Very flexible hybrid/remote. 2x a week once trained.

Job Title: Payroll Manager

Job Description

The Payroll Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing the organization’s end-to-end payroll functions to ensure accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing. This role reports to the Finance department but collaborates closely with Human Resources and operational leaders, driving continuous improvement, maintaining reliable payroll systems, and ensuring a high level of service to employees.

Responsibilities

Manage and execute end-to-end payroll for all employees (hourly, salaried, full-time, part-time, PRN).Review and approve payroll data, including timesheets, compensation changes, deductions, bonuses, and commissions.Ensure accurate calculation of wages, overtime, benefits, PTO, and other compensations.Process off-cycle payments, corrections, and manual checks when needed.Ensure proper maintenance of payroll records and completion of all federal and state tax filings, ACH transactions, quarterly/annual payroll reports, year-end W-2 processing, and ACA reporting.Collaborate with Human Resources to ensure timely and accurate processing of all leave types, including FMLA, STD, non-FMLA leave, PTO, and workers’ compensation.Manage involuntary deductions such as garnishments, levies, and child support orders to ensure accurate and compliant withholdings.Serve as primary point of contact for payroll-related questions, including resolving pay discrepancies, tax inquiries, and benefit deduction issues, as well as providing employee education regarding payroll policies and procedures.Assist with system maintenance or changes in HRIS, in collaboration with the HRIS administrator.Produce accurate labor distribution, grant-required, productivity, and other requested reports.Prepare payroll-related journal entries and reconcile payroll general ledger accounts.Support internal and external audits, including the annual 401(k) audit, by providing documentation and ensuring data integrity.Collaborate with Accounting and Human Resources on process improvement initiatives and special projects.Participate in cross-training within the Accounting team to support business continuity.Perform other accounting functions or Human Resources projects as directed by the leader and support cross-training initiatives within the accounting team.

Essential Skills

Strong knowledge of payroll laws, regulations, tax requirements, and industry best practices.Proficiency in configuring, troubleshooting, and maintaining payroll and HRIS systems.Exceptional precision in calculations, data entry, reconciliations, and reporting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, or related field required.Minimum of 10 years of payroll processing experience required; experience in full cycle payroll preferred.Strong Microsoft Excel skills and ability to learn new software applications quickly.Valid driver’s license, auto liability insurance, and reliable transportation if travel is required.

Work Environment

The work environment offers flexibility in scheduling. Initially, during training, the role requires being onsite five days a week. Once trained, various schedule options, including a hybrid model, are available. Monday and Tuesday are the busiest days, often requiring 10-12 hours of work, with potential for more hours on those days. Normal working hours are expected on Wednesday and Thursday, with the possibility of having Fridays off. Post-training, work outside of normal hours on Monday and Tuesday can be done from home.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Des Moines, IA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $36.06 - $43.27/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 hybrid position in Des Moines,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Feb 13, 2026.

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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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