Accounting Specialist

Payroll & Accounting Specialist

Own the Payroll Process from Start to Finish

We're seeking a Payroll & Accounting Specialist to take ownership of bi-weekly payroll for approximately 100 employees while supporting Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and billing functions. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys the details of payroll, takes pride in accuracy, and wants the opportunity to expand their accounting experience over time.

What You'll Do

Payroll

- Process bi-weekly payroll for approximately 100 employees, primarily hourly employees with a smaller salaried population.
- Manage full-cycle payroll from ERP time reports through payroll submission, direct deposits, and payroll checks.
- Review and audit employee timecards to ensure accuracy of hours worked and payroll data.
- Export and validate payroll and timekeeping information using Excel.
- Verify payroll data including regular hours, overtime, deductions, garnishments, benefits, taxes, and final pay calculations.
- Review payroll registers, tax withholdings, deductions, funding requirements, and exception reports before payroll submission.
- Process and reconcile FUTA and SUTA tax reporting requirements.
- Prepare and file quarterly federal and state payroll reports.
- Complete year-end payroll activities, including W-2 preparation and processing.
- Maintain payroll records and supporting documentation in compliance with Washington State payroll regulations.
- Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies to ensure timely and accurate payroll processing.

Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable & Billing

- Process Accounts Payable invoices and code expenses appropriately.
- Prepare and process vendor payments while maintaining vendor records.
- Manage corporate credit card coding, reconciliations, and payments.
- Process customer invoices and post customer payments.
- Assist with billing inquiries, credits, and collections activities as needed.
- Support month-end accounting activities, including reconciliations and supporting schedules.
- Prepare documentation for audits and financial reviews.
- Maintain accurate accounting records while handling confidential employee and company information.
- Provide additional accounting and administrative support as needed.

What We're Looking For

- Experience processing payroll in a manual payroll environment.
- Experience auditing timecards and reviewing payroll for accuracy.
- Knowledge of Washington State payroll laws and payroll processing requirements.
- Experience processing FUTA and SUTA payroll taxes.
- Experience preparing and filing quarterly payroll reports.
- Experience processing year-end W-2s.
- Experience reviewing payroll registers, taxes, deductions, funding requirements, and exception reports prior to payroll submission.
- Experience processing payroll through final payroll distribution, including payroll check issuance.
- Strong Excel skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and maintain strict confidentiality.

Why Join Us?

- Opportunity to own the payroll function and make a direct impact.
- Exposure to AP, AR, billing, and broader accounting operations.
- Monday-Friday daytime schedule (approximately 7:00 AM-3:30 PM).
- Limited overtime requirements.
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- 401(k) with company match.
- Paid time off.
- Significant employer contribution toward benefit costs.
- Opportunity to take on additional accounting responsibilities as the team evolves.

Honestly, I'd avoid phrases like "stable manufacturing company" or "thick skin needed" in the external posting. The real sell here is: Own payroll end-to-end Only ~100 employees Mix of payroll + accounting Consistent day schedule Growth into broader accounting responsibilities
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)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Auburn, WA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 31, 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 [email protected] 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.