Payroll Specialist

St. Louis, MO (hybrid work schedule)

*Great opportunity to work for a family owned organization in the STL area!

Job Description

The Payroll Specialist will manage end-to-end payroll processing for approximately 180 employees, including a group of union employees, in a hybrid, family-oriented environment. This contract role owns the full payroll cycle in UKG, ensures accuracy and compliance, and proactively evaluates existing processes to recommend improvements that enhance efficiency and control. The position works closely with accounting leadership and HR in a collaborative, hands-on setting.

Responsibilities

Independently manage and process end-to-end payroll for approximately 180 employees, including a subset of union employees.Own the entire payroll cycle from time entry through final submission, funding, and post-payroll reporting.Ensure accurate and timely collection, review, and entry of time and attendance data into the payroll system.Process payroll in UKG (or a similar enterprise payroll system), ensuring proper application of pay rules, deductions, and benefits.Audit payroll data for accuracy, consistency, and compliance prior to each payroll run, identifying and resolving discrepancies.Apply and maintain compliance with relevant wage rules, deductions, and regulatory requirements, including those related to union contracts where applicable.Learn and interpret union contracts, wage rules, and deduction structures, and incorporate them accurately into payroll processing.Review existing payroll processes, workflows, and system configurations, and make thoughtful, practical recommendations for improvement.

Essential Skills

3+ years of proven experience independently processing end-to-end payroll for a similar-sized employee population (around 180 employees or more).Hands-on experience owning the full payroll cycle from time entry through final submission and reporting.Experience with UKG payroll or a comparable enterprise payroll system, with the ability to ramp up quickly on new systems.Strong attention to detail and a rigorous, compliance-focused mindset when handling payroll data.Ability to audit payroll information for accuracy and consistency and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.

Qualifications

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation is preferred but not required.Experience working with union payroll is strongly preferred.Experience in construction, engineering, manufacturing, or other hourly labor environments is a plus.

Work Environment

This role follows a hybrid work schedule with three days onsite and two days remote each week. The position sits within a small, family-oriented company culture and an accounting team of seven people, providing a close-knit, supportive environment. The work setting is hands-on and collaborative, with payroll working closely alongside accounting and HR. The atmosphere emphasizes low bureaucracy and high accountability, encouraging ownership of responsibilities and open communication.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Saint Louis, MO.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $26.44 - $33.65/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job\n classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be\n subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits\n available for this temporary role may include the following:\n\n
• Medical, dental & vision\n
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital\n
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available\n
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)\n
• Short and long-term disability\n
• Health Spending Account (HSA)\n
• Transportation benefits\n
• Employee Assistance Program\n
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Saint Louis,MO.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 25, 2026.

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\n\nAbout Aston Carter:\n

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.

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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.

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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 for other accommodation options.

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