Payroll Specialist

Job Title: Payroll Specialist (Must have UKG & Costpoint experience) Job Description This mid-level Payroll Specialist role owns full-cycle payroll processing across multiple companies and legal entities in a complex, multi-state environment. You will process weekly, biweekly, and semimonthly payrolls end-to-end using Deltek Costpoint and Deltek T&E, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and a positive employee experience. The position is ideal for a detail-oriented professional who is comfortable working independently, handling complex payroll types such as SCA, Davis-Bacon, and union payrolls, and partnering closely with HR, Accounting, Benefits, and Finance teams. Responsibilities Process full-cycle payroll for multiple companies and legal entities, including weekly, biweekly, and semimonthly payroll cycles. Use Deltek Costpoint for in-house payroll processing and Deltek T&E for timesheet management, ensuring accurate and timely payroll execution. Validate timesheets, set up new employees, and maintain payroll records across multi-state, multi-entity, and multi-union environments. Administer and process complex payroll types, including SCA (Service Contract Act), Davis-Bacon (DBA), union payrolls, and wage determinations for government contracting. Calculate and process deductions, including garnishments, tax levies, and child support orders, in compliance with federal and state regulations. Prepare and process off-cycle payments as needed, ensuring proper documentation and compliance. Support quarter-end and year-end payroll activities, including W-2 reconciliation and payroll reporting. Generate, review, and reconcile payroll reports and data exports from Costpoint to ensure accuracy and resolve discrepancies. Collaborate closely with HR, Finance, Accounting, and Benefits teams to support payroll-related processes and resolve issues. Respond promptly and professionally to employee inquiries regarding pay, deductions, and payroll-related questions. Maintain strict confidentiality and integrity when handling sensitive employee and payroll information. Organize and prioritize multiple deadlines and pay cycles across different entities while maintaining high accuracy and consistency. Assist with audit preparation by ensuring payroll records are accurate, complete, and well-documented. Leverage Microsoft Excel and Word to analyze payroll data, prepare reports, and support reconciliation activities. Work independently in a remote environment with minimal supervision while meeting established timelines and service standards. Essential Skills High school diploma or GED required; some college education preferred, with relevant payroll experience considered in place of formal education. At least 3+ years of demonstrated experience processing end-to-end multi-state, multi-company payrolls across multiple payroll cycles and entity types. Hands-on experience using Deltek Costpoint for in-house payroll processing. Hands-on experience using Deltek T&E for timesheet management. Solid knowledge of payroll processing fundamentals and standard payroll practices. Strong understanding of federal and state wage-and-hour laws and multi-state tax regulations. Experience processing garnishments, tax levies, and child support orders in compliance with federal and state requirements. Experience supporting quarter-end and year-end payroll processes, including W-2 reconciliation. Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word, including working with payroll data exports and reports. Proven ability to work with multi-state, multi-company, and multi-union payrolls, including SCA, Davis-Bacon, and government contracting payrolls. Meticulous attention to detail with a strong track record of accuracy in data entry, payroll calculations, and reconciliation. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to respond clearly and professionally to employee inquiries. Ability to work independently and remotely with minimal supervision while managing multiple deadlines. Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to handle competing priorities across multiple entities and pay cycles. High level of discretion, ethics, and professional integrity in handling confidential employee and payroll data. Additional Skills & Qualifications Some college coursework in accounting, finance, business, or a related field is preferred. Experience working in UKG software is preferred. Experience with reporting, accounting, and reconciliation related to payroll. Familiarity with SCA, Davis-Bacon (DBA), wage determinations, and government contracting payroll requirements. Background in multi-state, multi-company, and multi-union payroll environments. Comfort working with data entry, deductions, and complex payroll structures. Ability to collaborate effectively with HR, Finance, Accounting, and Benefits teams in a cross-functional setting. Demonstrated accountability and consistency in meeting deadlines and service-level expectations. Work Environment This is a fully remote role, allowing you to work from anywhere within the United States. The standard work schedule is 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in your local time zone, providing a consistent daytime work environment. You will work primarily with Deltek Costpoint, Deltek T&E, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Word, as well as other payroll and HR-related systems such as UKG (if applicable). The organization promotes a hybrid work culture and supports work/life balance through flexible arrangements, graduated paid time off plans, and holidays. The benefits package includes a variety of medical plan options through Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB), dental, vision, and a 401(k) plan with the ability to contribute pre- and post-tax dollars up to IRS limits with a company match. Additional offerings include short-term disability benefits, life insurance, and accidental death and dismemberment coverage. The environment emphasizes professionalism, collaboration, and confidentiality while supporting independent work in a remote setting. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Dallas, TX. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $36.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. 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 remote position. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 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.