Payroll Specialist

The Payroll Specialist processes and administers weekly payroll for a large, multi-state employee population, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and regulatory compliance. This role manages payroll data, maintains employee records, supports benefit-related deductions, and collaborates closely with Accounting and Human Resources to deliver reliable payroll services for both hourly and salaried employees. Responsibilities + Process and administer weekly payroll for approximately 800 employees across multiple states, including both hourly and salaried staff. + Ensure payroll is completed accurately and on schedule, consistently meeting strict payroll deadlines. + Import, review, and manage payroll data from timekeeping systems into payroll software, verifying completeness and accuracy. + Maintain employee payroll records, including wage assignments, garnishments, deductions, and direct deposit information. + Administer pay cards and direct deposit programs, ensuring employees receive pay through their preferred methods. + Troubleshoot payroll discrepancies and investigate variances, resolving payroll-related inquiries from employees and internal stakeholders. + Coordinate payroll activities with Human Resources to maintain accurate earnings codes, deduction codes, and employee records. + Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, with particular attention to California payroll requirements. + Support payroll integrations and related benefit deductions, including 401(k), HSA, and other employee programs. + Prepare payroll reports and respond to data requests for Accounting, Human Resources, and other internal stakeholders. + Assist with general accounting and administrative functions related to payroll as needed. + Maintain strict confidentiality when handling sensitive employee and payroll information. Essential Skills + 13 years of payroll, accounting, or related administrative experience. + Experience processing multi-state payroll. + Experience supporting payroll for a mid-sized to large employee population, such as several hundred employees. + Experience handling payroll for both hourly and salaried workers. + Strong understanding of payroll regulations and compliance requirements. + High attention to detail and accuracy when working with numerical data and employee records. + Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities. + Strong written and verbal communication skills for interacting with employees and internal teams. + Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including strong skills in Microsoft Excel. + Ability to reconcile payroll data and perform basic payroll accounting tasks. + Ability to perform accurate data entry and review of payroll information. + Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with weekly payroll cycles. Additional Skills & Qualifications + Experience processing California payroll. + Experience with UKG payroll software. + Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field. + Experience administering pay cards and direct deposit programs. + Experience supporting benefit-related payroll deductions such as 401(k) and HSA. + Experience preparing payroll reports and supporting internal data requests. + Familiarity with multi-state payroll compliance and related reporting requirements. Work Environment This is a fully onsite position based in Appleton, WI, working within a collaborative team environment that includes direct interaction with Accounting, Human Resources, and Operations. The role operates in a professional office setting using payroll software, timekeeping systems, and Microsoft Office tools, particularly Excel. Payroll is processed on a weekly schedule, requiring consistent attention to deadlines and accuracy. The position offers the opportunity to transition into a long-term, permanent role based on performance and business needs, and encourages open communication and teamwork in a supportive, detail-oriented environment. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Appleton, WI. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $25.00/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) Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Appleton, WI. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Oct 27, 2026. Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Appleton,WI. 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.