Payroll Manager

CFS; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

CFS in Dayton, OH is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to oversee payroll operations for field and office staff. You will own the full payroll cycle, ensure accurate and timely payments, and maintain compliance with federal, state, local, and union requirements.

You will collaborate with Finance, HR, IT, and Operations to improve processes, systems, and controls, while driving efficiency and growth in a construction environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 5–10 years of progressive experience in accounting, finance, and/or payroll.
• 3–5 years construction industry experience preferred.
• Previous union payroll and collective bargaining agreements experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of federal, state, and local payroll regulations.
• Experience with payroll and/or integrated accounting systems.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Manage the complete payroll process for field and office employees.
• Ensure payroll is accurate, complete and processed by established deadlines.
• Review employee pay, overtime, deductions, benefits, garnishments, and other payroll-related transactions.
• Research and resolve payroll discrepancies with HR, Finance, and field management.
• Maintain accurate employee payroll records and protect sensitive information.
• Interpret and apply collective bargaining agreements related to wages, overtime, classifications, and fringe benefits.
• Coordinate payments for union dues, pension contributions, health and welfare funds, and other obligations.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax requirements.
• Oversee payroll tax filings, W-2s, and other government reporting.
• Stay current on changes to payroll legislation, regulations, and union requirements.
• Serve as a key resource for payroll system questions and troubleshooting.
• Partner with IT and HR on system upgrades, integrations, and automation initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to reduce manual processes and improve data accuracy.

Skills

Detail oriented

Analytical thinking

Organization & time management

Handling confidential data

Communication skills

Independent with cross-functional work

Deadline prioritization

Tech-savvy

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

About The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to oversee payroll operations for both field and office employees within a growing construction environment. This position will have ownership of the full payroll process, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time while maintaining compliance with applicable federal, state, local, and union requirements.
This Payroll Manager will also play an important role in improving payroll processes, systems, and technology. This position will work closely with Finance, Human Resources, IT, and Operations to enhance efficiency, strengthen controls, and support the organization's continued growth.

What You’ll Do

Payroll Operations

• Manage the complete payroll process for field and office employees from data collection through final processing.
• Ensure payroll is accurate, complete, and processed according to established deadlines.
• Review employee pay, overtime, deductions, benefits, garnishments, and other payroll-related transactions.
• Research and resolve payroll discrepancies in partnership with HR, Finance, and field management.
• Maintain accurate employee payroll records and ensure sensitive information is handled appropriately.

Union Payroll & Compliance

• Interpret and apply collective bargaining agreements related to wages, overtime, classifications, and fringe benefits.
• Coordinate payments for union dues, pension contributions, health and welfare funds, and other contractual obligations.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax requirements.
• Oversee payroll tax filings, W-2s, W-2Cs, and other required government reporting.
• Stay current on changes to payroll legislation, regulations, and applicable union requirements.

Payroll Systems & Technology

• Maintain payroll system setup, including employee records, tax information, earnings and deduction codes, and other system configurations.
• Serve as a key resource for payroll system questions and troubleshooting.
• Partner with IT and HR on system upgrades, integrations, automation, and other technology initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to reduce manual processes, improve data accuracy, and increase payroll efficiency.
• Assist with the development and documentation of payroll procedures and best practices.

Reporting, Audits & Controls

• Perform regular payroll audits and reconciliations to identify and correct errors.
• Maintain appropriate internal controls surrounding payroll processing and employee data.
• Support internal and external audits by providing accurate records and documentation.
• Prepare and provide payroll-related reports and information to Finance and management as needed.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
• 5–10 years of progressive experience in accounting, finance, and/or payroll.
• 3–5 years of experience working within the construction industry preferred.
• Previous experience with union payroll and collective bargaining agreements strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of federal, state, and local payroll regulations.
• Experience working with payroll and/or integrated accounting systems.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.

Key Attributes for Success

• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable working independently while collaborating across departments.
• Ability to prioritize multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• A proactive mindset with an interest in improving processes and leveraging technology.

Reporting Structure

This position reports directly to the Finance Manager and works closely with Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, and field operations.