PAYROLL SPECIALIST

Socket.dev; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Sims Crane & Equipment is seeking a Payroll Specialist to manage accurate, timely multi-state payroll while ensuring prevailing wage compliance and certified payroll reporting. You will work with HR, Accounting, and Operations to apply wage determinations, fringe benefits, and labor classifications on various projects.

The role requires strong knowledge of Davis-Bacon Act and union payroll practices, along with proficiency in payroll software and Excel.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of federal, state, local wage regulations and Davis-Bacon Act compliance.
• Experience with certified payroll reporting and union contracts a plus.
• Experience with multi-state payroll and government-funded projects preferred.

Responsibilities

• Process weekly and monthly payroll accurately and on schedule.
• Audit time records, earnings, deductions, taxes and benefit withholdings.
• Maintain payroll records and ensure regulatory compliance.

Skills

Payroll laws

Prevailing wage knowledge

Labor classification

Excel

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or payroll

Tools

Payroll software

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Summary

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of multi-state payroll while serving as the organization's primary resource for prevailing wage compliance and certified payroll reporting. This role ensures compliance with federal, state, local, and contractual wage requirements, including Davis-Bacon Act regulations and certified payroll submissions. The Payroll Specialist works closely with Human Resources, Accounting, Operations, and other Corporate support to ensure wage determinations, fringe benefit allocations, and labor classifications are administered accurately.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Administration

• Process weekly and monthly payroll cycles accurately and on schedule.
• Review and audit employee time records, earnings, deductions, taxes, and benefit withholdings.
• Maintain employee payroll records and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies, employee inquiries, and payroll-related issues.
• Process wage garnishments, tax levies, child support orders, and other payroll adjustments.
• Assist with year-end payroll activities, including W-2 preparation and reconciliation.

Union Payroll Administration

• Process payroll in accordance with collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and union contract requirements.
• Maintain working knowledge of union wage rates, fringe benefit requirements, dues deductions, and jurisdictional rules.
• Prepare and submit union remittance reports and benefit contribution reports accurately and timely.
• Reconcile union benefit payments, deductions, and employer contributions.
• Partner with Operations, HR, and Accounting to ensure union employees are properly classified and compensated according to labor agreements.
• Maintain documentation supporting union payroll calculations and reporting requirements.
• Assist with union audits, payroll reviews, and requests for payroll documentation.

Prevailing Wage & Certified Payroll Compliance

• Serve as the primary point of contact for prevailing wage and certified payroll administration.
• Review contracts and project requirements to identify applicable prevailing wage determinations and compliance obligations.
• Ensure proper employee classifications, wage rates, fringe benefit calculations, and labor allocations on prevailing wage projects.
• Prepare, review, and submit certified payroll reports accurately and timely.
• Maintain supporting documentation required for certified payroll audits and government agency reviews.
• Monitor changes in prevailing wage regulations and provide guidance to internal stakeholders regarding compliance requirements.
• Partner with project managers and operations leadership to ensure labor charges and classifications align with contract requirements.
• Assist with government audits, compliance reviews, and requests for payroll documentation.

Reporting & Reconciliation

• Reconcile payroll reports, general ledger entries, payroll taxes, and benefit deductions.
• Generate payroll, labor cost, and compliance reports for management as requested.
• Support month-end and year-end accounting activities related to payroll.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.

Qualifications

Skills:

• Thorough understanding of payroll laws, wage and hour regulations, and payroll tax requirements.
• Strong knowledge of prevailing wage requirements, certified payroll reporting, and labor classification practices.
• Proficiency with payroll software and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical, auditing, and reconciliation skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.

Education & Experience:

• Minimum of 3-5 years of payroll administration experience.
• Strong experience with prevailing wage regulations and certified payroll reporting required.
• Experience with Davis-Bacon Act compliance and government-funded construction projects strongly preferred.
• Experience administering payroll in a unionized environment and working with collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) strongly preferred.
• Experience processing multi-state payroll preferred.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Must be able to read, speak, and understand English.

Working Conditions

• Sims Crane & Equipment maintains a firm commitment to providing a safe and healthy work environment for its employees and quality services to its clients. Sims Crane & Equipment is a drug-free workplace. Must be able to pass a post-offer / pre-placement drug screen. Must also submit to a post-offer / pre-employment background report.
• Work is performed in a standard office environment with prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Subject to standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping, and lifting objects up to 25 pounds at times.

Disclaimer: An employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Sims Crane & Equipment is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer/Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status, such as race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or age.