Payroll Compliance Specialist

Payroll Compliance Specialist

St. Louis, MO (hybrid schedule)

*Opportunity to grow with a large organization in the STL area!

Job Description

The Payroll Compliance Specialist (Union CBA Wage & Pay Scale Specialist/Analyst) supports the accurate setup, maintenance, and administration of collective bargaining agreement (CBA) wage rates, pay scales, and union fringe benefit rates across a large, multi-state, multi-entity organization with multiple union affiliations. This role performs hands-on work building and maintaining labor rate sheets, preparing union benefit transmittals, and supporting union audits under the direction of the Union CBA Wage & Pay Scale Payroll Manager. The position requires strong attention to detail, comfort working with legally binding contract language, and an understanding that rate errors carry direct financial and compliance consequences. The specialist regularly partners with Payroll Processing, HR, Payroll Tax, Finance, union business agents, and trust fund representatives to ensure accurate union payroll, CBA interpretation, and administration of union wage and benefit structures.

Responsibilities

• Build, update, and maintain detailed labor rate sheets that reflect current union CBA wage rates, pay scales, and fringe benefit structures for multiple entities and states.
• Set up and maintain union wage and benefit configurations in payroll systems to ensure accurate calculation and payment of wages and fringe benefits.
• Prepare and submit union benefit transmittals in a timely and accurate manner, ensuring alignment with trust fund requirements and CBA provisions.
• Support union and internal audits by gathering documentation, explaining wage and benefit calculations, and resolving discrepancies related to CBA compliance.
• Interpret collective bargaining agreement language related to wages, pay scales, and fringe benefits, and translate contract terms into clear, actionable payroll rules.
• Perform benefit analysis related to union fringe benefits, identifying variances, trends, and potential compliance risks.
• Maintain accurate documentation of CBA wage and benefit structures, rate changes, and implementation decisions for audit and reference purposes.
• Monitor changes in CBAs, including new agreements and amendments, and update wage rates, pay scales, and benefit configurations accordingly.
• Ensure that wage and benefit setups comply with all applicable contract provisions and internal policies, recognizing the financial and compliance impact of errors.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of union payroll processes, tools, and documentation to support scalability in a rapidly growing organization.
• Provide guidance and support to internal stakeholders on union wage and benefit structures, answering questions and helping interpret CBA requirements.

Essential Skills

• 2–4+ years of payroll experience, including exposure to union or CBA wage and benefit administration in a multi-state environment.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage complex wage rates, pay scales, and fringe benefit structures accurately.
• Comfort working with legally binding contract language and translating CBA terms into practical payroll rules and configurations.
• Experience supporting union payroll processes, including wage and benefit setup, maintenance, and reconciliation.
• Ability to interpret collective bargaining agreements and understand union wage and benefit structures.
• Proficiency in benefit administration and benefit analysis related to union fringe benefits.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field; equivalent professional experience will be considered in place of a degree.
• Experience working in a rapidly growing organization, particularly one expanding through mergers and acquisitions.
• Familiarity with data-driven analysis of wage and benefit structures to support decision-making and process improvements.
• Comfort working in a dynamic environment influenced by industry growth, such as the data center or related sectors.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for interacting with internal teams and union business agents.
• Ability to organize and maintain comprehensive documentation for audits and internal reviews.

Work Environment

This role operates within a large, multi-state, multi-entity organization that is growing rapidly through mergers and acquisitions and expansion related to the data center industry. The position follows regular business hours and may start as early as 7:00 a.m., providing some flexibility at the beginning of the day. The work arrangement typically includes 2–3 days per week in the office, with the remaining days worked remotely, supporting a hybrid environment. The specialist works closely with payroll, HR, tax, finance, and union representatives, using standard office technologies and payroll systems in a professional setting focused on accuracy, compliance, and collaboration.

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

The pay range for this position is $36.00 - $40.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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)

This is a hybrid position in Fenton,MO.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 12, 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.