Payroll Specialist

Payroll SpecialistThe Payroll Lead is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the payroll process, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and timely execution of payroll operations. This role performs the day-to-day payroll functions, prepares payroll documentation, and works closely with HR, Finance, and external vendors to manage payroll systems and reporting. This position performs and manages prevailing wage reporting, assists with payroll audits, and year-end payroll activities.Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesPayroll Review & ProcessingReview and approve employee data changes in payroll system.Enter and/or review employee updates entered in Deltek (Accounting System).Process bi-weekly and weekly payrolls for review, as needed.Perform the first-level review of bi-weekly and weekly payrolls.Prepare payroll recap reports highlighting payroll changes and anomalies.Collaborate with payroll team for corrections and coordinate final reviews as needed.Assist with maintaining internal control processes for payroll team for payroll generation and other payroll team assignments.Respond to employee payroll questions and requests.Tax and ComplianceProcess employee tax withholding updates within the payroll system.Assist with quarterly payroll tax filings prepared by the payroll provider.Assist with state payroll reporting and correspondence.Maintain employee payroll records and supporting documentation.Ensure payroll records are complete and audit-ready.Prevailing Wage OversightMaintain Prevailing Wage (PW) rate schedules for WY Inspectors.Process weekly uploads for WY Inspectors to the DIR (Department of Industrial Relations).Track prevailing wage requirements for subcontractors on active projects.Review certified payroll reports for completeness prior to management review.Accounting InterfaceAssist and/or review payroll journal entries in Deltek.Maintain payroll reconciliations and supporting documentation.Assist with payroll-related reporting requests.Reporting & AuditsAssist with preparation of quarterly census reports.Assist with the annual Workers' Compensation audit.Assist with payroll year-end processing and reconciliation.Coordinate with HR to schedule any additional year-end payroll runs.Maintain payroll files and documentation for audits.QualificationsRequired Education and/or ExperienceA minimum of 3 years of related experiencePreferred Education and/or ExperienceExperience in Certified Payroll and CA Prevailing Wage processes.Excellent verbal and written communication skillsFlexibility and ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and collaborate with teammates in a fast-paced environmentSelf-motivated, well-organized and detail-orientedAbility to handle confidential informationProficiency with payroll softwareTravel Requirements*This position may require travel to other offices and/or client offices.A Little About the West Yost LifeYou will experience many opportunities to grow and develop professionally with your colleagues through collaborative in-person work experience, knowledge sharing, and mentorship opportunities. We also offer hybrid and flexible work schedules to our employees to help promote and encourage a healthy work/life balance. All of our team members have access to local and company-wide events, our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Workgroup, Culture Workgroup, Wellness Workgroup, book clubs, charitable giving and community service, firm-wide resources, peer groups (young professionals & middlers group), and mentorship and leadership programs. We support and foster your career success and encourage you to be in control of your future with us.At West Yost, we make space for connection across the firm. Each month, we hold an all-hands meeting that bring together team members from every location, including those working remotely, to stay aligned and engaged. Individual sectors and teams also hold their own monthly meeting. At the local level, our offices host gatherings, from camping trips and river rafting to community events and celebrations.Once a year, we come together in person for our Annual All Staff event, a firmwide experience focused on learning, networking, and building relationships across teams. That evening, we continue our longest-standing tradition, the Duck Dinner, where West Yosters are encouraged to bring a guest and enjoy a night of great food, connection, and entertainment.We work hard, and we place equal value on having fun.Our commitment to quality begins with our hiring practices. We employ the most talented team members in our industry from all backgrounds. We are highly selective of the individuals we choose to represent the firm, seeking only those individuals whose technical abilities and commitment to client service matches our vision for excellence. We are dedicated to our number one asset, our employees. Because we are employee-owned, we are responsible for and rewarded by our own success. Come to West Yost where, with our support, you'll do the best work of your life.Standard BenefitsWe provide a comprehensive array of valuable benefits to protect your health, your family, and your way of life. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health saving accounts (with West Yost contribution), paid vacation, paid sick leave and holidays, two employee assistance programs, travel assistance program, 401(k) profit sharing with employer match, leaves of absence with additional supplemental paid time off, parental leave, life and AD&D insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, and even pet insurance.Other Unique BenefitsYou'll be provided with support in on-going education through our 529 college savings plan/student loan repayment program, tuition reimbursement, paid professional memberships, paid training, and Leadership Academy programs. You'll be recognized for your contributions at West Yost through milestone anniversary benefits, peer to peer recognition programs, the potential for employee stock ownership, annual monetary and paid time off bonuses, performance-based bonus eligibility, merit increase eligibility, and employee referral bonuses. We also offer a wellness reimbursement.West Yost Associates is an Affirmative Action Participant EOE/M/F/D/V. West Yost Associates provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.