Certified Payroll Professional

Description We are looking for a Certified Payroll Specialist to support payroll compliance activities for a contract position based in Rhode Island. This role centers on certified payroll and prevailing wage administration while also requiring a strong grasp of broader payroll regulations across multiple jurisdictions. The ideal candidate can interpret compliance obligations, assess project-specific requirements, and work cross-functionally to ensure accurate reporting and documentation for public and prevailing wage work.

Responsibilities:

- Evaluate new projects to determine applicable certified payroll, prevailing wage, and related reporting obligations before work begins.

- Prepare, audit, and submit weekly certified payroll documentation, including WH-347 forms and other jurisdictional or client-required reports.

- Partner with operations and project stakeholders to gather labor details, validate supporting records, and confirm compliance requirements for each assignment.

- Interpret wage determinations, trade classifications, fringe benefit rules, and overtime provisions to ensure payroll accuracy on covered projects.

- Investigate and resolve reporting exceptions, rejected submissions, missing backup, and employee pay classification issues in a timely manner.

- Oversee certified payroll activity across multiple states and localities while keeping deadlines and filing requirements on track.

- Use certified payroll compliance platforms or similar tools to manage submissions and monitor status updates.

- Support broader payroll compliance efforts by identifying how payroll processing practices affect certified payroll accuracy and regulatory adherence. Requirements - 2-5 years of payroll experience, including direct responsibility for certified payroll and prevailing wage compliance.

- Hands-on knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations in a multi-state environment.

- Practical understanding of Davis-Bacon Act requirements, wage determinations, worker classifications, base pay rates, fringe calculations, and overtime rules.

- Experience reviewing project details and identifying applicable labor compliance obligations and required documentation.

- Ability to communicate payroll compliance requirements clearly and collaborate effectively with operations or project teams.

- Proficiency with Excel and strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

- Experience with certified payroll software platforms such as Elation Systems, LCPtracker, or related applications.

- Sage 300 experience and familiarity with construction-related contracts, billing, or project documentation are preferred.

Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.

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All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit  for more information.

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