independently. The position requires strong hands-on payroll experience, with a particular emphasis on certified payroll requirements and union payroll practices. Responsibilities Manage and process certified and union payroll for federally funded projects in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements. Learn the organizations specific certified and union payroll processes in detail and apply them accurately to weekly payroll cycles. Prepare and submit weekly certified payroll reports for the organization and any subcontractors working on federally funded projects. Ensure that all union workers are paid the legal prevailing wage and that supporting documentation accurately reflects compliance. Review payroll data for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with federal, state, and project-specific requirements. Identify and resolve discrepancies or issues in certified and union payroll records in a timely manner. Train the Staff Accountant on how to run the certified and union payroll processes, including step-by-step procedures and compliance requirements. Maintain organized payroll records and documentation to support audits and regulatory reviews. Collaborate with internal stakeholders and, when needed, external parties to clarify payroll requirements and resolve payroll-related questions. Essential Skills At least 2 years of experience in certified and/or union payroll. Proven hands-on experience processing certified payroll and union payroll. Strong understanding of the requirements and compliance aspects of certified payroll, including prevailing wage regulations. Ability to interpret and apply payroll rules for federally funded projects. Capability to learn new payroll processes quickly and apply them accurately. Strong attention to detail and accuracy in handling payroll data and reports. Ability to train and guide a Staff Accountant on certified and union payroll procedures. Effective communication skills to explain payroll processes and requirements clearly. Additional Skills & Qualifications Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation is beneficial but not required. Experience preparing weekly certified payroll reports for federally funded projects. Familiarity with union agreements and related wage and benefit structures. Strong organizational skills for maintaining detailed payroll documentation. Ability to work independently while also collaborating with accounting and project teams. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Kansas City, MO. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $27.00 - $35.00/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) This is a fully onsite position in Kansas City, MO. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Oct 29, 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.