Payroll Specialist

Job Title: Payroll and HRIS AdministratorJob Description The Payroll and HRIS Administrator oversees accurate and timely processing of hourly and salaried payroll, maintains time and attendance data, and supports HRIS interfaces and reporting. This role ensures compliance with state payroll laws, manages garnishments, provides exceptional customer service to employees, and partners with finance and cross-functional teams to improve payroll processes and data integrity. Responsibilities Process hourly and salaried payroll accurately and on schedule, ensuring timely delivery of payroll for all employees.Enter and maintain time and attendance data and personnel transactions, including new hires, terminations, position changes, and other updates.Review payroll reports for accuracy, identify discrepancies, and make necessary adjustments or corrections through journal entries or other established procedures.Research and resolve payroll-related questions from employees and external agency representatives, using comprehensive knowledge of the payroll function and common issues.Serve as the primary point of contact for all garnishments, applying extensive knowledge of garnishment processes and related state laws.Process and audit SAP/Dayforce interfaces, ensuring that data flows correctly between timekeeping, HRIS, and payroll systems.Research and resolve issues related to time and attendance, payroll, and HRIS, and perform scheduled activities to maintain system accuracy.Prepare and maintain standard and ad hoc reports and queries, and conduct audits to ensure the integrity and accuracy of payroll and HRIS data.Maintain accurate and organized payroll records and documentation in accordance with company policies and applicable regulations.Recommend changes in methods or procedures to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the payroll function.Provide accounting support to finance personnel, including reconciliations and other payroll-related financial activities as needed.Participate in cross-functional teams to support company initiatives and ensure payroll and HRIS considerations are addressed.Contribute to special projects with various departments, providing payroll and HRIS expertise and support.Deliver timely, exceptional customer service to employees, remaining accessible and knowledgeable when responding to phone and email inquiries.Communicate comfortably and professionally with all levels of management across divisions and departments regarding payroll and HRIS matters. Essential Skills At least 3 years of experience processing multi-state payroll.Up-to-date knowledge of California state payroll laws and regulations.Experience with payroll systems, with Dayforce strongly preferred.Ability to process payroll information both timely and accurately while handling sensitive and confidential data with discretion.Exceptional customer service skills and strong interpersonal abilities when supporting employees and stakeholders.Comfort communicating with all levels of management across all divisions and departments.Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.Effective time management skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including vlookup, pivot tables, and common functions.Extensive knowledge of garnishments and related state laws. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience auditing and supporting SAP and Dayforce interfaces between timekeeping, HRIS, and payroll systems.Experience preparing and maintaining standard and ad hoc payroll and HRIS reports and queries.Ability to conduct data audits to ensure integrity and accuracy of payroll and HRIS information.Willingness to learn and grow to meet changing job and business requirements.Ability to recommend process improvements and contribute to the efficiency of the payroll function.Experience providing accounting support to finance teams related to payroll activities.Experience participating on cross-functional teams and supporting special projects across various departments. Work Environment This role operates in a professional office environment that combines on-site work with one remote day per week. You will work extensively with payroll and HRIS technologies, including multi-state payroll systems, SAP, Dayforce, and Microsoft Excel for reporting, data analysis, and audits. The position involves regular collaboration with HR, finance, and other departments, as well as direct interaction with employees and management across the organization. The work focuses on accuracy, confidentiality, and timely execution within a structured, process-driven setting that values continuous improvement and offers opportunities for long-term engagement and potential conversion from contract to a more permanent arrangement. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Santa Monica, CA. Pay And Benefits The pay range for this position is $27.00 - $30.00/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 Santa Monica,CA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Aug 18, 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® 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 astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com 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.