Opening for Payroll Specialist in Northbrook The Payroll Specialist role focuses on accurately and efficiently processing payroll for all employees while maintaining strict confidentiality and compliance with applicable regulations. You will review timesheets, manage payroll data, handle direct deposits and checks, and respond to employee inquiries with professionalism and empathy. This position suits a detail-oriented professional with strong payroll administration experience, excellent Excel skills, and the ability to work under tight deadlines in a collaborative, supportive team environment. Responsibilities + Review employee timesheets to verify accuracy and ensure all hours worked are properly documented and accounted for. + Enter payroll data into databases and spreadsheets with a high degree of accuracy, including employee information, hours worked, and compensation details. + Manage employee direct deposit requests, update banking information, and ensure timely processing of deposits. + Process paper checks for distribution, ensuring appropriate documentation and signatures are obtained before disbursement. + Calculate and process payroll adjustments for raises, bonuses, commissions, and other changes to employee compensation, ensuring accurate calculations. + Process and track wage garnishments in compliance with legal requirements and ensure timely and correct deductions. + Maintain accurate, up-to-date records of all payroll-related transactions, including tax withholdings, garnishments, and employee benefits. + Prepare and generate payroll reports for internal departments and leadership, supporting accounting needs and financial audits. + Respond to and resolve employee inquiries related to payroll, deductions, and payment discrepancies, providing clear explanations and strong customer service. + Safeguard the confidentiality of employee payroll information and ensure adherence to all relevant payroll policies and regulations. + Collaborate with team members and other departments to support smooth payroll operations and continuous process improvement. Essential Skills + Proven experience in payroll processing with strong knowledge of payroll systems and software. + Familiarity with wage garnishments, tax deductions, and other payroll-related regulations. + Knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax laws and compliance requirements. + Strong attention to detail with the ability to work accurately under tight deadlines. + Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, including functions such as VLOOKUP and pivot tables. + Experience working with payroll data in spreadsheets and databases. Additional Skills & Qualifications + Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field preferred. + Experience with Oracle is a plus. + Experience with Ceridian or similar payroll systems is beneficial. + Experience working with internal HR or payroll support systems is helpful. + Background in customer service or employee support is an advantage. Work Environment You will join a small, highly effective payroll team of approximately four people that works closely together to deliver accurate and timely payroll. The team typically starts the workday around 7:00 a.m., with flexibility and a latest standard start time of 8:30 a.m. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Northbrook, IL. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $25.00/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 fully onsite position in Northbrook,IL. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Apr 20, 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.