Payroll Specialist

Esp Services - Houston, TX

Full-time - Mid Level

Houston, TX

Specialty Trade Contractors

About the position

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Specialist to manage payroll processing for our construction workforce. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in payroll management, particularly in the construction industry, where experience with union payroll, certified payroll, and prevailing wage laws is highly desirable. This role will ensure accurate and timely payroll processing for both salaried and hourly workers, including those working under specific project labor agreements and varying job site conditions.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full payroll cycle for both salaried and hourly employees, ensuring compliance with industry-specific wage rules.
• Prepare and submit weekly certified payroll reports for public works and prevailing wage projects as required by state and federal regulations.
• Process union payroll, including calculating benefits, deductions, and reporting to union organizations.
• Ensure payroll processes comply with federal, state, and local regulations, including prevailing wage laws, Davis-Bacon Act, and Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
• Review and process time sheets for accuracy, including job site and project-specific labor hours.
• Coordinate deductions for health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits, and reconcile payroll and benefit reports regularly.
• Generate and distribute payroll-related reports, including taxes, workers' compensation, and internal reports for project management.
• Assist with payroll audits and maintain accurate records in accordance with company policies and legal requirements.
• Liaise with HR, project managers, and accounting teams to resolve payroll discrepancies and provide support for any payroll-related inquiries.
• Utilize payroll software (such as ADP, QuickBooks, or Viewpoint) and maintain proficiency in construction-specific payroll systems.

Requirements

• Minimum 3-5 years of payroll experience, with at least 2 years in the construction industry preferred.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) is a plus.
• Proficiency in payroll software and Microsoft Office (especially Excel).
• Strong understanding of construction labor laws, prevailing wage regulations, and payroll taxes.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in payroll processing, data entry, and reporting.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to work with employees, unions, and project teams.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with certified payroll and union payroll software preferred.
• Problem-solving skills to resolve discrepancies in time reporting, deductions, and benefits administration.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Opportunities for career advancement within the company