Payroll Specialist

Aston Carter; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 41,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Aston Carter is seeking a Payroll Specialist in Portland, OR for a contract position. You will manage weekly multi-state payroll, including time entry, approvals, and wage calculations, while handling 401(k) and benefits administration and responding to employee inquiries.

The role requires familiarity with federal/state payroll regulations, strong confidentiality, and the ability to collaborate with HR and Accounting to ensure accuracy and timely reporting.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of payroll experience including processing.
• Experience with multi-state payroll in OR/WA/CA/AZ/ID preferred.
• Familiarity with SOX/compliance and payroll regulations.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate weekly multi-state payroll processing for field employees, ensuring timely data and proper approvals.
• Administer 401(k) and benefit premium activities and workers' compensation reporting.
• Reconcile third-party payments and handle involuntary deductions with accuracy.
• Respond to payroll inquiries from employees and coordinate with HR and Accounting.
• Prepare and reconcile weekly 401(k) reporting for the organization.

Skills

Payroll processing

Multi-state payroll

SOX/compliance

Time management

Attention to detail

Communication

Confidentiality

MS Office

Education

Two-year accounting/related degree

Tools

Spectrum

Concur

Job description

Job Title: Payroll SpecialistJob Description

The Payroll Specialist role focuses on delivering accurate, timely, and compliant payroll services while supporting a culture of positivity, teamwork, and continuous process improvement. You will handle a wide range of payroll-related administrative tasks, including time entry and processing support, 401(k) administration, benefit premium administration, workers compensation reporting, and year-end payroll activities. This position requires a strong commitment to learning and applying new payroll laws and tax regulations across multiple states, as well as providing responsive, professional support to employees and collaborating closely with Human Resources and Accounting.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate, prepare, and process weekly multi-state confidential payroll for field employees, including time entry, verification of proper approvals, and review of all exceptions to ensure timely and accurate data.

• Ensure regular, overtime, and double-time hours and wage calculations are processed and paid in accordance with company policies and applicable labor agreements.

• Administer payroll-related functions such as 401(k) payroll administration, benefit premium administration, and workers compensation reporting.

• Reconcile and request account payments to third parties, including involuntary deductions such as garnishments and levies, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

• Update employee benefit elections and 401(k) elections as received, maintaining strict confidentiality of all sensitive information.

• Prepare and reconcile weekly 401(k) reporting to the parent organization, ensuring data integrity and timely submission.

• Process weekly transfers and rate changes for field employees, maintaining accurate records and payroll data.

• Receive, research, and respond to payroll and payroll-related inquiries from current and former employees, resolving issues in a professional and timely manner.

• Act as a liaison between Human Resources and Accounting teams on payroll-related items, supporting effective cross-functional communication.

• Provide year-end payroll support, including reporting and reconciliation activities as needed.

• Participate in fostering a culture of positivity, teamwork, and continuous process improvement within the payroll and accounting functions.

• Research, learn, and apply new payroll-related laws, taxes, and regulations applicable to the jurisdictions in which the organization operates.

• Perform various special projects and other functions as assigned by leadership within the Accounting and Finance teams.

• Carry out additional duties as assigned to support the overall effectiveness of the payroll and accounting departments.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of two years experience performing payroll duties, including hands-on payroll processing.

• Experience processing multi-state payroll, specifically in OR, WA, CA, AZ, and ID.

• Experience managing payroll for 100 or more employees.

• Working knowledge of federal and state regulations regarding payroll practices and Sarbanes-Oxley standards.

• Ability to handle multiple priorities, manage time effectively, and consistently meet deadlines.

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in all payroll-related tasks.

• Good interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral, for effective interaction with internal and external customers.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications.

• Ability to maintain highly confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.

• Willingness to learn, adopt, and use new technology as directed to support key payroll and accounting functions.

• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and build strong working relationships with multiple team members.

• Willingness to work overtime when needed and, in some cases, on weekends to meet payroll and reporting deadlines.

• Working knowledge of payroll practices and procedures at a level normally acquired through completion of a two-year degree in accounting or a related field.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in the construction industry is preferred.

• Familiarity with systems and tools referenced in the role, such as Spectrum and Concur.

• Understanding of payroll processes within large, complex project environments (such as data centers, semiconductor facilities, transportation hubs, casinos, higher education, and healthcare).

• Commitment to continuous process improvement and openness to refining existing workflows.

• Ability to contribute positively to a team-oriented culture and support colleagues in a collaborative accounting environment.

Work Environment

This role is based in a cubicle office environment within an established accounting team of six, including accounts payable associates, payroll specialists, a senior accountant, and an accounting manager. You will work on-site Monday through Friday from approximately 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with some flexibility as needed. The organization is a major electrical contractor in the Pacific Northwest, supporting large and complex projects such as data centers, semiconductor facilities, transportation hubs, casinos, higher education institutions, and healthcare facilities. The work involves consistent, steady responsibilities with coverage needed through early February 2027, providing a stable and predictable schedule. You will use standard office technologies, including Microsoft Office and payroll/accounting systems, in a professional, team-oriented setting where confidentiality, accuracy, and collaboration are highly valued.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Portland, OR.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $33.00/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 position based out of Portland, OR.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 30, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Portland,OR.

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] ([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.