Senior Payroll Specialist

Position Summary

The Senior Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of payroll for a multi-state workforce while serving as a subject matter expert in certified payroll reporting and prevailing wage compliance. This position manages complex payroll transactions, ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and prepares certified payroll reports for public works and government-funded projects. The Senior Payroll Specialist partners closely with Human Resources, Accounting, Project Management, and Operations to support payroll accuracy, compliance, and employee satisfaction.

Essential Responsibilities

Payroll Processing & Administration

• Process full-cycle payroll for exempt and non-exempt employees on a weekly, bi-weekly, or semi-monthly basis.
• Audit payroll data for accuracy, including hours worked, earnings, deductions, taxes, garnishments, and benefit elections.
• Review payroll registers and resolve discrepancies before payroll transmission.
• Maintain employee payroll records in the payroll and HRIS systems.
• Reconcile payroll-related accounts and assist with month-end and year-end close activities.
• Prepare payroll journal entries and assist with general ledger reconciliations.

Certified Payroll Compliance

• Prepare and submit certified payroll reports in accordance with Davis-Bacon Act requirements and other prevailing wage regulations.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws governing public works projects.
• Monitor prevailing wage determinations and verify employee classifications, wage rates, and fringe benefits.
• Maintain certified payroll documentation and support audits by government agencies and prime contractors.
• Coordinate with project managers and field supervisors to ensure accurate labor allocation and reporting.

Tax & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations.
• Process payroll tax filings, wage attachments, garnishments, and levies.
• Assist with quarterly and annual payroll tax reporting, including W-2s and other required filings.
• Respond to payroll tax notices and inquiries from regulatory agencies.

Reporting & Analysis

• Generate payroll reports for management, Accounting, HR, and external stakeholders.
• Assist with labor cost reporting, workforce analytics, and project-specific payroll reporting.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls, and system efficiencies.
• Support payroll audits and compliance reviews.

Employee & Internal Support

• Serve as a primary point of contact for payroll-related questions and issue resolution.
• Provide guidance to managers and employees regarding payroll policies, deductions, taxes, and certified payroll requirements.
• Train and mentor junior payroll staff as needed.

Qualifications

Education

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and payroll experience will be considered.

Experience

• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience.
• Minimum 2 years of certified payroll and prevailing wage reporting experience.
• Experience processing multi-state payroll.
• Experience supporting payroll audits and regulatory compliance reviews.
• Construction, engineering, government contractor, or public works industry experience strongly preferred.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401k retirement account with employer match.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Long- and short-term disability.

Pay Details: $70,000.00 to $90,000.00 per year

Search managed by: Matthew Nolan

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Military connected talent encouraged to apply

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.lhh.com/us/en/candidate-privacy

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.