Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist

MSA is seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Specialist 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.

The Payroll Specialist works closely with Accounting and Human Resources to ensure payroll data, time reporting, and labor allocations are accurate and aligned with company policies and project requirements. This role can be out of any of our WI, IL, IA or MN offices.

• 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.

Hourly Pay Range: $30 to $48/hr 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 Got Your Back – Support when you need it and independence when you don't.

Commitment to DEIB – We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone can bring their authentic selves to work and where diverse perspectives drive…