Job Title : Payroll Manager
Department : Finance / Human Resources
Reports To : Chief Financial Officer (CFO) or Director of Human Resources
Location : Corporate Headquarters (with oversight of national payroll operations)
Position Summary
The Payroll Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of payroll processing for a national construction organization with multi-state operations, union and non-union workforces, and both field and salaried personnel. This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, collective bargaining agreements, certified payroll requirements, and internal controls. The Payroll Manager serves as the companys subject matter expert for all payroll matters and partners closely with Accounting, HR, and Project Management teams to ensure accurate and timely wage payments.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll Administration
- Manage end-to-end payroll processing for all employees across multiple entities, states, and job sites.
- Ensure accurate and timely biweekly or weekly payrolls for union and non-union staff.
- Oversee certified payroll reporting for public works and prevailing wage projects.
- Verify timekeeping data and resolve discrepancies between field reports and project systems.
- Maintain compliance with wage garnishments, benefits deductions, PTO accruals, and tax withholdings.
Compliance & Reporting
Ensure payroll operations comply with federal, state, and local labor and tax laws.Manage multi-state and local tax filings and reconcile payroll tax accounts.Oversee certified payroll and union reporting, including Davis-Bacon Act requirements.Collaborate with auditors during internal and external payroll or labor compliance audits.Maintain accurate employee records and confidentiality in accordance with company policy.Systems & Process Management
Manage and optimize payroll systems (e.g., UKG, QuickBooks, Viewpoint, CMiC, Sage, or similar construction ERP systems).Partner with IT and HR to streamline data flow between timekeeping, HRIS, and accounting systems.Develop and maintain process documentation, standard operating procedures, and internal controls.Implement continuous improvements to payroll processes to enhance accuracy and efficiency.Leadership & Collaboration
Supervise payroll specialists or coordinators; provide training, development, and performance feedback.Collaborate with HR on new hires, terminations, and benefit changes impacting payroll.Support Finance with monthly accruals, job costing, and labor burden analysis.Serve as a payroll advisor to project management teams and field operations.Qualifications
Education & Experience
Bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred.Minimum 710 years of progressive payroll experience, including 3+ years in a leadership role.Experience with construction industry payroll , including union, prevailing wage, and certified payroll reporting.Strong knowledge of multi-state payroll regulations and construction job cost accounting .Experience with ERP systems (e.g., UKG, QuickBooks, CMiC, Viewpoint Vista, Sage 300 CRE) preferred.Construction or Manufacturing sector experience highly desirableSkills & Competencies
Deep understanding of payroll compliance, taxation, and labor law.Advanced Excel and data analysis skills.Excellent communication and cross-departmental collaboration abilities.High attention to detail, accuracy, and confidentiality.Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) credential preferred.Compensation & Benefits
Competitive base salary (typically $110,000$160,000, depending on region and company size).Annual performance bonus eligibility.Comprehensive benefits : health, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, PTO, and professional development support.