Payroll Accountant

Cerris; Overland Park (KS); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Cerris in Overland Park, Kansas, is seeking a Payroll Accountant to ensure accurate payroll processing and regulatory compliance across federal, state, and local requirements. This role supports HR, Finance, and external agencies to maintain timely and precise payroll activities.

You will manage union-related payroll functions, certify payroll reporting, and address payroll discrepancies with a focus on confidentiality and audit readiness.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; accounting/finance degree preferred.
• 3+ years payroll experience in the union construction industry.
• Certified payroll experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate payroll records including rates, withholdings, deductions and deposits.
• Process weekly payroll and file tax remittances.
• Handle union wages and deductions; file monthly union fringe reports and payments.
• Prepare and file certified payroll reports and payroll tax returns.
• Maintain confidentiality and respond to payroll inquiries.
• Post payroll journal entries and support audits as needed.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Confidentiality

Time management

Education

High school diploma or GED

Accounting/Finance degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Financial software systems

Job description

Work hard, have fun! At Cerris, we believe in delivering quality craftsmanship while having fun along the way. Our group of construction companies prides itself on our almost 100-year history, our employee ownership structure, and our competitive pay and benefits. From the moment you start working with us, we've got your growth in mind. We believe Cerris isn't just a great place to start your career - it's a great place to watch it advance for years to come. Come build the Extraordinary with us.

Nature of Work

The Payroll Accountant supports financial operations by ensuring accurate payroll processing, maintaining compliance with federal/state regulations, tax liability remittance and reporting, and managing specialized functions such as audit support, union reporting, and prevailing wage reporting. This role requires strong analytical skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate across HR, Finance, and external agencies.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate employee payroll records by collecting, calculating, and processing employee changes including, but not limited to rates, withholdings, deductions and direct deposits.
• Process weekly payroll including direct deposit or live checks, as applicable, for distribution of pay to employees, maintain internal records, and complete required tax filings and remittance.
• Handle union wages and deductions on payroll and prepare and file monthly union fringe reports and payments to union trust funds.
• Prepare and file certified payroll reports to various entities.
• Process new hire and termination information according to company policy.
• Prepare and post payroll journal entries to the appropriate accounts in the accounting system database.
• Prepare and file monthly, quarterly and annual payroll tax returns as required by Federal, state and local taxing authorities.
• Timely address and respond to employee payroll enquiries.
• Research and resolve payroll corrections and discrepancies under direct supervision.
• Maintain employee confidence and protect payroll operations by exercising confidentiality.
• Maintain payroll operations according to company policies and procedures.
• Exercise initiative or as directed, perform additional duties or complete special projects to meet the needs of the organization.

Qualifications

• Ability to complete work accurately and completely with high attention to detail and in a timely manner.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel, and ability to learn financial software systems quickly.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build relationships and work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Maintain a positive attitude and be open-minded and receptive.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism in actions, appearance, and workspace.
• Ability to maintain a strict level of confidentiality and respect for the privacy of employee information.
• Maintain a high level of responsibility and accountability for tasks.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable while working in a time-sensitive environment.
• Excellent organization and time management skills.

Education

A minimum of a high school diploma or General Education Degree (GED). A degree in accounting or finance is preferred but not required.

Experience

3+ years or more of payroll experience required with union construction industry and certified payroll experience preferred.

Physical Demands and Working Environment

Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds. Normal office environment. Frequent activity: sitting, viewing computer screen. Occasional activity: standing, walking, bending, reaching above shoulder.

Cerris and its subsidiary companies are an Equal Opportunity Employer-EEO/AA/M/F/D/V/VEVRAA Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.