Senior Payroll Specialist

Superior Rigging and Erecting Co•Atlanta, GA

2d•$70,000 - $90,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Payroll Specialist is responsible for leading payroll operations across a multi-state, high-complexity workforce that includes union and non-union employees, field operations, and corporate staff. This role ensures accurate and compliant payroll processing, supports certified payroll reporting, manages union reporting obligations, and serves as the subject matter expert for payroll systems, audits, and regulatory compliance. The Senior Payroll Specialist partners closely with Human Resources, Finance, and Operations to ensure payroll integrity, labor cost accuracy, and audit readiness.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Human Resources, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience
5+ years of payroll experience, with at least 2 years in a senior or lead role
Strong experience with union payroll and certified payroll reporting required
Multi-state payroll experience required
Experience in construction, industrial, or field-based environments strongly preferred
Advanced knowledge of payroll systems (Paylocity preferred)
High attention to detail and accuracy
Strong knowledge of wage and hour laws and payroll compliance
Ability to manage complexity in a fast-paced environment
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
Effective cross-functional communication

Nice To Haves

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation preferred

Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end payroll processing for weekly and biweekly payroll cycles
Ensure accurate calculation of wages, overtime, per diem, bonuses, and deductions
Validate payroll inputs from field operations, including timekeeping and job cost coding
Review and approve payroll registers prior to final processing
Administer union payroll requirements, including fringe calculations, deductions, and reporting
Prepare and submit certified payroll reports (Davis-Bacon and prevailing wage projects)
Ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements and wage determinations
Maintain accurate records for audits and government reporting
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations
Manage multi-state tax registrations and filings
Monitor regulatory changes impacting payroll operations
Establish and maintain internal payroll controls and audit procedures
Conduct regular payroll audits to ensure accuracy and compliance
Partner with Finance during internal and external audits
Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies
Serve as the payroll system expert (Paylocity or equivalent HRIS)
Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and accuracy
Support integrations between payroll, timekeeping, and accounting systems
Serve as escalation point for complex payroll issues
Ensure timely resolution of payroll inquiries
Provide guidance to employees and managers on payroll policies and procedures