Sr. Payroll Specialist

Job Title: Sr. Payroll Specialist

Job Description

The Payroll Specialist processes weekly union and non-union payroll, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and full compliance with Federal and State regulations as well as internal policies. This role manages multi-state payroll activities, resolves payroll discrepancies, and serves as a key point of contact for payroll-related questions. The position offers strong growth potential within the accounting department and the opportunity to further develop payroll and systems expertise in a financially stable, growth-oriented organization.

Responsibilities

• Process and input weekly payroll data for union and non-union employees, ensuring accurate and timely payments, including proper deductions and payments for multi-state payrolls across the country.
• Review payroll data for accuracy and completeness, identifying and correcting errors before payroll is finalized.
• Collaborate with project managers to review, verify, and obtain timely approvals for employee timecards.
• Process and maintain employee W-4 forms and direct deposit information, ensuring all records remain current and accurate.
• Ensure proper completion, submission, and filing of all required compliance reporting, including union withholding and reporting, prevailing wage documentation, certified payroll, and state and federal tax filings.
• Research and resolve payroll discrepancies, including issues related to taxes, deductions, garnishments, and union-related items, and communicate resolutions clearly to employees and stakeholders.
• Issue manual checks for urgent requests such as adjustments, corrections, and layoffs that cannot be included in the normal payroll distribution.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and documentation in accordance with company policies and applicable regulations.
• Respond promptly and professionally to payroll-related questions from employees, managers, and other internal stakeholders.
• Support continuous improvement of payroll processes and participate in cross-training and knowledge sharing within the accounting department.

Essential Skills

• 3+ years of payroll experience with a focus on accurate, timely processing.
• Proven experience with multi-state payroll processing.
• Experience processing union payroll and working with union rules and requirements.
• Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, and formulas.
• Strong understanding of payroll taxes, deductions, and garnishments.
• Ability to ensure compliance with Federal and State payroll laws and regulations.
• Motivated team player with strong collaboration and communication skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and recordkeeping.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Viewpoint payroll or accounting software.
• Experience in the construction industry or similar project-based environment.
• Demonstrated ability to handle certified payroll and prevailing wage reporting.
• Interest in career growth within an accounting department and willingness to learn new systems and processes.
• Ability to work in a rapidly growing company and adapt to evolving processes and responsibilities.

Work Environment

This role is based at the corporate headquarters in a business professional environment. The organization operates as a financially stable, rapidly growing company backed by a large, publicly traded parent in Europe, with revenues in the hundreds of millions and strong financial support. The Sr. Payroll Specialist works closely with the accounts payable and accounting teams and reports through a structured accounting leadership team, with clear opportunities for advancement and grooming for future growth within the department. The company invests in its people, offers high growth potential, and provides training to support skill development. The culture emphasizes professional conduct, collaboration, and continuous improvement, with a supportive leadership team and a manager known for developing and mentoring staff. Dress is business professional, reflecting the corporate office setting.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Garden City, NY.

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $35.00/hr.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Garden City,NY.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 19, 2026.

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.