Job Title: HR - Payroll SpecialistJob Description We are seeking a dedicated HR - Payroll Specialist to join our dynamic team. This role involves comprehensive payroll management and HR support, focusing on accuracy, compliance, and employee satisfaction. The ideal candidate will play a vital role in our growing organization, contributing to the development and improvement of HR and payroll processes. Responsibilities + Serve as the point of contact for all timesheet-related inquiries, assisting managers and employees to ensure timely and accurate submissions. + Monitor timesheets for discrepancies, obtain necessary approvals, and meet payroll deadlines. + Process biweekly payroll for over 120 employees across multiple states, handling regular, off-cycle, and bonus payrolls with precision. + Ensure proper processing of wage garnishments, tax withholdings, and benefit deductions. + Prepare and maintain payroll reports, including quarterly and year-end filings. + Participate in weekly team meetings to discuss issues, share feedback, and support continuous improvement. + Oversee wage garnishments, tax configurations, and benefit deductions, coordinating with HRIS and tax agencies for compliance. + Prepare, analyze, and interpret payroll and workforce reports to support audits and informed decision-making. + Provide expert guidance on payroll, HRIS, 401(k), and timekeeping policies, interpreting regulations and resolving issues. + Assist with benefits administration, onboarding, terminations, and salary/job description reviews. + Address employee questions about benefits and payroll discrepancies. + Coach managers and employees on payroll-related issues. + Plan team events and holiday parties. + Participate in HR and payroll meetings, sharing insights and supporting HR initiatives. + Ensure HRIS data accuracy and support system enhancements. Essential Skills + 3-5+ years of experience in full-cycle payroll and overall HR experience. + Proficiency in HRIS/Payroll software, ideally Paylocity or Ceridian. + Strong understanding of payroll policies, including final hours, garnishments, taxes, and deductions. + Experience with multi-state payroll processing. + Knowledge of onboarding, offboarding, benefits, and salary adjustments. + Experience in benefits administration and HRIS management. + Familiarity with 401(k) plans and employee relations issues. + Experience with Microsoft Excel, including VLOOKUP and pivot tables. + Experience working in companies with over 50 employees. Additional Skills & Qualifications + Experience with HRIS implementation is a significant advantage. + Knowledge of employment law. + Ability to work independently and as part of a team. + Proactive problem-solving skills and a start-up mindset. Work Environment This is a hybrid role requiring at least one day onsite, ideally 2-3 days a week. Initial training will be 100% onsite for 2-6 weeks. Standard work hours are 9-5 PM, with potential for additional hours during month-end and system implementations. The role requires direct interaction with directors, VPs, and C-suite executives, demanding professionalism, yet a friendly and approachable demeanor. The team values collaboration, innovation, and a willingness to suggest new ideas. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Brea, CA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $33.00 - $38.00/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) Workplace Type This is a hybrid position in Brea,CA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jan 21, 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® double diamond 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 astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com (%20astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com) for other accommodation options.