Our Berks County client, a growing company in the construction industry, is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to lead payroll operations with a strong focus on accuracy, compliance, and process improvement.
This role will oversee the full payroll function, ensuring timely and accurate payroll processing while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. The ideal candidate will bring deep experience in multi-state payroll, union payroll, certified payroll, and prevailing wage reporting, along with the ability to partner cross-functionally across accounting, HR, operations, and project teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the full-cycle payroll process for hourly, salaried, union, and non-union employees
- Ensure accurate and timely processing of weekly, bi-weekly, and special payrolls
- Review payroll transactions including wages, deductions, garnishments, bonuses, and reimbursements
- Maintain payroll records and ensure data accuracy within payroll and HRIS systems
- Administer payroll across multiple states and jurisdictions
- Ensure compliance with state and local tax regulations, wage laws, and reporting requirements
- Coordinate payroll registrations, tax filings, and audits as needed
- Monitor and respond to legislative and regulatory changes affecting payroll operations
- Oversee prevailing wage and certified payroll reporting for public works projects
- Ensure compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act, state prevailing wage requirements, and related labor regulations
- Partner with project managers, field operations, and accounting teams to validate labor classifications and wage rates
- Manage union payroll requirements, including fringe benefit calculations and reporting obligations where applicable
- Establish, enhance, and maintain payroll processes, internal controls, and procedures
- Collaborate with HR, Finance, and Operations to resolve payroll-related issues
- Support internal and external audits and respond to regulatory inquiries
- Prepare payroll-related reports for leadership, finance, and project teams
- Reconcile payroll accounts and assist with month-end and year-end close
What We’re Looking For
The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented payroll leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and understands the complexities of payroll in the construction space. This person will be comfortable balancing day-to-day payroll execution with compliance oversight, reporting, and continuous process improvement.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; equivalent experience will be considered
- 5+ years of progressive payroll experience, including payroll leadership or management responsibility
- 3+ years of experience managing multi-state payroll
- Prior payroll experience within the construction industry
- Strong knowledge of prevailing wage, certified payroll reporting, and Davis-Bacon compliance
- Working knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations
- Advanced proficiency with payroll software and Microsoft Excel
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Strong ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently with minimal supervision
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation
- Experience with union payroll administration
- Experience with ERP systems and construction-focused payroll platforms
- Experience with NetSuite and payroll systems
- Knowledge of labor law and payroll regulations
- Familiarity with AIA documentation and lien waiver processes is a plus
