Payroll Administrator

The Payroll Administrator is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll for a construction workforce, ensuring full compliance with federal, state, local, and contract-specific wage and hour requirements. This role plays a critical part in supporting job cost accuracy, labor compliance, and employee confidence by partnering closely with accounting, HR, and field leadership.

The position reports to the Controller and works cross-functionally with project teams to ensure proper labor coding, certified payroll compliance, and payroll system integrity.

• Process weekly payroll for hourly and salaried reviewing and importing timecards, validating job and cost codes, and ensuring proper overtime calculations.
• Maintain compliance with all applicable wage and hour laws, including federal, state, and local regulations, as well as prevailing wage and certified payroll requirements.
• Prepare, review, and submit certified payroll reports for public works and other prevailing wage projects, including reconciliation of classifications, wage rates, fringes, and deductions.
• Set up and maintain employee records in the payroll system, including new hires, terminations, pay rate changes, deductions, garnishments, and benefit elections.
• Calculate and process payroll deductions, fringe benefits, and employer contributions (taxes, retirement plans, health insurance, etc.), coordinating with HR and accounting to ensure accurate postings and reconciliations.
• Assist with payroll-related audits, quarterly and year-end filings, and required reporting (e.g., 941s, W-2s, unemployment filings, workers’ compensation audits, and benefit or retirement plan audits).
• Serve as a point of contact for employee payroll questions, resolving issues related to pay, deductions, and timekeeping while maintaining strict confidentiality.
• Monitor payroll system performance and support system updates or process improvements to enhance accuracy, efficiency, internal controls, and documentation.
• Provide backup support for related accounting or administrative functions (such as limited AP or expense processing) when bandwidth allows.

• 3–5 years of payroll experience, preferably in a construction or project-based environment with exposure to multiple jobs and wage classifications.
• Strong working knowledge of payroll laws and regulations, including overtime rules, tax withholding, recordkeeping, and compliance requirements.
• Experience with certified payroll and prevailing wage reporting is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with payroll and construction or accounting software, along with strong Excel and general Microsoft Office skills.
• High attention to detail with strong organizational and time-management skills; ability to meet tight weekly payroll deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with accounting, HR, project management, and field leadership.
• Demonstrated discretion and professionalism when handling confidential employee and payroll information.