Senior Payroll Specialist | Multi-State & Workday Expert

Aston Carter; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 69,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) retirement plan

Life Insurance

Short/long-term disability

HSA

Job summary

Aston Carter is seeking an expert Payroll Operations Lead for end-to-end biweekly payroll across multiple entities in Workday. You will audit data, manage year-end activities, and ensure regulatory compliance while collaborating with HR, Finance, and leadership to address complex payroll issues.

The role requires 5-8 years of progressive payroll experience, strong multi-state knowledge, and Hands-on Workday Payroll.

Qualifications

• 5-8 years of progressive payroll experience in a fast-paced, multi-entity environment.
• Deep expertise in multi-state payroll processing and a strong command of federal and state compliance, tax regulations, and wage/hour laws
• Hands-on Workday Payroll experience strongly preferred
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation preferred; FPC considered
• Experience with NetSuite or similar general ledger systems a plus
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Microsoft Excel and the ability to build and interpret payroll reports
• A technology-forward mindset - you actively look for ways to automate, improve, and scale payroll processes
• Excellent communicator who can distill complex payroll topics for non-payroll stakeholders
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing competing priorities under tight deadlines

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end biweekly payroll for exempt and non-exempt employees across multiple entities.
• Audit and maintain payroll data accuracy; resolve discrepancies.
• Manage year-end processing including W-2s and amendments; ensure compliance with wage/hour laws.
• Partner with HR, Finance, and leadership; support onboarding and pay changes.
• Assist with system implementations, upgrades, and Workday integrations.
• Develop payroll reports and analytics; drive process improvements and automation.
• Maintain payroll policies and documentation for audit readiness.

Skills

Payroll

Payroll tax

Workday

Multi-state payroll

Tools

NetSuite

Job description

Aston Carter is seeking an expert Payroll Operations Lead for end-to-end biweekly payroll across multiple entities in Workday. You will audit data, manage year-end activities, and ensure regulatory compliance while collaborating with HR, Finance, and leadership to address complex payroll issues.

The role requires 5-8 years of progressive payroll experience, strong multi-state knowledge, and Hands-on Workday Payroll.