Payroll Specialist

Contract | Smarter HR Solutions LLC | United States

Posted On 06/05/2026

Construction

$35-$40/hour

City Houston

State/Province Texas

77002

**
* Please note:

This position is onsite and not remote. Candidates must be based in the Houston area, as relocation assistance is not provided. Only individuals authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship will be considered. ***

Job Type:
Contract to hire

Job Salary: $30-$40/hour (DOE)

Job Schedule:

M-F, 40 hrs/week

Job Location:

Houston, TX 77002

We are seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Specialist to join a growing organization within the construction industry
. This role will partner closely with HR and Accounting teams to ensure accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing while supporting tax filings, benefits reconciliation, and audit readiness.

The ideal candidate will bring strong payroll and accounting knowledge, a high level of accuracy, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

This position is a contract-to-hire role with eligibility for full-time conversion after 30 days based on performance evaluation.

• Process and oversee the full payroll cycle, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company policies and federal/state regulations
• Prepare and submit weekly EFTPS tax payments and reconcile payroll-related accounts
• Complete and reconcile quarterly payroll tax filings (Form 941)
• Manage 401(k) contributions
  , including weekly submissions and quarterly reconciliations
• Support employee stock or incentive programs and reconcile related accounts
• Maintain and administer payroll systems, including entering new hires, terminations, and employee updates
• Ensure payroll data is accurately posted to the general ledger
• Perform year-end processing
  , including W-2 preparation and reconciliation
• Assist with Form 5500 filings and provide documentation for audits
• Reconcile employee benefits, including medical plans
• Support implementation of process improvements and ensure compliance with internal controls (e.g., SOX)
• Collaborate with HR, Accounting, & leadership on payroll-related inquiries and reporting
• Perform additional payroll, HR, and accounting duties as needed

• 5+ years of payroll experience, preferably in construction or a similar industry
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Strong understanding of payroll regulations, tax filings, and compliance requirements
• Experience with payroll systems and accounting software
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Knowledge of construction payroll practices (e.g., multi-state payroll, job costing, or project-based workforce)
• Experience supporting audits and regulatory filings
• Advanced Excel skills
• Contract to hire position
• Fast-paced, collaborative environment supporting field and corporate operations
• May require occasional extended hours during peak payroll cycles or year-end processing