Payroll Specialist, Construction

The Poole and Kent Corporation; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

The Poole and Kent Corporation, a leading mechanical contractor, is hiring a Payroll Specialist for construction payroll operations in Baltimore, MD. This role supports union and non-union personnel, ensuring accurate data entry, tax calculations, and adherence to Sarbanes-Oxley compliance.

Responsibilities include handling full payroll cycles, maintaining records, generating earnings and tax reports, and meeting tight deadlines under onsite supervision of the Payroll Director.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2–5 years of payroll experience, preferably in the construction industry.
• Knowledge of processing Union payroll is preferred.
• Strong accounting fundamentals and concepts are required.
• Advanced Excel and reporting tools experience.
• Familiarity with StarBuilder or similar systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Process full cycle payroll for union and non-union personnel.
• Enter payroll data into Vista Viewpoint or similar systems and ensure accuracy.
• Maintain payroll records and update exemptions, deductions, rates, and garnishments.
• Prepare payroll reports on earnings, taxes, deductions, and benefits.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state laws and Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
• Meet internal and external deadlines for payroll reporting and paycheck distribution.

Skills

Payroll processing

Attention to detail

Auditing

Written and verbal communication

SOX compliance

Multi-state payroll

Federal/state tax knowledge

Union payroll experience

Education

High School diploma or GED

College level professional development / non-accredited certificates

Tools

StarBuilder®

Crystal Reports®

MS Access

StarBuilder Sequel

pVault

Remote time entry software

Job description

About Us

We are one of the leading mechanical contractors in the eastern United States. Our construction and service (mechanical and electrical) experience includes a broad range of commercial and government projects, including data centers, hospitals, sports stadiums, convention centers, hotels, and research laboratories.

Job Summary

Job Title: Payroll Specialist, Construction

Location: Baltimore, Maryland 21227

Reports to: Payroll Director

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Shift: Monday through Friday – 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Onsite)

ABOUT US

The Poole and Kent Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of EMCOR Group. Inc. Poole and Kent is one of the leading mechanical contractors in the eastern United States. Our construction and service (mechanical and electrical) experience includes a broad range of commercial and government projects, including data centers, hospitals, sports stadiums, convention centers, hotels, and research laboratories.

SUMMARY

The Payroll Specialist assists the company in meeting its objectives and goals by performing payroll data entry and related processes for union and non-union personnel. This includes understanding and compliance with established accounting principles, practices, and procedures, and regulatory compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and related federal and state laws.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for maintaining payroll information by collecting, calculating and entering data into accounting software systems (Vista Viewpoint).
• Responsible for updating payroll records (exemptions, deductions, rates (union and non-union), union codes, job titles, addresses, department transfers, and garnishments).
• Responsible for ensuring all timesheets, timecards, and other means and methods of reporting of time is fully completed, and with accuracy and are approved by authorized managers within the organization (e.g. payroll coding, employee classifications, and authorized signatures are on timecards) and/or processed correctly.)
• Responsible for the full cycle of payroll processing.
• Prepares reports by compiling summaries of earnings, taxes, deductions, garnishments, leave, disability, and nontaxable wages, and other reports as necessary and assigned.
• Responsible for certified payroll compliance, reports, and pay treatment calculations for compliance.
• Determines payroll liabilities by calculating employee federal, state income and social security taxes (and other taxes as applicable), and employer’s social security, unemployment payments.
• Completes payroll audits internally and for external clients and resolves payroll discrepancies by collecting and analyzing related documentation.
• Maintains employee confidence by protecting payroll information in confidence and within company best practices and policies.
• Ensures payroll deductions are up to date, accurate and in compliance with Federal and State schedules, and in compliance with company provided benefit plans.
• Provides payroll information by answering questions and requests for information on behalf of employees and requesting agencies (within the scope of authority).
• Responsible for meeting internal and external deadlines related to payroll reporting, and paycheck distribution schedules for union (e.g. union reporting) and non-union personnel.
• Responsible for payroll related accruals relative to company provided benefit plans, and unions.
• Responsible for generating, updating, and maintaining of spreadsheets, documents, and payroll related programs.
• Responsible for completing verifications of employment within Federal and State law, and within company best practices and policy.
• Responsible for processing high volumes of union and multi-state payrolls.
• Flexibility to work overtime when necessary to meet exceptional deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and auditing capabilities is required.
• Responsible for accounting compliance with accounting principles and practices, Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and other federal and state law as required.
• Valid state driver’s license is required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Two to five years of related professional payroll experience is required, professional experience in the construction industry is preferred.
• Knowledge in processing Union payroll is preferred.
• General accounting fundamentals and concepts required.
• Strong understanding of related accounting practices and procedures.
• Advanced working knowledge of accounting systems software. Specifically, Starbuilders® or software programs of same fundamentals.
• College level professional development course work and or non-accredited certificate course work commensurate with the essential duties.

COMPUTER SKILLS

• Proficient to advanced usage and knowledge of Microsoft applications, particularly Excel.
• Proficient to advanced usage and knowledge of StarBuilder®, Crystal Reports®, and interface with Microsoft Access.
• Advanced usage and knowledge of StarBuilder® Sequel database to create reports in Excel and Crystal reports preferred, but advanced knowledge not required.
• Experience with remote time entry software platforms is preferred.
• Proficient to advanced usage and knowledge of pVault or other document management system preferred, but advanced knowledge not required.

REQUIRED ATTRIBUTES

The requirements listed below are representative of characteristics and demonstrated capabilities sought to perform this job successfully.

• Must possess professional written and verbal communications skills.
• Must possess strong attention to detail, analytical and auditing skills.
• Must demonstrate professional emotional intelligence and steadfast composure.
• Must have the ability to discern work assignment priorities and utilize independent thinking within the scope of authority the position.
• Must demonstrate commitment to performing duties in a safe manner within the scope of company policies, state and federal laws.
• Must demonstrate ability to work collectively with peers and in a manner supporting teamwork in the workplace.
• Must demonstrate ability to effectively organize and manage information and processes as required with the position requirements.
• Must demonstrate commitment to company values.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Equal Opportunity Employer

As a leading provider of mechanical and electrical construction, facilities services, and energy infrastructure, we offer employees a competitive salary and benefits package and we are always looking for individuals with the talent and skills required to contribute to our continued growth and success.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Affirmative Action Policy

Please review our Affiantive Action Policy.