Payroll Manager

Description:

Aston Carter is seeking a highly skilled Senior Payroll Specialist to manage comprehensive payroll operations, compliance, and reporting for its Columbia, MD office. This role requires in-depth expertise in payroll processing, tax compliance, reconciliation, and reporting, ensuring accurate and timely disbursement of payroll across the organization.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience managing bi-weekly and monthly payroll cycles, overseeing payroll tax filings, and leading audit-related activities. This position demands strong proficiency in payroll systems, Microsoft Excel, and reconciliation processes, alongside excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage accurate and timely processing of bi-weekly and monthly payroll, including year-end payroll reporting.

• Oversee payroll tax filings and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws.

• Lead payroll audits and collaborate with external auditors as required.

• Provide payroll-related guidance to executive management, HR, and finance teams.

• Ensure proper classification of employees and compensation structures in compliance with regulations.

• Maintain and update payroll systems to ensure data accuracy and integrity.

• Prepare detailed payroll-related reports for internal and external stakeholders.

• Reconcile payroll accounts, resolve discrepancies, and ensure compliance with reporting requirements.

• Stay updated with evolving payroll laws, regulations, and best practices.

• Support budgeting and forecasting processes by providing accurate payroll data analysis.

Essential Skills:

• Strong expertise in Microsoft Excel.

• Proven experience in payroll processing, reconciliation, and compliance.

• Familiarity with audit and documentation procedures.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.

• Experience with Finance and Synoptix systems is preferred.

• Strong communication, organizational, and supervisory skills.

Additional Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, or a related field (preferred but not mandatory).

• Willingness to adapt to new payroll technologies and tools.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform under pressure.

Work Environment:

• Standard work week: 37.5 hours.

• Hybrid model – 1 day remote option after training and approval.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Hourly rate: $33–$41 (equivalent to $5280–$6560 monthly).

• Comprehensive benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan (pre-tax and Roth), HSA, transportation benefits, critical illness and accident insurance, short & long-term disability, employee assistance program, and paid time off (PTO, vacation, or sick leave).

Application Deadline:

• September 4, 2025

About Aston Carter:

Aston Carter is a leading corporate talent solutions provider with expertise in accounting, finance, HR, supply chain, procurement, and administrative professions. With a strong presence across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific, and Europe, the company partners with many Fortune 500 clients to deliver world-class staffing solutions.