Specialist, Project Payroll

Aecon; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Aecon is seeking a Specialist, Project Payroll in Charlotte, NC to support payroll operations across multiple states. You will handle daily payroll entry, timekeeping, onboarding/offboarding, and adjustments while ensuring compliance with IRS regulations and state wage laws.

The role collaborates with HR, Finance, and external vendors to maintain accuracy, generate audit-ready reports, and support system enhancements. A minimum of five years in US payroll is expected.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of US payroll experience.
• APA certification is a plus.
• Experience with U.S. multi-state payroll processing and federal compliance.
• Strong knowledge of IRS regulations, state wage laws, and garnishments.
• Proficiency in Excel, Power BI, and payroll systems (ADP HCM, SAP).

Responsibilities

• Enter daily payroll via approved timesheets in SAP.
• Maintain timekeeping and project controls records.
• Verify daily labour timesheets for payroll entry.
• Onboard/offboard employees in Time and Attendance System.
• Administer payroll adjustments and off-cycle payments.
• Support multi-state payroll setups and compliance.
• Reconcile payroll data and support audits.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, and vendors.

Skills

US payroll

Multi-state payroll

IRS regulations

ADP HCM

SAP payroll

Power BI

Excel

Tools

Power BI

Excel

Business Objects

Job description

Date: Oct 23, 2026

Location: Charlotte, NC, US

Operating Sector: Finance

Position Title: Specialist, Project Payroll

Come Build Your Career at Aecon!

Aecon delivers some of the most complex and impactful infrastructure projects — from transformative transportation networks to critical energy, industrial and nuclear programs. The projects we build connect communities and power future generations. With deep roots in North America and a strong footprint internationally, Aecon brings global expertise and proudly serves public and private sector clients through its Construction and Concessions segment.

Safety Always is not only our #1 core value – it is the standard that anchors our culture. We believe the most ambitious projects deserve the most committed people. At Aecon, you won’t just build your career — you’ll help build what matters to enable future generations to thrive.

At Aecon, you can count on:

• Safety Always. Our number one core value. The safety of our people, projects, partners, and stakeholders is our priority focus – today and always.
• Integrity. We lead by example, with humility and courage.
• Accountability. We’re passionate about delivering on our commitments.
• Inclusion. We provide opportunities where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute fully.

We deliver infrastructure with purpose, and our people are at the heart of everything we do. Aecon employees are incredibly proud to build some of the most impactful infrastructure of this generation – we call it Aecon Proud.

At Aecon we:

• Ensure you and your family receive the services and benefits needed to support your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
• Are intentional when it comes to investing in your development. We help you build your career and advance your skills through our Aecon University, tuition reimbursement, and Leadership Programs.
• Are committed to creating work environments focused on mutual respect, teamwork, collaboration, and new ideas, through meaningful initiatives, training, and partnerships with Veteran groups, to ensure we are building with top talent and harnessing our collective strengths within every aspect of our culture.
• Operate responsibly by managing risk, safety, and environmental considerations across all our projects and surrounding communities.

Our success is built on the passion, expertise, and dedication of our people. Together, we embrace strong execution, innovation, and continuous improvement — values that come to life through the unique talents and collaborative spirit of every team member. If you’re inspired to make a difference through future-building projects, join our best-in‑class team.

What is the Opportunity?

The Project Payroll Specialist will report to the Project Payroll Supervisor and indirectly to the Payroll Manager. The role provides comprehensive support to the payroll team across multiple functions, ensuring compliance with legislative requirements in all jurisdictions with a focus on US operations.

What You'll Do Here:

• Responsible for entering daily payroll via approved timesheets in SAP.
• Perform administrative and clerical duties to maintain current and accurate records for Timekeeping, Project Controls, etc.
• Collect, and verify daily labour timesheets for data Payroll entry and processing.
• Responsible for the Time and Attendance System employee onboarding, off boarding, daily attendance reconciliations.
• Perform all payroll duties such as verifying and submitting all timesheets, audit reports, prepare new employee packages and termination/layoff forms, rate changes, and travel and board calculations.
• Assist the site manager and superintendents in tracking analysis and forecasting of ongoing projects.
• Coordinate with the Time and Attendance System team to maintain shifts, rosters, etc.
• Maintain filing system for payroll documents in accordance with auditing procedures.
• Maintain documents for employee information including labour qualifications and certifications, training, etc.
• Assist Project Controls in tracking, monitoring, and analyzing productivity data and project costs where applicable.
• Support and validation of hours/payroll for salaried and hourly employees across multiple states, ensuring accurate and timely payroll execution in accordance with established payroll calendars.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. federal, state, and local payroll legislation, including IRS regulations, FLSA requirements, state wage and hour laws, unemployment insurance, and statutory reporting obligations.
• Maintain and apply up‑to‑date knowledge of U.S. payroll laws, tax regulations, and legislative changes; assess impacts and support implementation of required system or process updates to remain compliant..
• Support multi‑state payroll setups and maintenance and ongoing compliance requirements.
• Administer payroll adjustments and support off‑cycle payment requests, including corrections, retroactive pay, bonuses, terminations, and manual checks, ensuring proper taxation and documentation.
• Support and monitor wage garnishments, levies, and court‑ordered deductions, ensuring accurate calculations, timely remittances, and compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Reconcile payroll data and reports, supporting payroll audits, internal controls, and downstream financial processes such as general ledger interfaces and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Partner with HR, Finance, and external payroll vendors, providing payroll expertise, resolving discrepancies, and supporting audits, acquisitions, and system enhancements.
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries, delivering clear guidance on pay, taxes, deductions, and year‑end forms (e.g., W‑2s), while maintaining confidentiality and data integrity.

What You Bring to the Team:

• A minimum of 5 years of US Payroll experience
• APA Certification an asset
• ADP HCM, SAP payroll and reporting systems an assets
• Demonstrated experience with U.S. multi‑state payroll processing and federal payroll compliance
• Strong working knowledge of IRS regulations, FLSA, state tax laws, unemployment insurance, and garnishment rules
• Experience supporting payroll audits, regulatory inquiries, and compliance reporting
• Technical expertise, advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office, Power Automate, Power BI and Business Objects, advanced Excel required
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills (written and verbal)
• Knowledge of requirements for payroll tax registrations for U.S.
• Act with discretion and confidentiality
• Strong organizational skills, including balancing multiple responsibilities and effectively meet deadlines
• Proven ability to work independently as well as with a team
• Strong business acumen and understanding of organizational structures and functions
• Analytical thinking skills to systematically break down issues & determine root cause

Aecon fosters belonging within and across our organization. We consider all applicants for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, mental or physical disabilities, veteran status and all other characteristics protected by law.

We are committed to adhering to the objectives and requirements outlined in the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and to meeting the accessibility needs of persons with disabilities in a timely manner, through the implementation of the requirements of the EEOC and its applicable regulations. Appropriate accommodation under the EEOC will be provided upon request throughout the interview and hiring process.

Aecon is committed to ensuring all job postings are compliant with all applicable laws. Any candidate who has a concern regarding the contents of this or any other job posting can email [e-mail].