Senior Payroll & Benefits Specialist

What We Do

At Terabase Energy , we believe thatdigitalizationandautomationwill drive the next wave ofinnovationandcost reductionin large scale solar. To fully unlock the potential of this opportunity,Terabaseis developing an interconnected software and construction automation platform. We work alongside project developers, owners, and engineering & construction firms to support the design, optimization, and construction of huge solar projects around the world. Our team is a blend of solar-industry veterans and newbies, thought-leaders, dreamers, software, electrical and mechanical engineers, coders, product managers, project managers, and sales and marketing professionals.

We are based in Northern California, with several other offices in the United States and around the world. Ifall ofthis piques your interest, we’d love to hear from you!

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Payroll & Benefits Lead to own end-to-end payroll operations and benefits administration across our US and international workforce. This is a hands-on ownership role: you will directly run US payroll, serve as the review and approval authority for international and EOR (Employer of Record) payrolls, and manage benefits programs globally. You will be the subject-matter expert ensuring employees are paid accurately, on time, and in full compliance across every jurisdiction in which we operate.

The ideal candidate combines deep US multi-state payroll expertise, particularly in California, with hands-on certified payroll experience in construction environments and experience overseeing international payroll through in-country providers and EOR platforms. A strong controls mindset for reconciliation, audit readiness, and compliance is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and process end-to-end US payroll on a semi-monthly cycle, including regular wages, bonuses, commissions, equity-related transactions, off-cycle runs, and terminations
• Maintain accurate payroll records for multi-state operations, including state/local tax registrations, SUI rates, and jurisdiction setup for new work locations
• Manage payroll tax compliance: filings, amendments, agency notices, W-2/W-2c processing, and year-end close
• Process garnishments, levies, and other involuntary deductions in compliance with applicable regulations
• Partner with Accounting on payroll journal entries, GL mapping, accruals, and month-end close support

• Prepare and submit certified payroll reports (federal WH-347 and state equivalents, including California DIR eCPR and New York certified payroll submissions) for public works and government-funded construction projects. Experience working under the IRA.
• Ensure compliance with Davis-Bacon and Related Acts and state prevailing wage laws, including correct worker classifications, wage determinations, and fringe benefit calculations/credits
• Maintain project-level payroll records to support certified payroll audits, agency inquiries, and contractor/subcontractor compliance requirements
• Coordinate with project management and field operations to capture accurate hours, classifications, and project coding for prevailing wage work
• Monitor apprenticeship utilization requirements and related reporting where applicable

• Serve as the review and approval authority for international payroll runs processed through in-country payroll providers and EOR platforms
• Validate gross-to-net calculations, statutory contributions, and one-time items (bonuses, allowances, expense reimbursements) prior to approving each cycle
• Reconcile EOR invoices against approved payroll registers; identify and resolve discrepancies before payment
• Monitor statutory changes in international jurisdictions and coordinate with providers to ensure compliant implementation
• Manage payroll calendars across all entities and providers to ensure on-time funding and payment

• Administer US benefits programs (medical, dental, vision, life/disability, 401(k), FSA/HSA, COBRA), including open enrollment, new hire enrollment, qualifying life events, and terminations
• Perform monthly benefits reconciliations: carrier invoices vs. enrollment records vs. payroll deductions; resolve variances and recover/correct as needed
• Manage 401(k) administration, including contribution funding, compliance testing support, and annual audit coordination
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, and related reporting requirements (e.g., 1094/1095, 5500 filings)

• Oversee international benefits programs, whether delivered through EOR platforms, local brokers, or direct carrier arrangements
• Evaluate country-specific statutory and supplemental benefit requirements; benchmark offerings to remain competitive and compliant
• Coordinate benefit renewals, plan changes, and employee communications across international locations
• Serve as escalation…