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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 is part of the Finance department, collaborating closely with Human Resources and operational leaders to drive continuous improvement, maintain reliable payroll systems, and provide excellent service to employees.

Responsibilities

+ Manage and execute end-to-end payroll for all employees, including hourly, salaried, full-time, part-time, and PRN staff.

+ Review and approve payroll data, such as 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 necessary.

+ Maintain payroll records and complete 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 the 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 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 the ability to learn new software applications quickly.

Work Environment

The work environment is flexible concerning the schedule. Initially, during training, the candidate is expected to be onsite five days a week. Post-training, there is flexibility to accommodate hybrid schedules. Mondays and Tuesdays are the busiest days, potentially requiring 10-12 hour workdays. The remainder of the week can follow a normal 8-hour schedule, with the option to have Fridays off if feasible. Remote work for hours outside of the standard schedule on Monday and Tuesday is possible once trained and comfortable.

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 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 Des Moines,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Dec 12, 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.