Senior Payroll Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Senior Payroll Specialist

Des Moines, IA

Why Basepoint Building Automations

Basepoint was built on the belief that the best companies are owned by the people who show up every day to do the work.  As an employee-owned building automation company, we approach every project with a long-term mindset, shared accountability, and pride in doing the work right. Our people are owners, which means higher standards, stronger teamwork, and a long-term mindset. When the company succeeds, we all succeed.

About the Position:

The Senior Payroll Specialist plays a key role in ensuring employees are paid accurately, on time, and in compliance with federal, state, local, and union requirements. This position manages weekly multi-state payroll for union and non-union employees, oversees payroll tax filings and reporting, supports certified payroll and union audit requirements, and administers to year-end payroll activities. As the subject matter expert for payroll and time and attendance, this role partners closely with Finance, resolves employee questions and discrepancies, and maintains accurate records that support a reliable and compliant payroll process.

What We Have to Offer:

• Paid Time Off
• 9 Paid Holidays
• Generous Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Spending Accounts – HSA, FSA, DCFSA
• Company Paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program

What You’ll Do

• Process weekly payroll for both union and non-union employees across multiple states, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company policies, union agreements, and legal requirements.
• Oversee tax filings, including unemployment insurance (UE) and withholdings, on a semi-monthly, monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.
• Prepare and submit monthly reports to the Department of Labor, detailing the number of hours worked.
• Process garnishments and child support orders according to legal requirements, ensuring accurate deductions from employee paychecks.
• Ensure compliance with all payroll regulations and laws, staying up to date with any changes in legislation.
• Prepare and submit annual tax filings, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local tax requirements.
• Provide yearly union-related pension plan annual funding notices to Finance as needed for audits.
• Prepare and submit monthly as well as other required union-related reports ensuring accuracy and compliance with local and state laws and with union agreements.
• Respond to union audit requests, providing necessary documentation and information in a timely manner.
• Prepare and submit certified payroll reports for government contracts.
• Process final paychecks for terminated employees.
• Act as the primary contact for employee 401k inquires to include loan and hardship requests.
• Conduct year-end payroll activities and reporting.
• Prepare and distribute W-2 forms to employees, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in accordance with IRS guidelines.
• Conduct monthly payroll audits to ensure accuracy and compliance with union agreements.
• Serve as the payroll and time & attendance subject matter expert.
• Respond the employee inquiries and resolve payroll discrepancies.
• Serve as primary liaison between payroll and finance department.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and documentation for both union and non-union.
• Remain available and logged into the company-wide phone queue to answer questions and direct customers to the correct person.
• Additional duties and projects as assigned.

What You’ll Need (must haves and nice to have)

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field preferred but not required.
• 4 or more years of progressive payroll experience
• Demonstrated proficiency processing payroll in HRIS or ERP systems.
• Understanding of payroll deductions including differentiation between pre-tax and post-tax deductions; taxability rules for various fringe benefits; and union dues and fees
• Understanding of wage garnishment laws and processing procedures
• Experience with payroll reconciliation and audit processes
• Working knowledge of payroll-related compliance including FLSA and ACA reporting
• Experience with benefits deduction verification and reconciliation
• Intermediate Excel skills including pivot tables and formulas
• Proven analytical skills with demonstrated ability to identify and resolve data discrepancies.
• Strong attention to detail with ability to maintain accuracy.
• Excellent communication skills with ability to explain complex payroll concepts to all levels of staff.
• Problem-solving mindset with proactive approach to identifying process improvements.
• Experience managing union payroll processing preferred.
• Comprehensive knowledge of certified payroll requirements and Davis-Bacon Act compliance preferred.
• Experience with multi-state tax regulations and filing requirements preferred.
• Experience managing year-end payroll processes including W-2 preparation and distribution preferred.