Payroll Specialist

Senior Payroll SpecialistPosition OverviewWe are seeking a Senior Payroll Specialist to lead end-to-end payroll operations for our construction-focused organization. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate, timely payroll processing and compliance with federal, state and local regulations, maintaining payroll-related accounting and reconciliations, and partnering with project and finance teams to support payroll needs for construction projects. The Senior Payroll Specialist will also maintain and optimize payroll systems (particularly Vista), strengthen internal controls, and support audit and year-end activities.

Key ResponsibilitiesManage full-cycle payroll processing for salaried, hourly and union employees, ensuring accurate and timely payroll runs.

Maintain payroll records and ensure payroll transactions are posted and reconciled to the general ledger.

Administer payroll-related accounting tasks including accruals, journal entries, and month-end close activities.

Ensure compliance with federal, state and local payroll tax laws, wage and hour regulations, and construction-specific reporting requirements.

Serve as the primary Vista payroll administrator: configure payroll elements, maintain employee and tax data, troubleshoot issues, and implement system updates.

Collaborate with project managers, HR and field teams to support job costing, certified payroll (where applicable), union reporting and correct pay allocations to construction projects.

Prepare and file payroll tax returns, support audits, and coordinate year-end processes (W-2s, 1099s, ACA reporting).Develop, document and enforce payroll internal controls and procedures to reduce risk and support audit readiness.

Provide leadership and mentoring to payroll and accounting staff, and coordinate with external vendors (payroll providers, tax agencies, benefit providers).Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes and system integrations, including potential Viewpoint interfaces and automation initiatives.

QualificationsBachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field, or equivalent work experience.1+ years of payroll experience, preferably in the construction, service, or field operations environments.

Strong accounting background with experience posting payroll to the general ledger and performing payroll reconciliations.

Proficiency with Vista payroll system (administration and daily operations) is preferred.

Hands-on knowledge of payroll taxes, multi-state payroll, certified payroll, garnishments and wage/hour compliance.

Experience working with construction payroll practices, job costing and project-based payroll allocations.

Advanced Excel skills and experience with payroll/accounting systems; experience integrating payroll data with ERP or project systems preferred.

Excellent attention to detail, analytical skills, and ability to manage confidential information.

Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally with HR, project teams and finance leadership.

Nice to have: experience supporting external audits, designing internal controls, and familiarity with Viewpoint software.

BenefitsEmployee Stock Ownership ProgramDiscretionary Annual Bonus'Health InsuranceDental InsuranceVision Insurance401k with Discretionary Company ContributionsPaid Time Off (Vacation; Sick Time)Paid Company HolidaysPaid Parental LeaveTuition Reimbursement ProgramEmployee Assistance ProgramGym Reimbursements