Payroll Manager

J.C. Cannistraro, LLC; Waltham (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

J.C. Cannistraro, LLC is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to lead and oversee high-volume weekly payroll for our field and office staff.

This hands-on role supervises a Payroll Specialist, ensuring compliance with federal, state, local, and union requirements and driving continuous process improvements. You will collaborate with Accounting, Human Resources, Operations, Legal and union funds, manage certified payroll reporting, W-2s and 401(k) audit support, and maintain GL payroll

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of high-volume payroll experience.
• Experience managing payroll operations and supervising staff.
• Construction and union payroll experience preferred.
• CPP certification preferred; CMiC experience a plus.
• Strong knowledge of multi-state, certified payroll, and prevailing wage rules.

Responsibilities

• Manage accurate and timely weekly payroll for field and office employees.
• Supervise one Payroll Specialist, providing guidance and backup support.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and union payroll requirements.
• Oversee payroll tax filings, audits, reconciliations, and year-end activities.
• Process union benefit contributions, labor rate updates, and deductions.
• Reconcile payroll accounts and maintain GL accuracy.
• Serve as payroll subject matter expert for CMiC.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and internal controls.

Skills

High-volume payroll

Staff supervision

Analytical skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

CMiC

Job description

At Cannistraro, we exist to empower the life-changing impact of mastering a trade. Behind every successful project is a payroll team that ensures our employees are paid accurately, on time, and in compliance with complex union and multi-state regulations.

We're looking for an experienced Payroll Manager to oversee payroll operations for our growing mechanical contracting business. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for high-volume weekly payroll, certified payroll reporting, payroll compliance, and continuous process improvement. You'll work closely with Accounting, Human Resources, Operations, Legal, and union benefit funds while supervising one Payroll Specialist.

What You'll Do

• Manage accurate and timely weekly payroll for field and office employees.
• Supervise and support one Payroll Specialist, providing guidance, training, and backup support.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and union payroll requirements, including certified payroll and prevailing wage reporting.
• Oversee payroll tax filings, audits, reconciliations, and year-end activities, including W-2s and 401(k) audit support.
• Process union benefit contributions, labor rate updates, and payroll deductions.
• Reconcile payroll accounts and maintain payroll-related general ledger accuracy.
• Serve as the payroll subject matter expert for CMiC and related payroll systems.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, strengthen internal controls, and increase efficiency.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of high-volume payroll experience.
• Experience managing payroll operations and supervising or mentoring staff.
• Construction and union payroll experience preferred.
• CPP certification preferred.
• CMiC experience is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of payroll taxes, multi-state payroll, certified payroll and prevailing wage requirements.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills with exceptional attention to detail.

Why Cannistraro?

At Cannistraro, you'll join a collaborative team where your expertise directly supports the employees who build some of New England's most complex mechanical, HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection projects. We offer competitive pay, outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and a culture built on teamwork, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement.

Ready to Join Us?

If you're a payroll professional who enjoys solving complex challenges, improving processes, and making a meaningful impact, we'd love to hear from you.

If you require accommodation due to a disability to complete the application process, please contact Human Resources at 617-926-0092 or submit a request in writing to [e-mail]. J.C. Cannistraro, LLC is an E-Verify Company.