Payroll Specialist

Aston Carter•Happy Valley, OR

10d•$30 - $33•Onsite

About The Position

The Payroll Specialist delivers accurate, timely, and compliant payroll services and supports teamwork and continuous process improvement. The role handles payroll administration, including time entry and processing support, 401(k) and benefit premium administration, workers compensation reporting, and year-end payroll activities. It requires learning and applying payroll laws and tax regulations across multiple states, providing responsive support to employees, and collaborating with Human Resources and Accounting. The position is based in a cubicle office environment as part of an established accounting team of six. It is fully onsite in Portland, Oregon, Monday through Friday, approximately 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with some flexibility as needed. The role supports a major electrical contractor and large, complex projects, with coverage needed through early February 2027. Standard office technologies and payroll/accounting systems are used.

Requirements

At least two years of experience performing payroll duties, including hands-on payroll processing.
Experience processing multi-state payroll, specifically in Oregon, Washington, California, Arizona, and Idaho.
Experience managing payroll for 100 or more employees.
Working knowledge of federal and state payroll regulations and Sarbanes-Oxley standards.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, use time effectively, and meet deadlines.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Good written and oral interpersonal and communication skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
Willingness to learn and use new technology.
Ability to collaborate and build working relationships with multiple team members.
Willingness to work overtime when needed and, in some cases, on weekends to meet payroll and reporting deadlines.
Working knowledge of payroll practices and procedures normally acquired through completion of a two-year degree in accounting or a related field.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the construction industry.
Familiarity with systems and tools such as Spectrum and Concur.
Understanding of payroll processes in large, complex project environments, such as data centers, semiconductor facilities, transportation hubs, casinos, higher education, and healthcare.
Commitment to continuous process improvement and openness to refining workflows.
Ability to contribute positively to a team-oriented culture and support colleagues in a collaborative accounting environment.

Responsibilities

Coordinate, prepare, and process weekly multi-state confidential payroll for field employees, including time entry, approval verification, and review of exceptions.
Ensure regular, overtime, and double-time hours and wage calculations comply with company policies and applicable labor agreements.
Administer 401(k) payroll functions, benefit premiums, and workers compensation reporting.
Reconcile and request payments to third parties, including involuntary deductions such as garnishments and levies.
Update employee benefit and 401(k) elections while protecting sensitive information.
Prepare and reconcile weekly 401(k) reporting to the parent organization.
Process weekly transfers and rate changes for field employees and maintain accurate payroll records.
Research and respond professionally and promptly to payroll inquiries from current and former employees.
Liaise between Human Resources and Accounting on payroll-related matters.
Provide year-end payroll reporting and reconciliation support.
Support a positive, collaborative culture and continuous process improvement.
Research, learn, and apply payroll laws, taxes, and regulations relevant to the organization's jurisdictions.
Perform special projects and other duties assigned by Accounting and Finance leadership.