Payroll & Benefits Manager

Roers•Fargo, ND

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Payroll & Benefits Manager is a hands-on role responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll and administration of employee benefits for a construction and property management organization. This position directly processes payroll and has oversight and execution responsibility for implementing, maintaining, and reviewing timekeeping and payroll systems to ensure accurate processing of salaries, benefits, garnishments, taxes, and other deductions. The Payroll & Benefits Manager ensures compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations, union agreements, certified payroll, prevailing wage, and Davis-Bacon Act requirements. Working closely with HR, Finance, and field operations, the role supports payroll and benefits accuracy across multiple job sites, entities, and complex pay structures. Additional responsibilities include processing payroll updates such as new hires, terminations, and pay rate changes; overseeing benefits administration; maintaining personnel and payroll records; preparing payroll reports; and ensuring ongoing compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. This summary outlines the key components of the position, with additional duties assigned as needed.

Requirements

Associate or bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, or related field (or equivalent experience)
3-5 years of previous hands-on payroll and benefits administration experience
Experience with payroll, timekeeping, and accounting systems
High degree of accuracy and attention to detail
Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to handle confidential information
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Professional interaction with employees, vendors, and leadership
Ability to adapt to change and support a growing organization
Strong organizational and time-management skills
Commitment to teamwork, continuous learning, and professional development

Nice To Haves

Experience in construction or property management payroll environments. Sage 300 experience very beneficial.
Knowledge of certified payroll, prevailing wage, and Davis-Bacon compliance

Responsibilities

Process weekly payroll for hourly and exempt employees using a consistent, accurate, and efficient process
Enter, maintain, and audit employee payroll data including pay rates, job codes, labor classifications, direct deposits, and deductions
Process timecards and time records, ensuring accuracy and resolving errors related to system uploads or manual entry
Process off-cycle payrolls, manual checks, payroll corrections, and retroactive adjustments
Make pay adjustments for raises, bonuses, commissions, and other compensation or benefit-related changes
Perform internal payroll processing, bank file uploads, and paystub vendor uploads
Process payroll for prevailing wage and Davis-Bacon–covered projects, ensuring correct wage determinations, classifications, and fringe benefit allocations (cash vs. benefit)
Prepare, review, and submit certified payroll reports in compliance with federal, state, and local requirements
Maintain accurate records of wage determinations, worker classifications, work locations, and fringe benefit calculations
Respond to certified payroll audits, discrepancies, and inquiries from general contractors, owners, and government agencies
Maintain current knowledge of payroll rules, regulations, and labor laws to ensure company compliance
Prepare, review, and submit federal, state, and local payroll tax filings, including quarterly Forms 941 and state equivalents
Reconcile payroll tax liabilities and coordinate timely payments
Complete year-end payroll processing including W-2 and 1099 preparation and distribution
Critically review payroll, benefits, and tax procedures and recommend improvements to support best-practice operations
Complete all required payroll- and benefits-related reporting within established deadlines
Administer employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, voluntary benefits, and wellness offerings
Serve as the primary point of contact for employee and management questions related to benefits
Lead and manage the annual open enrollment process, including employee communications, system setup, and vendor coordination
Administer 401(k) and retirement plans, including enrollments, contributions, employer match calculations, and reconciliations
Set up, maintain, and reconcile benefit deductions (pre-tax and post-tax)
Maintain PTO accrual balances, including monthly accrual processing and tracking of usage
Coordinate benefit enrollments, terminations, and billing reconciliation with vendors and brokers
Process child support orders and other garnishments, ensuring accurate calculations, documentation, and timely remittance
Manage leave of absence approvals, processing, tracking, and coordination with payroll and benefits
Enter and maintain personnel, payroll, benefits, and leave data in applicable systems
Ensure employee records are accurate, secure, and confidential
Maintain payroll, timekeeping, HRIS, and benefits administration systems
Identify, investigate, and resolve payroll or system discrepancies; escalate issues as needed
Develop, maintain, and update payroll and benefits SOPs (standard operating procedures)
Understand payroll and HR system interaction with company accounting software and modules
Recommend and help implement system or process improvements
Partner with HR on onboarding activities including new hire paperwork, policy review, and benefits education
Collaborate with Finance on payroll reconciliations, benefit expense allocations, and accounting-related payables
Establish and maintain professional relationships with external vendors (payroll processors, banks, benefit providers, accounting software partners)
Provide requested payroll, personnel, and benefits reports to company leadership while maintaining confidentiality
Participate in company committees and cross-functional initiatives
Provide assistance with front desk or administrative duties when needed