Payroll Specialist

Talentify; Auburn (WA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Pre-tax and Roth post-tax

Life Insurance

Short and long-term disability

HSA

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

PTO / Vacation / Sick Leave

Job summary

Aston Carter is seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Specialist for an on-site role in Auburn, WA. This 6 month contract to hire position offers the opportunity to own the full payroll cycle from hours worked through benefits, while partnering with HR and leadership to ensure accuracy and compliance.

You will review data, enter earnings and deductions, resolve discrepancies, and support month-end close. The role requires 3+ years of payroll experience and strong Excel skills in a semi-manual

Qualifications

• 3+ years of payroll experience, including start-to-finish processing.
• Strong understanding of payroll regulations, taxes, deductions and compliance.
• Experience in a manual or semi-manual payroll environment.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full-cycle payroll process, ensuring accurate and timely processing.
• Review, validate and enter payroll data including hours, earnings, deductions and adjustments.
• Audit payroll information and troubleshoot discrepancies before processing.
• Process payroll in a hands-on environment with strong regulatory understanding.
• Maintain employee payroll records and ensure compliance with wage and hour laws.
• Respond to payroll questions from employees and managers with strong service.
• Support payroll reporting, reconciliations and month-end activities.
• Partner with HR, Accounting and leadership to resolve payroll issues.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and accuracy in payroll processes.

Skills

Payroll processing

Payroll regulations

Manual payroll environment

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Communication skills

Payroll systems experience

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Payroll Specialist

Auburn, WA | 6 month contract to hire | Monday-Friday | 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Join a team where your payroll expertise truly makes an impact.

We are seeking a detail-oriented and hands-on Payroll Professional to oversee and execute payroll operations for a growing organization. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys being deeply involved in the payroll process, takes pride in accuracy, and thrives in an environment where critical thinking and problem-solving are valued.

Unlike highly automated environments, this position offers the opportunity to own payroll from start to finish, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time while partnering closely with leadership and internal stakeholders.

What You'll Be Doing

• Manage the full-cycle payroll process, ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing for employees.
• Review, validate, and enter payroll data, including hours worked, earnings, deductions, adjustments, and special payments.
• Audit payroll information and troubleshoot discrepancies before processing.
• Process payroll in a hands-on environment that requires strong attention to detail and a thorough understanding of payroll regulations.
• Maintain employee payroll records and ensure compliance with company policies and applicable wage and hour laws.
• Respond to payroll-related questions from employees and managers, providing outstanding customer service.
• Support payroll reporting, reconciliations, and month-end activities.
• Partner with HR, Accounting, and leadership teams to resolve payroll-related issues.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and strengthen payroll processes while maintaining accuracy and compliance.

What We're Looking For

• 3+ years of payroll experience, including experience processing payroll from start to finish.
• Strong understanding of payroll regulations, taxes, deductions, garnishments, and compliance requirements.
• Experience working in a manual or semi-manual payroll environment.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict payroll deadlines.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with payroll systems and Microsoft Excel.

Why Candidates Are Interested

• Opportunity to own the payroll process from start to finish
• High visibility role with direct impact on employees and leadership
• Stable team environment with strong opportunities to contribute
• Hands-on position where your expertise and judgment matter
• Collaborative culture with supportive leadership

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Auburn, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $30.00/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)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 17, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Auburn,WA.

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 [e-mail] 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.

Each posting applies separately and lists its own pay.