Certified Payroll Administrator

OPEN POSITION: Certified Payroll Administrator
LOCATION: Columbus, OH
REPORTS TO: Payroll Director
FLSA STATUS: Fulltime, Onsite, Non-Exempt
SALARY: $60,000 - $70,000 annually based on experience

ABOUT US

Bay Crane is the leader in crane, rigging, and specialized transportation services, trusted for our commitment to safety, precision, and customer success. With operations spanning the Northeast, Midwest, and beyond, we take pride in supporting complex projects with expertise, reliability, and a people-first approach. Our success is built on the strength of our team, and we are dedicated to creating an environment where employees can thrive.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We’re looking for a Certified Payroll Administrator to support the accurate and timely processing of weekly payroll across all Bay Crane regions. This role plays a critical part in ensuring compliance with multi-state, union, and prevailing wage payroll requirements.

The Certified Payroll Administrator works closely with Finance, HR, Dispatch, and Operations to maintain payroll accuracy, support certified payroll reporting, and ensure adherence to collective bargaining agreements. This role is ideal for someone detail-oriented, organized, and experienced in construction or union payroll environments.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Payroll Processing & Compliance

• Process weekly payroll across multiple entities using NexGen and ADP
• Review payroll entries for accuracy, ensuring compliance with CBAs, wage laws, and company policies
• Submit finalized payroll after validating adjustments, deductions, and reports
• Generate and distribute certified payroll reports for prevailing wage projects
• Manage union fringe benefit reporting and maintain accurate rate tables and deductions
• Partner with dispatchers and project managers to reconcile job hours, rates, and cost codes

Employee Records & Onboarding

• Support onboarding by entering employee data, tax elections, and union affiliations
• Maintain accurate payroll records including wage rates, classifications, and deductions
• Process employee changes such as pay updates, transfers, and terminations

Reporting & Cross-Functional Support

• Run and distribute payroll reports to Finance, management, and operations teams
• Serve as a liaison to union representatives regarding agreements and updates
• Assist with audits, reconciliations, and payroll compliance documentation

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business, Human Resources, or equivalent experience
• 3–5 years of certified payroll experience required
• At least 1 year of payroll experience in construction, union, or prevailing wage environments required
• Experience or exposure to ADP Workforce Now preferred (other systems considered)
• Experience with NexGen or similar ERP systems is a plus
• Strong understanding of certified payroll, prevailing wage laws, and union reporting
• Intermediate Excel skills (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP) and proficiency in Microsoft Office
• High attention to detail, accuracy, and ability to handle confidential information
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and work independently