Lead Payroll Tax & Compliance Specialist at Aston Carter

Lead Payroll Tax & Compliance Specialist

The Lead Payroll Tax & Compliance Specialist is a senior individual contributor responsible for leading the execution and continuous improvement of payroll tax operations and compliance activities. This role ensures accurate, timely, and compliant processing of federal, state, and local payroll tax filings, deposits, and reporting across multiple jurisdictions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the execution and optimization of daily payroll tax functions to ensure accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency.
• Serve as the senior subject matter expert on U.S. federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations and labor law compliance.
• Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and knowledge transfer to payroll team members without direct supervisory responsibility.
• Act as the escalation point for complex payroll tax issues, notices, and regulatory matters.
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of payroll tax deposits and filings across multiple operating companies and jurisdictions.
• Lead in-house multi-state tax processing for a large employee population (5,000+ employees).
• Oversee execution of new hire reporting, employment verifications, subpoenas, and wage garnishments.
• Coordinate and review retroactive tax adjustments, amended filings, and Form W-2 corrections for accuracy and compliance.
• Lead tax registrations in new jurisdictions and closure of inactive tax accounts.
• Monitor regulatory developments and assess impacts on payroll operations; recommend and implement necessary process or system changes.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification preferred.
• 57+ years of progressive experience in in-house, multi-state payroll tax processing for a large employee population (5,000+ employees).
• Demonstrated expertise in U.S. federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations and labor laws.
• Experience resolving tax notices and communicating directly with tax authorities.

Work Environment

The position offers a flexible work environment with a schedule of Monday to Friday, comprising three days in the office and two days remote, during regular business hours.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Fenton, MO.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $39.00 - $44.00/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 hybrid position in Fenton, MO.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 4, 2026.