• Payroll Lead

    Aston Carter (San Jose, CA)


    Job Title: Payroll Lead

    Job Description

    We are seeking a dedicated Payroll Lead to guide and train a team of two to three Payroll Specialists. The role involves co-managing key performance indicators, driving process improvements, and fostering efficiency. A critical part of this position is resolving issues alongside team members.

    Responsibilities

    + Ensure accurate and timely processing, printing, and distribution of payroll checks in compliance with company policies and legal requirements.

    + Manage payroll for 300-500 employees.

    + Calculate prevailing wage and job costs for both union and non-union employees.

    + Write up and enter payroll adjustments such as garnishments, deductions, wage assignments, vacation checks, bonus checks, and advances.

    + Request supplemental checks including child support, employee savings deposit, net deposit, and taxes.

    + Process monthly billings for health and dental insurance and union dues.

    + Maintain all required records, filings, and reports related to payroll.

    + Ensure timely filing of government forms and reports.

    + Complete monthly, quarterly, and yearly reports and filings.

    + Process and manage IRS and state tax checks.

    + Reconcile payroll reports and ensure compliance with certified payroll requirements.

    Essential Skills

    + 2-3 years of lead, supervisory, or managerial payroll experience.

    + Experience in union environments, certified payroll reporting, and payroll tax management.

    + Multi-state payroll tax experience.

    + Knowledge of California payroll rules and prevailing wage regulations.

    + Ability to adapt to changing laws and regulations.

     

    Additional Skills & Qualifications

     

    + Experience in the construction industry or electrical union is preferred.

    + Proficiency in Excel, including pivot tables and vlookups (training available).

    Work Environment

    This role supports the Business Unit in San Jose, CA. Initially, a full-time office presence is required during training, transitioning to a hybrid schedule (Tues-Thurs in-office). The team comprises a Payroll Manager, two Payroll Leads, and three Payroll Specialists. The environment involves managing payroll for 15 different unions with complex sub-agreements, requiring clear function ownership as the team grows. The role demands familiarity with heavy payroll processes and certified payroll reporting.

     

    Job Type & Location

     

    This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Jose, CA.

    Pay and Benefits

    The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $50.48/hr.

     

    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 hybrid position in San Jose,CA.

     

    Application Deadline

     

    This position is anticipated to close on Nov 25, 2025.

    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® double diamond 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 [email protected] (%[email protected]) for other accommodation options.