Payroll Specialist

Aston Carter•St. Louis, MO

1d•$26 - $34•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

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.

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.