Payroll Accountant Lead

Position Summary

The Lead Payroll Accountant will assist the Payroll Manager and team with the responsibility of all aspects of payroll operations and administration, and with paying our employees timely and accurately, along with ensuring compliance with Federal and State/Local tax regulatory requirements and all Collective Bargaining agreements.

This role requires experience with end-to-end payroll processing, and will assist with all processes, systems, and ensuring accuracy and integrity of accounting and internal controls. Also financial recordkeeping which includes the recording of financial transactions as needed, managing accounts and account reconciliations, and ensuring compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Additionally, this role will also support payroll system maintenance as needed.

This role will provide a high level of customer service to both internal departments and external customers. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, deadline-driven, and capable of handling complex payroll processes across multiple states and unions/collective bargaining agreements.

• Assist with mentoring junior payroll staff.
• Assist with delegating tasks to ensure efficient workflow within the payroll team.
• Assist in the development and implementation of payroll training programs.

• Maintain and update payroll system’s tables and employee records as needed.
• Assist in the implementation and maintenance of payroll software. This includes testing, table updates, and overall maintenance and support.
• Collaborate with IT and HR departments to resolve system issues as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance or equivalent experience preferred.
• 5 plus years of payroll experience, full-cycle payroll processing and with multi-state payrolls.
• Experience and proficiency with large payrolls and payroll software (e.g., COINS, ADP, Dayforce, UKG or In-House and Non Outsourced processing software).
• In-depth understanding of payroll practices, tax regulations, and wage and hour laws.
• FPC or CPP certification is a plus
• Prior experience with processing Union (Collective Bargaining Agreement) payrolls. Also Prevailing Wage and Certified payroll reporting is a plus.
• COINS ERP software knowledge is a plus.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, and the ability to multi-task in a deadline-driven environment. Also to remain flexible with required changes.
• Strong analytical skills. Attention to detail and accuracy and innovative problem-solving resolution skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision
• Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with intermediate to expert level ability to utilize EXCEL, MS Word, Power Point, Access, etc.
• Good verbal, written and active listening communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and service-oriented skills in interactions with customers and colleagues. An ability to interface with all levels of employees.
• Strong Team collaboration skills, and the ability to function as a member of a team. Able to transfer knowledge to junior level staff.
• Travel to our other Brandt Payroll team locations in Texas may be required.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Intermediate accounting knowledge.
• Experience with external audits.

As a 100% employee‑owned company, we offer a comprehensive benefits package for you and your family:

• 401(k) plan with 50% company match (no cap) and immediate 100% vesting
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (100% paid for employee)
• Annual bonus program based upon performance, achievement, and company profitability
• Term life, AD&D insurance, and voluntary life insurance
• Disability income protection insurance
• Pre‑tax flexible spending plans (health and dependent care)
• Paid parental leave
• Paid holidays, vacation, and personal time
• Training/professional development opportunities and company‑paid memberships for professional associations and licenses
• Wellness benefits

As one of the nation’s largest MEP companies, Southland Industries is built on the foundation of great people. Since 1949, we have put our people…