Payroll Specialist

Talentify; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Downtown Seattle location with parking

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Aston Carter is seeking a Payroll Specialist in Seattle, WA for a hybrid role (in-office two days a week; remote the rest). You will process payroll for ~200 employees across multiple states, ensure tax filings, and support month-end close. Proficiency with Paylocity, Deltek Vantagepoint, and Excel is required.

The role offers a 6-month contract-to-hire arrangement with a competitive $35-$40/hr pay range and a collaborative finance team environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of payroll processing in a multi-state environment.
• Experience with payroll tax filings and compliance (941).
• Experience with Paylocity and Deltek Vantagepoint (or similar).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel.

Responsibilities

• Process monthly and semi-monthly payroll for ~200 employees in a multi-state environment.
• Review, approve, and post timesheets with accuracy.
• Coordinate with HR on employee changes, new hires, terminations, deductions, and updates.
• Execute multiple payroll runs per month within timelines and requirements.
• Ensure timely payroll tax payments and 941 filings.
• Support payroll system administration and reporting enhancements.
• Reconcile payroll-related general ledger accounts.
• Assist month-end/year-end close with journal entries and reconciliations.
• Prepare payroll analysis and financial reports.
• Utilize Paylocity, Deltek Vantagepoint, Excel for daily operations.
• Maintain regulatory compliance and company policies.
• Identify process improvements with finance and HR.

Skills

Payroll processing

Multi-state payroll

Payroll tax filings

General ledger reconciliations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Business

Tools

Paylocity

Deltek Vantagepoint

Excel

Job description

Payroll Specialist

Our client in Seattle, WA is currently hiring for a Payroll Specialist. This position is a hybrid opportunity working 2 days per week in office (Monday and Wednesday) and 3 days remotely. The Payroll Specialist will be responsible for processing multi-state payroll for approximately 200 employees while supporting payroll tax compliance, general ledger reconciliations, month-end close activities, and payroll system administration.

Pay - $35.00/hr - $40.00/hr (Depending on years of experience, payroll experience, software proficiency, and relevant industry experience)

Location - Seattle, WA (Hybrid: 2 days onsite, 3 days remote)

Schedule - Monday and Wednesday onsite, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM | Standard 40 hours per week

Duration - 6 Month Contract-to-Hire

Responsibilities

• Process monthly and semi-monthly payroll for approximately 200 employees in a multi-state environment.
• Review, approve, and post employee timesheets while ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Coordinate with Human Resources regarding employee changes, new hires, terminations, payroll deductions, and payroll updates.
• Execute multiple payroll runs each month within established timelines and company requirements.
• Ensure timely and accurate payroll tax payments and filings, including 941 tax filings.
• Support payroll system administration, including setup of tax jurisdictions, earnings codes, deduction codes, and reporting enhancements.
• Reconcile payroll-related general ledger accounts.
• Assist with month-end and year-end close activities, including journal entries and reconciliations.
• Prepare payroll analysis, compensation reporting, and financial reports as requested.
• Utilize Paylocity, Deltek Vantagepoint, Excel, and related payroll/accounting systems to support daily operations.
• Maintain compliance with payroll regulations, company policies, and reporting requirements.
• Collaborate with finance and HR teams to identify opportunities for process improvements.

Qualification Requirements

• 3+ years of payroll processing experience in a multi-state environment.
• Experience processing payroll for both hourly and salaried employees.
• Experience with Paylocity.
• Experience with payroll tax filings and compliance, including 941 filings.
• Experience with Deltek Vantagepoint or other Deltek platforms.
• General Ledger experience, including account reconciliations and journal entries.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
• Strong understanding of payroll accounting, deductions, garnishments, benefits administration, and reconciliations.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business, Finance, or related field preferred.
• Experience within Architecture, Engineering, Construction (A/E/C), or another project-based environment preferred.

Disqualifiers

• No payroll processing experience.
• No multi-state payroll experience.
• No payroll tax filing experience.
• No experience using payroll platforms such as Paylocity, ADP, or similar systems.
• No general ledger reconciliation or payroll accounting experience.
• Less than 3 years of relevant payroll experience.

Employee Value Proposition

• Opportunity to join a nationally recognized architecture and design firm with a collaborative and mission-driven culture.
• Hybrid work schedule offering flexibility and work-life balance.
• Exposure to both payroll and accounting responsibilities for expanded career growth.
• Work alongside experienced finance and accounting professionals.
• Subsidized public transportation pass available.
• Downtown Seattle location with nearby parking options.
• Modern office environment with collaborative workspaces, café amenities, and shared technology resources.
• Contract-to-hire opportunity with long-term growth potential.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $40.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Seattle,WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 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 [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.