Payroll Specialist

MSA is seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Specialist in our St Paul MN office to support accurate and timely payroll processing with our Architecture, Engineering and Construction consulting firm. This role plays a critical part in ensuring payroll accuracy, maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and supporting project-based labor reporting that drives financial performance.

At MSA, we believe great people build great communities. As a 100% employee-owned ESOP firm
, our teammates share in the success of the company while working together to deliver impactful solutions for the communities we serve. We foster a collaborative environment where curiosity, innovation, and professional growth are encouraged.

• Process and reconcile bi-weekly or semi-monthly payroll within company payroll and timekeeping systems
• Review employee timesheets for completeness, proper approvals, and compliance with company policies
• Ensure accurate allocation of regular, overtime, and premium pay to the correct project codes
• Process employee deductions including benefits, retirement contributions, garnishments, and levies
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax requirements, including multi-state taxation

• Ensure all employee timesheets are submitted and approved according to company deadlines
• Monitor compliance with project-based time reporting standards to support accurate job costing and billing
• Review labor distribution reports to confirm hours are charged to appropriate projects and cost categories
• Assist Project Managers and Project Accountants with labor corrections and reclassifications
• Support month-end close by ensuring labor postings are accurate and reconciled

• Track and calculate PTO accruals, flex time balances, and related payouts according to company policies
• Process final pay and PTO payouts for employee terminations
• Reconcile payroll registers to the general ledger, including wage expenses, payroll taxes, and benefit deductions
• Prepare payroll-related journal entries such as PTO accruals, bonus accruals, and payroll liabilities
• Assist with year-end payroll processes including W-2 preparation and reconciliation

• Serve as a primary point of contact for employee payroll and timekeeping questions
• Partner with HR to ensure accurate pay rates, benefit deductions, and accrual policies are applied
• Coordinate with Accounting to ensure labor costs are recorded accurately for project reporting
• Support internal and external audits by preparing payroll documentation and reports
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll and timekeeping processes while maintaining strong internal controls

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field preferred
• Equivalent professional experience will be considered

• 4+ years of payroll or accounting experience
• Experience in an Architecture/Engineering or professional services firm strongly preferred
• Experience with project-based timekeeping and labor costing systems preferred

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Working knowledge of payroll regulations and tax compliance
• Ability to analyze payroll data and resolve discrepancies
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• High level of integrity and discretion when handling confidential information

This position requires authorization to work in the United States for any employer
. We are unable to provide sponsorship for this role.

Salary Range: $68,877 – $110,204 depending on experience and qualifications. Candidates with significant experience may also be considered for a higher-level role with increased compensation.

Better Together – A collaborative work environment that promotes open doors, new ideas, and honest opinions.

Multi-disciplinary Opportunities – As multi-talented people in a multi-disciplinary firm, we encourage employees to explore interests, seek new experiences, and apply their skills where they can make the greatest impact.

We’ve…