Payroll Specialist

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 This is a great opportunity for a payroll professional who enjoys rolling up their sleeves, taking ownership, and ensuring payroll is processed accurately every time.
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 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 [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.