Payroll Specialist

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Ground Up Road Construction, Inc. provides asphalt milling, asphalt pulverization, and in-place soil stabilization services across the Pacific Northwest. The company operates a modern fleet of milling machines to support projects ranging from small repairs to large civil and public works undertakings. Founded in 1993, Ground Up has long-standing relationships with public agencies and private clients, built on a commitment to quality, safety, and reliable performance. With strong experience in prevailing wage and public works requirements, the company is based in Sumner, WA and serves roadway and heavy civil construction projects throughout the region.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for accurate, timely processing of company payroll on a bi-weekly basis and serves as a key point of contact for employees on payroll and basic HR-related questions. This role requires close attention to detail, familiarity with prevailing wage and certified payroll requirements, and the ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive employee information.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Process bi-weekly payroll for hourly and salaried employees accurately and on schedule

Maintain and audit employee time records, ensuring proper coding of job costing, overtime, and prevailing wage hours

Prepare and submit certified payroll reports for public works and prevailing wage projects

Process new hire setup, employee changes, garnishments, and terminations within the payroll system

Reconcile payroll data and resolve discrepancies with field supervisors, project managers, and employees

Support HR functions including onboarding paperwork, benefits enrollment coordination, and maintaining accurate employee files

Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, including WA L&I prevailing wage rules

Respond to employee questions regarding pay, deductions, and timekeeping in a timely and professional manner

Assist with payroll tax filings, workers' compensation reporting, and year-end processes (W-2s, etc.)

Maintain strict confidentiality of employee and payroll information

QUALIFICATIONS

2+ years of payroll processing experience, ideally in construction or another prevailing-wage industry

Working knowledge of certified payroll and Washington State prevailing wage requirements a plus

Experience with payroll software (e.g., ADP, DAPT, or similar) preferred

Strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy under deadline pressure

Solid understanding of basic HR practices and employment law fundamentals

Proficient in Microsoft Excel and comfortable learning new systems

Excellent communication skills and a customer-service mindset toward employees at all levels

High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree or payroll certification (FPC/CPP) a plus

WHAT WE OFFER

Competitive hourly wage, based on experience

Health, dental, and vision insurance Ground Up covers 80% of employee medical/vision and 100% of employee dental

401(k) plan with a 3% company contribution regardless of employee participation, eligible the 1st of the quarter after six months of employment

Paid time off

A stable, growing company with room to take on more responsibility