Job Title: Payroll ConsultantJob Description

The Payroll Consultant is a strategic and passionate leader responsible for driving and elevating payroll operations to service over 3,500 colleagues across North America. This role requires developing and leading a high-performing team focused on delivering accurate, compliant, and timely payroll with zero margin for error across the US and Canada. More than transactional, this position requires a hands-on operator and people leader who thrives in complexity, champions process standardization through Workday, and prioritizes both employee experience and financial integrity.

ResponsibilitiesDevelop and execute a long-term payroll strategy for North America, ensuring scalability, efficiency, and alignment with organizational objectives.Drive harmonization and automation of payroll processes across key areas, including 401(k) reconciliation and Workday earning code mapping to GL.Lead and manage payroll-related projects, including system upgrades, integrations/migrations, vendor transitions, and process improvement initiatives.Partner with HR, Finance, and IT teams to align payroll operations with broader organizational strategies.Oversee the accurate and timely processing of payroll for employees throughout North America, including salary, bonuses, benefits, and other compensation elements.Ensure compliance with federal, state, provincial, and local payroll tax laws and regulations, including multi-state payroll tax registrations and updates.Manage year-end payroll activities, including tax reporting and reconciliation processes.Act as the primary point of contact for payroll-related audits, including internal and external audits, state audits, and workers compensation reviews.Lead, coach, and mentor a team of payroll professionals, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.Establish clear performance metrics, SLAs, and KPIs for the payroll team to ensure high-quality service delivery.Provide training and development opportunities to enhance team capabilities and expertise.Implement and maintain robust controls to ensure compliance with organizational policies, payroll tax laws, and regulatory requirements.Develop and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions for payroll processes.Conduct regular internal audits of payroll transactions, garnishments, tax withholdings, and absence processing to ensure accuracy and compliance.Collaborate with external vendors and state agencies to resolve tax-related issues and maintain employer compliance.Act as the Functional Lead in Workday Payroll improvement projects, ensuring optimal utilization of the platform.Evaluate and recommend third-party vendors to support payroll operations, year-end readiness, and special projects.Identify opportunities for process automation and implement best practices to enhance efficiency and accuracy.Develop analytics and reporting tools to monitor payroll performance and support decision-making.Coordinate with the Global Mobility team to manage payroll for inbound and outbound expatriates, ensuring compliance with relocation gross-ups, taxation, and year-end reporting.Partner with outsourced vendors to address expatriate tax matters and ensure accurate reporting on tax forms.Essential SkillsStrong payroll audit project experience.Experience with multistate payroll for the US, specifically in California.Proven experience managing payroll for 2000+ employees.Advanced working knowledge of Workday Payroll.Extensive multi-state and local payroll tax knowledge, including registration and compliance.Minimum of 10 years of progressive payroll experience, including U.S. and Canadian payroll.Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field; CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) certification preferred.Additional Skills & QualificationsExperience transforming payroll and benefits functions to maximize automation, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage project plans, dependencies, critical path activities, and milestones.HRIS experience with Workday and integration with payroll systems is a plus.Familiarity with global mobility and expatriate taxation matters is a plus.Work Environment

This is a 4-6 month interim assignment for the Head of Payroll who is out for Leave of Absence. The position offers a fully remote option and requires reporting directly to the Head of Accounting Shared Services. The consultant will manage a 6-person payroll team, consisting of 2 seniors, 3 juniors, and one additional junior hire during the contract. The organization uses SAP E3 and is in the process of implementing SAP S4/HANA.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of White Plains, NY.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $70.00 - $80.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job\n classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be\n subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits\n available for this temporary role may include the following:\n\n • Medical, dental & vision\n • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital\n • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available\n • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)\n • Short and long-term disability\n • Health Spending Account (HSA)\n • Transportation benefits\n • Employee Assistance Program\n • 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 Dec 31, 2025.

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\n\nAbout Aston Carter:\n

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® double diamond winner for both client and talent service.

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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.

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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.

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