Payroll Specialist

Job Duties

Responsibilities

Payroll Processing

Process and reconcile bi-weekly or semi-monthly payroll within company payroll and timekeeping systems

Review employee timesheets for completeness, proper approvals, and compliance with company policies

Ensure accurate allocation of regular, overtime, and premium pay to the correct project codes

Process employee deductions including benefits, retirement contributions, garnishments, and levies

Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax requirements, including multi-state taxation

Timekeeping & Labor Reporting

Ensure all employee timesheets are submitted and approved according to company deadlines

Monitor compliance with project-based time reporting standards to support accurate job costing and billing

Review labor distribution reports to confirm hours are charged to appropriate projects and cost categories

Assist Project Managers and Project Accountants with labor corrections and reclassifications

Support month-end close by ensuring labor postings are accurate and reconciled

Compensation & Financial Reporting

Track and calculate PTO accruals, flex time balances, and related payouts according to company policies

Process final pay and PTO payouts for employee terminations

Reconcile payroll registers to the general ledger, including wage expenses, payroll taxes, and benefit deductions

Prepare payroll-related journal entries such as PTO accruals, bonus accruals, and payroll liabilities

Assist with year-end payroll processes including W-2 preparation and reconciliation

Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

Serve as a primary point of contact for employee payroll and timekeeping questions

Partner with HR to ensure accurate pay rates, benefit deductions, and accrual policies are applied

Coordinate with Accounting to ensure labor costs are recorded accurately for project reporting

Support internal and external audits by preparing payroll documentation and reports

Identify opportunities to improve payroll and timekeeping processes while maintaining strong internal controls

Qualifications

Education

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

Equivalent professional experience will be considered

Experience

4+ years of payroll or accounting experience

Experience in an Architecture/Engineering or professional services firm strongly preferred

Experience with project-based timekeeping and labor costing systems preferred

Skills

Strong attention to detail and accuracy

Working knowledge of payroll regulations and tax compliance

Ability to analyze payroll data and resolve discrepancies

Strong communication and collaboration skills

High level of integrity and discretion when handling confidential information

Work Authorization

This position requires authorization to work in the United States for any employer. We are unable to provide sponsorship for this role.

Benefits & Compensation

Hourly wage Range: $33 to $52 an hour depending on experience and qualifications. Candidates with significant experience may also be considered for a higher-level role with increased compensation.

Why Join MSA

Better Together – A collaborative work environment that promotes open doors, new ideas, and honest opinions.

Multi-disciplinary Opportunities – As multi-talented people in a multi-disciplinary firm, we encourage employees to explore interests, seek new experiences, and apply their skills where they can make the greatest impact.

We’ve Got Your Back – Support when you need it and independence when you don’t.

Commitment to DEIB – We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone can bring their authentic selves to work and where diverse perspectives drive innovation.

Passion & Purpose – We are passionate about what we do and proud of it. Join us to share ideas, “geek out,” and think big.

Communities of Practice – Our Communities of Practice bring together experts across disciplines to collaborate, share knowledge, and generate new ideas.

Additional Benefits

Eligible employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance for employees and eligible dependents

Paid Time Off: Minimum of 17 days in the first year

Paid Holidays: 8 holidays annually

Paid Parental Leave: 2 weeks for both parents, with additional paid leave for birth parents

Employer-Paid Insurance: Life, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): As a 100% employee-owned company, eligible employees receive company shares at no cost

401(k) Retirement Plan: With a generous employer match that is immediately 100% vested

Short-Term Incentive Program (STIP): Annual performance-based bonus opportunity

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

MSA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Minimum Education Required

BACHELOR DEGREE

Minimum Experience Required

4+ years of payroll or accounting experience.

Shift

First (Day)

Number of Openings

1

Compensation

$33.00 - $52.00 / Hourly

Postal Code

55107-1835

Job Type

Full Time

Place of Work

Hybrid

Requisition ID

3158

Job Benefits

Eligible employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance for employees and eligible dependents

Paid Time Off: Minimum of 17 days in the first year

Paid Holidays: 8 holidays annually

Paid Parental Leave: 2 weeks for both parents, with additional paid leave for birth parents

Employer-Paid Insurance: Life, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): As a 100% employee-owned company, eligible employees receive company shares at no cost

401(k) Retirement Plan: With a generous employer match that is immediately 100% vested

Short-Term Incentive Program (STIP): Annual performance-based bonus opportunity