Senior Payroll Specialist

John W. Danforth Company; City of Tonawanda (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Health Savings Account (HSA)

401(k) Savings Plan

Employee assistance program

Job summary

John W. Danforth Company in the Northeast seeks a Senior Payroll Specialist to oversee weekly multi-state, multi-union construction payroll with a focus on accuracy, compliance, and timely processing.

The role requires on-site presence due to sensitive documentation and coordination with field teams. The ideal candidate has 5+ years of payroll experience, including union payroll and prevailing wage requirements, and proficiency in Excel.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of payroll processing experience; construction payroll experience preferred.
• Union payroll experience required.
• Knowledge of payroll regulations, union agreements, prevailing wage requirements, and payroll compliance practices. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.

Responsibilities

• Execute end-to-end processing of weekly multi-state, multi-union construction payroll.
• Process complex union wage scales, shift differentials, overtime, and double-time rates.
• Manage multiple prevailing wage determinations and ensure compliance with Davis-Bacon Act requirements.
• Prepare monthly union fringe benefit reports and process timely union dues payments.
• Manage union benefit, deduction, and tax accrual accounts.
• Ensure proper posting of job cost and overhead payroll.
• Coordinate and support union audits by organizing payroll records, timesheets, and dispatch slips.
• Maintain accurate employee and union records for compliance and reporting purposes.
• Communicate effectively with employees, management, and colleagues regarding payroll matters.
• Participate in continuous improvement efforts and support company initiatives.

Skills

Payroll processing

Union payroll

Regulatory compliance

Excel

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

About Us

John W. Danforth Company, one of the largest mechanical contractors in the Northeast, is growing! We believe our people are our greatest asset and invest in training, career development, employee engagement, and team support. We are committed to delivering industry-leading experiences for our customers across commercial and industrial HVAC, plumbing, refrigeration, advanced technology manufacturing, process piping, fabrication, mission-critical environments, and energy-performance projects, backed by comprehensive service maintenance and repair.

Job Summary

As a Senior Payroll Specialist at John W. Danforth Company, you’ll have a direct impact on our organization by ensuring the accurate, compliant, and timely processing of weekly multi-state, multi-union construction payroll. You will serve as a key resource for payroll operations, managing complex union wage requirements, prevailing wage compliance, employee payroll records, and audit support while contributing to efficient business operations. Due to the interactive nature of payroll processing, software used, and the handling of confidential records and documentation, regular on-site presence is required.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Execute end-to-end processing of weekly multi-state, multi-union construction payroll.
• Process complex union wage scales, shift differentials, overtime, and double-time rates.
• Manage multiple prevailing wage determinations and ensure compliance with Davis-Bacon Act requirements.
• Prepare monthly union fringe benefit reports and process timely union dues payments.
• Manage union benefit, deduction, and tax accrual accounts.
• Ensure proper posting of job cost and overhead payroll.
• Coordinate and support union audits by organizing payroll records, timesheets, and dispatch slips.
• Maintain accurate employee and union records for compliance and reporting purposes.
• Communicate effectively with employees, management, and colleagues regarding payroll matters.
• Participate in continuous improvement efforts and support company initiatives.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of payroll processing experience; construction payroll experience preferred.
• Union payroll experience required.
• Working knowledge of payroll regulations, union agreements, prevailing wage requirements, and payroll compliance practices. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel. Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities. Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to maintaining a high degree of accuracy. Ability to analyze payroll data and resolve issues effectively. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment. Self-starter with a strong desire for continuous learning and professional development.

#danfth

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

Geographic Disclosure

Compensation Range: $65,000-$75,000

Other Compensation: Bonus eligible

Benefits: We are committed to providing employees a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with health savings and flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability, a 401(k) Savings Plan, and an employee assistance program.