Construction Payroll Manager

Woocheen•Signal Hill, CA

27d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Construction Payroll Manager will work under the direction of the Corporate Controller and be responsible for processing multi-state payroll ensuring all essential functions are completed timely and accurately. This position regularly exercises discretion in the review, audit and maintenance of employee timesheets and payroll accounting records. Administers a variety of payroll adjustments and changes to employee payroll data, when necessary. Works to ensure accuracy of records, and ensures compliance with local, state and federal regulations. Serves as the Department of Industrial (DIR) and state specific Prevailing Wage (PW) subject matter expert. This role can be hybrid or virtual within the state of California.

Requirements

Comprehensive, hands-on knowledge with at least 12 years of experience in labor compliance within the California construction industry, specifically DIR, PW, DBA, PLA, and SCA frameworks
Exceptional analytical capacity to reconcile discrepancies between conflicting union rules, federal determinations, and internal project costing
Intermediate computer skills with proven understanding of payroll systems
Thorough understanding of the importance of confidentiality and non-disclosure according to the general standards set forth by HIPAA
Ability to exercise a high degree of diplomacy and tact, exhibiting excellent customer service and interpersonal communication skills both written and verbal
Collaborate effectively within the team and across departments to achieve shared goals
Proficiency processing payroll within the construction industry
Experience with government contracts and familiarity with unions
Highly organized professional with an attention to detail possessing a track record of meeting all deadlines
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software
Cloud based payroll systems, preferably Ceridian Dayforce, Sage 300CRE, and HH2
Ability to work independently, multi-task in an organized manner daily with variable deadlines and shifting priorities

Nice To Haves

Active CPP designation preferred
Intermediate Excel skills (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP, IF statements)

Responsibilities

Lead and execute end-to-end weekly payroll processing for 100+ employees across union, non-union, PLA, and prevailing wage environments
Oversee the review, validation, and approval of timekeeping data to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance prior to processing
Manage the weekly payroll workflow, including preparation and validation in Sage and transmission to Dayforce for payroll execution
Ensure accuracy and integrity of data flow between Sage (ERP/job costing) and Dayforce, including troubleshooting discrepancies and driving process improvements
Interpret and apply wage determinations, including California DIR, prevailing wage, and PLA requirements, ensuring full compliance across projects
Ensure payroll is processed in accordance with applicable wage determinations by accurately applying required rates, classifications, and fringe obligations
Oversee the calculation and administration of bona fide fringe benefits and ensure proper offsets on prevailing wage (PW) projects
Manage processing of wage garnishments, levies, and other court-ordered deductions in compliance with regulatory requirements
Direct employee data management activities, including onboarding, status changes, and terminations, ensuring accuracy and system integrity
Administer and optimize payroll and timekeeping systems (e.g., Sage 300, HH2), including configuration, maintenance, and process improvements
Ensure proper assignment of Workers’ Compensation class codes
Responsible for payroll reconciliations, variance analysis, and issue resolution; ensure timely and accurate payroll adjustments
Maintain payroll reporting and support financial, operational, and compliance reporting needs
Develop and maintain burdened labor rates using established assumptions to support operational cost estimating and financial planning
Apply and manage advanced knowledge of construction cost coding and accounting practices to ensure proper classification and reporting of labor costs
Prepare and submit weekly payroll-related liability journal entries for entry into the ERP system
Ensure full compliance with California DIR regulations, federal labor standards, and applicable state laws by monitoring regulatory changes and implementing necessary process updates
Partner closely with the Certified Payroll Specialist to support audit activities (DOL, DIR, and other agencies), including assisting with preparation, documentation, and responses
Provide leadership-level support for employee payroll inquiries, including complex issues related to deductions, accruals, and fringe benefits
Identify and implement process improvements, controls, and best practices to enhance payroll efficiency, accuracy, and compliance
Ensure accurate and timely preparation, reconciliation, and filing of all payroll tax returns, including federal, state, and local requirements, and oversee the accurate year-end processing and issuance of Form W 2s.
Other duties as assigned