Payroll Specialist

About 1901 Inc.

For over 125 years, 1901 Inc. has been building Wisconsin's future through exceptional mechanical, electrical, and plumbing solutions. While our technical expertise and reputation for excellence open doors, it's our people-first culture that keeps them open. Join a collaborative team where integrity, respect, and growth aren't just values on a wall-they're how we work every single day.

Position Summary

Be the payroll expert our teams count on! As our Payroll Specialist, you'll ensure that every employee-from field crews to office staff-gets paid accurately and on time. You'll be the critical link between union contracts, labor laws, and the people who build Wisconsin's future, managing complex payroll processing for our unionized construction workforce while maintaining the trust and confidentiality that comes with this essential responsibility. If you're detail-oriented, thrive on accuracy, and take pride in getting the numbers right so our people can focus on the work, this is your opportunity.

What You'll Accomplish

Payroll Processing Excellence

• Process weekly payroll for our entire workforce-salaried, hourly, and union employees-ensuring accuracy and timely payments that our teams depend on
• Interpret and apply collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) to calculate wages, benefits, overtime, and union-specific terms correctly every time
• Manage employee benefits, deductions, and garnishments in full compliance with CBAs and federal, state, and local laws
• Ensure accurate reporting and deductions for union dues, health benefits, pensions, and other contractual obligations

Compliance & Reporting

• Prepare and submit payroll reports including tax filings, certified payrolls, required union reports, and Davis Bacon documentation
• Reconcile monthly payroll to General Ledger accounts, maintaining financial accuracy
• Stay current on changes in labor laws, tax regulations, and CBA terms to ensure full compliance
• Assist with audits and prepare financial reports related to payroll with precision

Problem-Solving & Support

• Handle payroll discrepancies promptly, address employee concerns, and resolve issues with professionalism and discretion
• Collaborate with HR and Accounting teams to ensure accurate employee records and benefit allocations
• Support payroll system updates and troubleshoot system-related issues
• Maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive payroll information with integrity

What You Bring

Required Experience & Knowledge

• Minimum 3 years of payroll processing experience within the construction industry
• Proven experience processing payroll for a unionized workforce, including understanding union rules, wage structures, and certified payroll requirements
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll laws, tax regulations, and benefits administration
• Familiarity with Davis Bacon rules and prevailing wage requirements
• High school diploma or GED; advanced education in accounting or business preferred

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel
• Experience with construction payroll systems (Vista Viewpoint experience a plus)
• Ability to learn and adapt to payroll system updates and changes

Professional Qualities

• Exceptional organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to accuracy-every decimal point matters when it's someone's paycheck
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to work effectively with employees, union representatives, and internal teams
• Strong problem-solving abilities with proactive approach to identifying & resolving discrepancies
• High degree of integrity and discretion when handling confidential information
• Self-motivated professional who takes ownership of results and meets deadlines consistently

Why 1901 Inc.?

Payroll isn't just a back-office function here-it's a respected, valued role where your accuracy and integrity directly impact 300 team members and their families every single week. Work alongside collaborative accounting and HR teams who understand the complexity of what you do and have your back when challenges arise. Your expertise ensures that the people building Wisconsin's hospitals, schools, and communities get paid correctly and on time-and that matters.

Benefits Package

Competitive salary, benefits package including health, dental, vision, life and disability, 401(k) with company match & profit sharing, paid time off and holidays, ongoing training and professional development-all while working hard alongside people who have your back!

Ready to be the payroll expert our 300 team members count on? Let's talk about what you can accomplish with 1901!

Please note job functions listed here are not all-inclusive, rather they indicate the types of activities normally performed by this position and, therefore, may be modified and revised. Other duties may be required and assigned from time-to-time.

1901 Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.