Payroll Analyst

Job Title: Payroll Analyst

Job Description

We are seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Analyst to support payroll operations in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role is embedded within HR for confidential payroll access and partners closely with Finance to translate payroll and benefits data into accurate, consumable reporting for accounting and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Audit payroll data for accuracy, balance payroll accounts, and support tax-related filings and reporting.

• Reconcile payroll outputs against internal finance/ERP data sources, investigate variances, and resolve discrepancies.

• Prepare recurring and ad hoc reporting for Finance/Accounting, including labor cost, overtime, and workforce metrics.

• Manage payroll-related deliverables across benefits and deductions, ensuring accurate handoff to Accounting.

• Maintain payroll records and documentation, supporting internal and external audits.

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and company policies.

• Partner cross-functionally with HR, Finance, and Operations to gather data requirements and improve payroll reporting processes.

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and system/reporting enhancements.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.

• 2-5 years of experience in a payroll analyst or similar capacity, preferably in a manufacturing environment.

• Experience translating payroll data into finance-friendly reporting, such as reconciliations, accrual support, variance analysis, and cost reporting.

• Working knowledge of payroll regulations, tax laws, and compliance requirements.

• Strong Excel skills, including pivot tables, lookups, and data cleanup.

• High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and proven problem-solving abilities.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience using Paycor or similar payroll platforms.

• Experience pulling reports from benefits/retirement vendor portals.

• Comfort working within a non-standard ERP environment and building repeatable reporting processes.

• Prior experience supporting a foreign-owned organization or working with global stakeholders.

• Patient and steady communication skills to work through language and cultural differences.

• Ability to bridge HR and Finance priorities and explain complex payroll data clearly.

• Proactive mindset with strong stakeholder management and a customer-service approach.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Pontiac, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $50.00/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 Pontiac,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 22, 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® 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.

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.