Payroll Specialist

Job Summary

The payroll specialist will be responsible for processing weekly payroll for hourly and salaried employees. This role requires strong Excel skills, a solid understanding of payroll processes, and the ability to handle construction-specific pay components such as mileage, per diem, overtime, travel pay, and job-site variations. The Payroll Specialist will work closely with HR and field management to ensure accurate and timely payroll while maintaining compliance with company policies, state regulations, and federal guidelines.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Process weekly payroll for field and office employees, ensuring accuracy and adherence to established deadlines.
• Review, verify, and enter employee timecards, mileage logs, per diem records, and other payroll-related documentation.
• Maintain payroll records in compliance with federal, state, and company policies.
• Audit timesheets for accuracy, completeness, and proper approvals.
• Calculate and process special pay items such as overtime, travel pay, bonuses, deductions, and reimbursements.
• Reconcile payroll discrepancies and respond to employee payroll inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Coordinate with HR regarding new hires, terminations, pay changes, tax forms, and employee status updates.
• Prepare payroll reports for HR management, accounting, and auditors as needed.
• Assist with year-end tasks including W-2 distribution and payroll reporting.
• Ensure confidentiality of payroll and employee information at all times.

Work Environment

• Office-based with travel required for training or site visits.
• Must be able to sit and use a computer for extended periods.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher preferred (Accounting, Business, HR, or related field).
• 1-3 years of payroll experience, preferably in the construction or field-based workforce industry.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel (vlookups, pivot tables, formulas, data validation, etc.).
• Experience with mileage, per diem, and multi-state payroll is a strong plus.
• Knowledge of wage and hour laws, FLSA, and certified payroll is beneficial.
• Strong attention to detail with excellent organizational and analytical skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet strict deadlines.
• Strong communication and customer-service skills when interacting with employees and supervisors.
• Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Preferred Skills

• Experience with payroll and HRIS software.