Payroll and Compliance Specialist

Buildwithvalor; Saint Louis Park (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Enclave in Saint Louis Park, MN, seeks a Payroll & Compliance Specialist to own payroll processes, including biweekly payroll and weekly certified reporting. This role partners with HR Operations to document processes, strengthen controls, and automate where possible to support scalable growth.

You will develop deep expertise in payroll workflows, collaborate with the HR Operations team, and ensure compliance across wage, tax, and reporting requirements while maintaining accurate records.

Qualifications

• Biweekly payroll processing for all employees per policy.
• Prepare and submit certified payroll reports on time.
• Document processes, strengthen controls, and organize payroll records.
• Identify automation opportunities to improve efficiency.
• Develop SOPs and train staff on payroll workflows.
• Maintain compliance with payroll regulations and internal controls.

Responsibilities

• Payroll Administration: process biweekly payroll per schedule and policies.
• Audit payroll data for accuracy before finalization.
• Reconcile discrepancies and resolve payroll issues promptly.
• Coordinate payroll funding with Finance and Accounting.
• Certified Payroll Administration: manage weekly certified payroll for projects.
• Ensure Davis-Bacon and prevailing wage compliance where applicable.
• Maintain worker classifications, wage rates, and project allocations.
• Prepare and certify certified payroll reports and documentation.
• Monitor regulatory changes and update processes as needed.
• Process Improvement: act as payroll SME and drive efficiency.
• Collaborate on HRIS and reporting tool enhancements.
• Create documentation, SOPs, and training materials.
• Establish internal controls to reduce payroll risk.
• Participate in cross-functional projects and automation initiatives.
• General: perform other duties, maintain records, and ensure attendance.

Skills

Payroll processing

Certified payroll

HRIS

Data accuracy

Process documentation

Audit readiness

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

"Inspired by Spaces, Empowered by People." At Enclave, we don't just build structures; we cultivate environments where our partners, team members, and communities flourish. Our very name reflects our essence - creating distinct spaces that inspires growth and success. As a unified real estate investment firm, Enclave brings together exceptional development, construction, and property management expertise to specialize in multifamily, industrial, and commercial developments across the Midwest and Mountain West.

Our Growth Story: Since our founding in 2011, we've expanded to over 250 team members, completing more than 150 projects and managing assets exceeding $1.75 billion. Our rapid growth is a testament to the innovative and collaborative spirit that drives everything we do. For six consecutive years, Enclave has been recognized as one of the 50 Best Places to Work. This accolade reflects our commitment to fostering an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and inspired to excel.

About the Role

Payroll and Compliance Specialist

The Payroll & Compliance Specialistis responsible forowning and administering the organization’s payroll processes, including biweekly payroll and weekly certified payroll reporting. Beyond payroll execution, this role serves as a key partner in HR Operations by documenting processes, strengthening controls, organizing payroll records and documentation,identifyingopportunities for automation and efficiency, and helping create scalable processes that support long-term business growth.

The Payroll & Compliance Specialist is expected to develop a deep understanding of existing payroll workflows and collaborate with the HR Operations team to continuously improve processes, reduce risk, increase efficiency, and ensure critical payroll knowledge is documented and transferable across the organization.

Position Logistics

• Primary Work Location: Saint Louis Park, MN Headquarters
• Work Type: Full Time, Non-Exempt (40 hours/week)

Position Responsibilities

Payroll Administration

• Administer and process biweeklypayrollfor all employeesin accordance withestablished payroll schedules and company policies
• Review andvalidatepayroll transactions including hires, terminations, compensation changes, promotions, deductions, garnishments, and benefit elections
• Audit payroll registers, earnings, deductions, taxes, and direct deposits prior to payroll finalization
• Reconcile payroll discrepancies and research payroll-related issues to ensureaccurateemployee pay
• Maintain payroll records and supporting documentationin accordance withrecord retention requirements
• Coordinate payroll funding and processing timelines with Finance and Accounting teams

Certified Payroll Administration

• Manage the weekly certified payroll process for prevailing wage and public works projects
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local certified payroll requirements, including Davis-Bacon and prevailing wage regulations where applicable
• Maintainaccurateworker classifications, wage rates, fringe benefit calculations, and project allocations
• Prepare, review, certify, andsubmitcertified payroll reports and supporting documentation
• Monitor regulatory changes and recommend updates to certified payroll processes and documentation

Process Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Become a subject matter expert in all payroll and certified payroll workflows
• Evaluate existing payroll processes andidentifyopportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, scalability, and user experience
• Partner with the Senior Manager of HR Operations, HRIS Analyst, and HR Specialist on payrolland compliance-related process improvement initiatives
• Develop andmaintainprocess documentation, workflows, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and training materials
• Recommend and support automation opportunities through HRIS, reporting tools, system integrations, and workflow technologies
• Establish andmaintaininternal controls designed to reduce payroll risk and improve data integrity
• Participate in cross-functional projects related to payroll, HR technology, compliance, and operational excellence
• Create sustainable, repeatable processes that can be performed consistently by trained team members
• Continuously review and improve payroll reporting, recordkeeping, and compliance practices

Compliance & Audit Management

• Perform regular payroll audits to ensure compliance with wage and hour laws, tax regulations, company policies, and internal controls
• Audit payroll data, benefit deductions, earnings codes, PTO balances, and employee master records
• Support internal and external audits by gathering payroll documentation and responding to requests
• Maintain compliance with payroll tax regulations, garnishments, employment laws, and reporting requirements
• Own and manage year-end payroll activities, including W-2 processing, reconciliations, and audit support

Reporting & Analytics

• Analyze payroll trends, labor costs, overtimeutilization, and workforce metrics
• Provide data and reporting support for HR Operations, Accounting, Finance, and leadership teams
• Ensure payroll and HR data integrity through routine audits and validation activities

HR Operations Support

• Support HR compliance programs, documentation management, and operational workflows
• Assist with HRIS maintenance, data audits, and process improvement initiatives
• Partner with HR team members on onboarding, offboarding, audits, and employee lifecycle processes
• Identifyopportunities to streamline payroll and HR processes through automation and technology
• Participate in cross-functional projects that support operational excellence and business objectives

General Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned
• Maintain organization and documentation of all training materials and records
• Demonstrate punctual and regular attendance
• Support a culture of accountability, consistency, and operational excellence

<