Bilingual (E/S) Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Payroll & Benefits Specialist

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.

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 35 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.