Payroll Specialist

CJ Hughes Construction, Inc.•Huntington Station, NY

11d•Onsite

About The Position

CJ Hughes Construction is actively seeking a highly productive, detail-oriented, and dependable Payroll Specialist who thrives in a fast-paced environment and works well as part of a team. This position plays a critical role in ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing for a large multi-state workforce consisting of both union and non-union employees. The ideal candidate will possess strong payroll experience, exceptional organizational skills, and a thorough understanding of payroll compliance, taxes, fringe benefits, union agreements, and reporting requirements within the construction industry. This role requires professionalism, confidentiality, accuracy, and the ability to manage multiple priorities efficiently while working with multiple trade unions and payroll obligations.

Requirements

Minimum of 5 years of payroll experience preferred, preferably within the construction, industrial, or utility industries
Experience processing high-volume, multi-state payroll required
Experience working with trade unions, union payroll, and Master Labor Agreements required
Knowledge of fringe benefit administration, payroll deductions, garnishments, and union reporting procedures
Strong understanding of federal, state, municipal, and local payroll tax regulations
Experience processing union fringes and benefit contributions preferred
High school diploma or equivalent required; additional accounting or payroll certifications preferred
Previous experience with Foundation Software or similar payroll/accounting systems preferred
Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel
Strong knowledge of payroll systems, payroll processing, tax compliance, and union payroll procedures
Ability to interpret labor agreements and apply payroll rules accurately
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Strong teamwork skills while also being capable of working independently
Reliable, dependable, and self-motivated work ethic
Valid Drivers License and Reliable Transportation
Must provide documentation to verify identity and employment eligibility in accordance with federal I-9 requirements
Ability to pass drug test and background check
Willingness to travel and work in different areas as needed
Commitment to following all Safety Policies and Procedures
Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and perform physical labor
Ability to work overtime and extended hours based on workload
Must be 18 years of age
Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer
Frequent use of computers, phones, and office equipment
Ability to occasionally lift office materials and supplies up to 25 pounds
Ability to perform repetitive hand and wrist movements associated with office work

Nice To Haves

Experience processing union fringes and benefit contributions preferred
Additional accounting or payroll certifications preferred
Previous experience with Foundation Software or similar payroll/accounting systems preferred

Responsibilities

Process weekly payroll for 500+ employees across multiple states and union/non-union environments
Enter, review, process, and finalize payroll accurately and within required deadlines
Export payroll files and process payroll transmissions to banking institutions
Review, analyze, and update employee timecards to ensure accurate payment in accordance with company policies and labor agreements
Process payroll corrections, adjustments, and retroactive pay when necessary
Maintain payroll records, deductions, garnishments, direct deposits, and tax information
Assist employees with payroll-related questions, discrepancies, and concerns in a professional and confidential manner
Onboard new hires into payroll and timekeeping systems while maintaining accurate employee records
Process and submit 401(k) contributions and payments to Ascensus
Process weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll tax payments including federal, state, municipal, and local taxes
Ensure compliance with all payroll tax regulations and reporting requirements
Process child support garnishments, wage attachments, and other court-ordered deductions
Enter and process Accounts Payable invoices as assigned
Process and submit weekly and monthly union fringe benefit payments, including CRC union fringes and other applicable trade union obligations
Generate payroll reports including steward reports, labor reports, certified payroll reports, union reports, and audit documentation
Assist with workers’ compensation audits, union audits, payroll reconciliations, and payroll-related reporting requirements
Maintain compliance with Master Labor Agreements and applicable trade union payroll requirements
Utilize Microsoft Excel for payroll tracking, reconciliation, reporting, and data analysis
Support external audits and maintain organized payroll documentation and records
Coordinate and assist with mailing payroll, tax, and company-related documents, including taking outgoing mail to the post office when needed
Maintain confidentiality of payroll and employee information at all times
Work closely with HR, Accounting, and Operations teams to ensure payroll accuracy and efficiency
Assist with identifying and resolving payroll discrepancies and system issues
Provide administrative and office support as needed
Perform additional payroll and administrative duties as assigned by management