Senior Payroll Accountant

Senior Payroll Accountant
Job Type: Full-time
Location: Houston, Tx (office)
Reports To: Director of Accounting

Job Summary:
We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Senior Payroll Accountant to join our construction company's accounting team. This role is responsible for processing payroll, managing certified payroll compliance, handling retirement accounts and apprenticeship program contributions, and supporting other accounting functions as needed. The ideal candidate will have experience in construction payroll, prevailing wage compliance, and multi-state payroll processing.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Processing:

• Process weekly payroll for hourly and salaried employees, ensuring accuracy and compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws.
• Maintain employee payroll records, including earnings, deductions, and benefits.

Certified Payroll & Prevailing Wage Compliance:

• Prepare and submit certified payroll reports in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations (Davis-Bacon Act, state prevailing wage laws, etc.).
• Ensure accurate wage classification for employees on prevailing wage projects.
• Maintain proper documentation for compliance audits and reporting.

Apprenticeship/IRA Programs:

• Ensure compliance with state and federal apprenticeship program regulations.
• Coordinate with program administrators to submit required reports and payments.

401(k) Administration:

• Administer employee 401(k) plan contributions, including enrollments, deferrals, and employer matching.
• Work with plan administrators to process contributions and resolve discrepancies.
• Assist employees with 401(k) inquiries and provide support during open enrollment.

Other Accounting & Administrative Duties:

• Assist with job cost tracking and payroll allocations to specific projects.
• Reconcile payroll-related general ledger accounts.
• Support financial audits by providing necessary payroll and benefits data.
• Will fill in as a back up in accounts payable, accounts receivable, and other general accounting functions as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee payroll and financial data.

Qualifications & Skills

Education:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field preferred.

Experience:

• 5+ years of payroll processing experience in the construction industry, including certified payroll.
• Active Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification is required.

• Strong knowledge of prevailing wage laws
• Experience using payroll software
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of tax regulations related to payroll, benefits, and retirement plans.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with construction accounting software (e.g., Computer Ease)

Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development opportunities.