Position Summary
The Senior Payroll Administrator is responsible for managing end-to-end payroll processing for approximately 500 employees across multiple states and job classifications (field and office). This role ensures payroll compliance with federal and state laws, supports job cost allocation, and partners closely with HR, accounting, and project teams. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of multi-state payroll, prevailing wage compliance, and certified payroll reporting in a construction setting.
Key Responsibilities:
Payroll Processing & Compliance
- Manage bi-weekly payroll processing for field and office employees using Sage Intacct.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws, including prevailing wage, Davis-Bacon, and union agreements.
- Process new hires, terminations, wage changes, garnishments, bonuses, PTO, and deductions.
- Maintain accurate employee and job records in payroll and ERP systems.
Certified Payroll & Job Costing
- Generate and submit certified payroll reports (WH-347 and others) to clients and agencies as required.
- Collaborate with project managers and cost accountants to ensure accurate job costing and labor allocations.
- Audit time entries and ensure proper application of fringe benefits, shift differentials, and overtime rules.
Reporting & Reconciliation
- Prepare payroll summaries, tax reports, and labor cost reports for finance and operations.
- Reconcile payroll-related accounts (wages payable, taxes, benefits) and assist with monthly close.
- Respond to internal and external audits and agency inquiries.
Process Improvement & Oversight
- Develop and maintain standard operating procedures for payroll operations.
- Lead system upgrades, integrations, and enhancements to improve payroll accuracy and efficiency.
- Train and mentor junior payroll or HR support staff, as applicable.
Qualifications
- 5+ years of payroll experience, with at least 3 years in a construction or subcontractor environment.
- Strong knowledge of and experience in multi-state payroll regulations, Davis-Bacon, and certified payroll practices.
- Proficient with payroll/ERP systems such as Sage Intacct.
- Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups) and high attention to detail.
- Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) is a plus but not required.
Preferred Experience
- Experience in a prevailing wage environment and public works compliance.
- Exposure to benefits reconciliation, 401(k) audits, and payroll tax filings (W-2, 940/941).
- Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus for field communication.