Payroll Specialist

EMCOR Group - Deer Park, TX

Full-time - Entry Level

Deer Park, TX

Construction of Buildings

About the position

AltairStrickland, LLC (AS) is seeking a full-time Payroll Specialist to join our Corporate Office in La Porte, Texas. Founded in 1976, we specialize in mechanical contracting, particularly in process unit upgrades, revamps, and turnarounds within the petrochemical industry. As part of the EMCOR Industrial Services (EIS) group, we are committed to investing in our employees, fostering their growth as key contributors in their areas of expertise. Our mission emphasizes that our people and commitment are the cornerstones of our business, highlighting the importance of mutual respect, trust, and a commitment to safety in a teamwork-oriented environment. The Payroll Specialist will report directly to the Payroll Supervisor and will be responsible for overseeing, administering, and managing payroll functions to ensure accuracy, timely completion, and compliance with corporate payroll policies and federal/state regulations. This role involves entering, processing, and maintaining payroll systems to facilitate the accurate administration of payroll transactions on a weekly and semi-monthly basis. The successful candidate will also handle employee time entries, payroll updates, and onboarding documentation, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with all relevant guidelines. In addition to payroll responsibilities, the Payroll Specialist will respond to payroll inquiries, resolve discrepancies, and assist with internal and external audits. The position requires maintaining professional relationships with employees and vendors, acting as a subject matter expert in payroll matters, and supporting the company's standards and policies. The role may also involve performing other administrative duties as assigned, contributing to the overall efficiency of the payroll department.

Responsibilities

• Oversee, administer, and manage payroll functions to ensure accuracy and compliance with corporate policies and regulations.
• Enter, process, implement, maintain, and review payroll processing and accounting systems for timely payroll transactions.
• Post employee time into the payroll system and assign charges to the appropriate general accounting ledger.
• Ensure accurate processing of payroll updates including new hires, pay rate changes, transfers, and terminations.
• Maintain documentation for employment onboarding processes to support payroll functions and wage compensation.
• Respond to payroll inquiries and resolve discrepancies as they arise.
• Audit payroll registers weekly to ensure accuracy and assist with internal and external audits.
• Process child support deductions, garnishments, and other mandated withholding orders as necessary.
• Complete and verify deduction forms for payroll regarding administrative benefits such as 401(k) and health insurance.
• Maintain professional relationships with employees, vendors, and internal departments regarding payroll matters.
• Support the setting of priorities and resolving issues consistent with company standards and policies.
• Perform other administrative duties or projects as required.

Requirements

• High school diploma required; 4 years applicable industry experience preferred, or a college degree with 2 years applicable experience.
• Formal certifications in Professional Payroll (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) preferred.
• Good written and oral communication skills; ability to work well with people.
• Proficient leadership skills and initiative-taking decision-making abilities.
• Ability to oversee multiple tasks and work in a team setting; ability to work independently as necessary.
• Good reasoning ability to solve a wide range of business problems; familiarity with general accounting recordkeeping protocols.
• Ability to understand, create, and utilize management reports, summaries, and spreadsheets.
• Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures to complete tasks and business management principles related to payroll functions.
• Ability to analyze and apply policies, procedures, and legal documents to conduct business transactions.
• Computer skills to navigate programs and create documents using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and various accounting software.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with payroll software and accounting systems.
• Knowledge of federal and state payroll regulations and compliance requirements.
• Experience in a mechanical contracting or petrochemical industry setting.

Benefits

• Health insurance (medical, dental, vision) effective the first day of the month following employment.
• Insured life, 401(k), and disability plans effective the first day of the month following employment.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) at time of hire, without needing to accrue time.
• Degree Assistance Program to support career development.