Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Position Summary The Payroll & Benefits Specialist is responsible for managing complex payroll operations, employee benefits administration, union payroll compliance, prevailing wage requirements, and certified payroll reporting. This role plays a critical part in ensuring payroll accuracy, regulatory compliance, and timely reporting for both private and public works projects. The ideal candidate has strong experience with multi-rate payroll, union reporting, Davis-Bacon compliance, certified payroll reporting, and benefits administration in construction, landscaping, or similar labor-intensive industries. This position requires exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, confidentiality, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment supporting field operations and office personnel. Essential Duties & Responsibilities Payroll Administration Process weekly payroll for hourly and salaried employees across multiple crews, departments, and job sites. Review and verify employee hours, job classifications, wage rates, fringe calculations, deductions, bonuses, and overtime. Maintain payroll accuracy while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws. Process payroll changes including new hires, promotions, terminations, rate changes, and garnishments. Audit payroll records and resolve discrepancies promptly. Prepare payroll reports, audits, and year-end payroll activities including W-2 processing. Respond to employee payroll questions professionally and timely. Union & Prevailing Wage Compliance Process union payroll including union deductions, fringe benefit calculations, and union reporting requirements. Ensure compliance with Davis-Bacon Act, prevailing wage laws, and project-specific labor requirements. Review wage determinations, labor classifications, and fringe allocations for public works projects. Coordinate with operations and project management teams to ensure accurate labor coding and classifications. Monitor prevailing wage updates and ensure payroll adjustments are implemented accurately. Maintain compliance records for government audits and contractor reviews. Certified Payroll Reporting Prepare, review, and submit certified payroll reports accurately and on time. Maintain supporting documentation required for certified payroll compliance. Ensure all certified payroll records comply with federal, state, local, and contractual requirements. Assist during payroll audits, labor compliance reviews, and government reporting requests. Investigate and resolve certified payroll discrepancies or reporting issues. Benefits Administration Administer employee benefits programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, and retirement plans. Manage employee enrollments, qualifying life events, terminations, and benefits changes. Assist employees with benefits questions and claims resolution. Coordinate open enrollment communications and employee education meetings. Ensure compliance with ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and related regulations. HR & Administrative Support Maintain accurate employee records within HRIS and payroll systems. Assist with onboarding, employment documentation, and compliance tracking. Support internal and external audits related to payroll, benefits, and labor compliance. Prepare employment verifications and payroll-related documentation as requested. Maintain strict confidentiality regarding employee and company information. Qualifications Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field preferred. Minimum of 3-5 years of payroll experience required. Experience with union payroll, prevailing wage, and certified payroll reporting strongly required. Experience in construction, landscaping, field services, or labor-intensive industries preferred. Experience with ADP. Strong understanding of payroll taxes, wage and hour laws, and employee benefits administration. Proficient in Microsoft Excel and payroll reporting. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information professionally. Bilingual English/Spanish preferred. Physical Requirements Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Ability to occasionally visit field locations and operational sites. Ability to occasionally lift up to 15 pounds. Compensation & Benefits Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications. Health, dental, vision, life insurance, and retirement benefits. Paid time off and company holidays. Professional development and training opportunities. .