Lead Payroll Specialist

CFS; Arvada (CO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Lead Payroll Specialist at CFS will own weekly payroll for ~550 employees across four regions, ensuring accurate processing and timely delivery. You will review timekeeping data, audit earnings, deductions, and benefits, and maintain compliant payroll records.

You will partner with HR, Accounting, and Operations to improve processes, resolve discrepancies, and serve as the payroll subject matter expert in a fast-growing organization.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience.
• Strong Excel skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet payroll deadlines.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Own weekly payroll processing for ~550 employees across four regions.
• Import, review, and validate timekeeping data.
• Audit earnings, deductions, benefits, classifications, and payroll information for accuracy.
• Administer prevailing wage and certified payroll requirements.
• Research and resolve payroll discrepancies and employee payroll questions.
• Maintain accurate payroll records, reports, and supporting documentation.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll and wage regulations.
• Partner with HR, Accounting, and Operations to ensure employee and payroll information is accurate.
• Identify opportunities to streamline payroll processes and improve efficiencies.
• Serve as a trusted internal resource for payroll-related questions and compliance.

Skills

Payroll experience

Excel

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Communication

Problem solving

Tools

ADP

Spectrum

HCSS HeavyJob

Job description

About The Opportunity

We are partnering with a growing organization looking for an experienced Lead Payroll Specialist to take ownership of payroll processing for approximately 550 employees across four regions.

Salary

$85,000–$90,000

Schedule

Full-Time | Onsite

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Competitive salary of $85,000–$90,000
• Take ownership of an established payroll process
• High-visibility position with the opportunity to make an immediate impact
• Partner closely with HR, Accounting, and Operations
• Opportunity to identify and implement payroll process improvements
• Stable, growing organization with a comprehensive benefits package

What You’ll Do

• Own weekly payroll processing for approximately 550 employees across four regions
• Import, review, and validate employee timekeeping data
• Audit earnings, deductions, benefits, classifications, and payroll information for accuracy
• Administer prevailing wage and certified payroll requirements
• Research and resolve payroll discrepancies and employee payroll questions
• Maintain accurate payroll records, reports, and supporting documentation
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll and wage regulations
• Partner with HR, Accounting, and Operations to ensure employee and payroll information is accurate
• Identify opportunities to streamline payroll processes and improve efficiencies
• Serve as a trusted internal resource for payroll-related questions and compliance

What We’re Looking For

• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience
• Experience processing payroll for a mid-to-large employee population
• Knowledge of prevailing wage and/or certified payroll
• Strong understanding of payroll compliance, wage regulations, deductions, and reporting
• Experience working with payroll and timekeeping systems
• Strong Excel skills
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities and consistently meet payroll deadlines
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills

Construction, contracting, or project-based payroll experience is a plus.

Systems & Technology

The Lead Payroll Specialist will work across multiple payroll and timekeeping systems. Experience with ADP, Spectrum, HCSS HeavyJob, or similar systems is preferred, but candidates do not need experience with every platform listed.

Who Will Thrive in This Role?

You may be a great fit if you're currently a Senior Payroll Specialist, Payroll Lead, Payroll Administrator, or experienced payroll professional who is ready for greater ownership.

The successful Lead Payroll Specialist will be someone who can work independently, troubleshoot payroll issues, maintain accuracy under tight deadlines, and confidently serve as a payroll subject matter expert.

If you're an experienced payroll professional looking for more ownership, visibility, and the opportunity to make an impact within a growing organization, we’d love to hear from you.