Entry Level Payroll Specialist

Job Description

Job DescriptionJob Title: Entry-Level Payroll Specialist
Job Description

This entry-level payroll specialist role offers a strong foundation for someone looking to start and grow a career in payroll. You will support the payroll team with day-to-day administrative tasks, learn payroll processes from the ground up, and gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced environment. Over time, you will be trained on key payroll responsibilities and have the opportunity to develop into a long-term role within the organization.

Responsibilities

• Assist with data entry related to payroll, including entering and updating timesheets and employee information accurately.
• Support the team with onboarding new hires by setting up and updating employee records in payroll and related systems.
• Help with basic reporting and audits by gathering data, running simple reports, and organizing documentation.
• Perform general administrative tasks to support payroll operations, such as filing, organizing records, and responding to basic inquiries.
• Learn payroll processes, including how deductions, taxes, and compliance requirements are applied and maintained.
• Assist with general HR and payroll support as needed, collaborating with other team members to address routine questions and tasks.
• Work closely with the payroll specialist and broader payroll team to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing.
• Follow established procedures and checklists to maintain data integrity and support compliance with internal controls and policies.
• Demonstrate reliability by consistently meeting deadlines, especially around payroll cycles and peak processing times.
• Contribute to a positive team environment by communicating clearly, taking feedback constructively, and showing a willingness to learn.

Essential Skills

• Strong attention to detail with the ability to enter and review data accurately.
• Comfort working with data entry tasks and spreadsheets, particularly using Microsoft Excel.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications for basic administrative and reporting tasks.
• Good communication skills, including the ability to follow instructions and ask clarifying questions when needed.
• High level of reliability, including consistently showing up on time and following through on assigned tasks.
• Demonstrated willingness to learn and develop new skills in payroll, HR, or accounting.
• Positive attitude and a coachable mindset, open to feedback and continuous improvement.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with frequent changes and tight deadlines.
• Good attitude and attention to detail from day one, without requiring training on these core behaviors.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Exposure to payroll, HR, or accounting processes, even at a basic or introductory level.
• Previous experience with data entry in any setting, demonstrating comfort with handling large volumes of information.
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment where priorities can shift quickly.
• Familiarity with Excel functions and other data entry systems or tools.
• Interest in building a long-term career in payroll, HR, or accounting.
• Ability to adapt to new systems and processes and learn payroll procedures over time.

Work Environment

This is an office-based role that follows standard business hours, with peak workloads occurring around payroll deadlines. The environment is fast-paced due to weekly payroll cycles and frequent workforce changes, requiring focus, organization, and responsiveness. You will work as part of a small team, currently supporting one payroll specialist, which allows for close collaboration and hands-on learning. The organization emphasizes a systematic safety program, strong quality management practices, and the ability to support projects across diverse industries such as airport, automotive, food and beverage, parcel, postal, and power and heavy industrial markets. The culture values a “can do” attitude, employee development, and long-term career growth, and promotes a supportive environment where employees are considered a key asset.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Aurora, CO.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $28.00/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 fully onsite position in Aurora,CO.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 9, 2026.

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® Platinum Award 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 astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.