Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for processing accurate and timely payroll for a multi-site construction organization, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. This role supports field operations, project managers, and HR by maintaining clean payroll data, resolving discrepancies, and processing complex construction labor transactions.

Key Responsibilities

• Process weekly payroll for field and office employees across multiple states.
• Validate and reconcile timecard submissions from job sites, foremen, and project teams; follow up on missing, inaccurate, or incomplete entries.
• Maintain employee payroll records, job classifications, pay rates, per diem, reimbursements, and job cost allocations.
• Collaborate closely with HR, Operations, and Accounting to resolve payroll discrepancies and ensure labor costs are coded correctly by project, phase, and cost code.
• Monitor compliance with company policies, state labor laws, multi-state tax rules, and industry regulations.
• Assist in year-end activities, including W-2 preparation, audits, and reconciliations.
• Support system upgrades, process improvements, audits, and integrations with timekeeping, ERP, or HRIS systems.
• Provide excellent customer service to employees and field supervisors regarding payroll questions, earnings, deductions, garnishments, and tax withholding.

Required Qualifications

• 2-4 years of payroll experience, preferably within construction or a similar project-based environment.
• Experience with construction timekeeping or ERP systems
• Strong understanding of wage and hour laws, multi-state payroll tax regulations, and payroll best practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and payroll software.
• High attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Experience with large, multi-site construction or construction services employers.
• Knowledge of job costing and labor allocation processes.

Key Competencies

• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Time management and prioritization
• Confidentiality and professionalism
• Customer service and communication
• Analytical and reconciliation abilities
• Ability to collaborate with field and office teams

Physical Work Environment

• Office environment requiring extended periods of computer use, sitting, and in-person and virtual communication.
• Frequent use of computers, keyboards, and other office equipment.
• Ability to remain seated for extended periods of time.
• Occasional standing, walking, or moving throughout the office.
• May require occasional lifting of office materials up to approximately 10-20 pounds.
• Noise level is generally quiet to moderate.

Equal Employment Opportunity

RPG is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in employment on account of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, criminal history, ancestry, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status, or discharge from military service. RPG provides its services to many clients in their various business sectors who may have physical, mental, pre-employment screening and/or citizenship requirements. These requirements are driven by contracts and/or security requirements that RPG is required to adhere to, and which may vary between clients and their respective high-security industries. Misrepresentation or falsification of qualifications or background information is grounds for termination, denial of employment and/or disqualification from future employment