ADP Payroll Specialist

Bernards Payroll Specialist

Bernards Company Overview

Founded in 1974, Bernards is a nationally ranked, employee-owned multidisciplinary commercial builder that provides technical expertise and professional services to a wide variety of private and public sector clients. Areas of expertise include comprehensive preconstruction, general contracting, and construction management services, each integrating sustainable building practices and supported by Bernards’ advanced technology tools. Our project experience includes healthcare facilities, mixed-use/multi-family residential complexes, detention projects, sports and entertainment venues, and a variety of educational and civic facilities. Bernards maintains a continual focus on safety, quality, sustainability, diversity, and community involvement. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Bernards has 5 regional offices throughout California and employs more than 400 professionals.

Overview

We are seeking a detail-oriented and hands-on Payroll Supervisor to oversee end-to-end payroll operations, lead process improvements, and manage payroll systems. This role will be responsible for ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing while continuously enhancing processes, controls, and system capabilities—particularly within ADP Workforce Now (or similar ADP platforms).

This is a working manager role ideal for someone who can balance execution, team leadership, and system optimization in a fast-paced, multi-state environment.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Processing & Operations

• Oversee and execute end-to-end payroll processing for multi-state employee populations
• Ensure accurate calculation of wages, bonuses, commissions, and deductions
• Review and validate payroll data prior to submission to ensure accuracy and compliance
• Manage payroll calendars, deadlines, and reporting requirements
• Resolve complex payroll issues, discrepancies, and employee inquiries

Team Leadership

• Supervise, mentor, and develop payroll team members
• Review team output to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance
• Establish clear processes, accountability, and performance expectations
• Partner with HR, Finance, and Accounting teams to ensure alignment

Process Improvement

• Identify inefficiencies and implement process improvements to enhance accuracy and scalability
• Standardize and document payroll procedures and workflows
• Strengthen internal controls and audit readiness
• Drive automation and streamline manual processes

Payroll Systems Management

• Serve as primary owner of payroll system(s), including ADP.
• Maintain system configuration, earnings/deduction codes, and reporting structures
• Partner with HRIS and IT on integrations, upgrades, and enhancements
• Support system implementations, testing, and ongoing optimization
• Ensure data integrity across payroll, HRIS, and benefits systems

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations
• Manage payroll tax filings, audits, and reporting requirements
• Support internal and external audits with proper documentation
• Monitor regulatory changes and update processes accordingly

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of payroll experience, including supervisory or lead responsibilities
• Strong hands-on experience processing payroll in a multi-state environment
• Expertise in ADP platforms (Workforce Now, Vantage, or similar)
• Demonstrated experience in process improvement and payroll optimization
• Solid understanding of payroll tax, wage and hour laws, and compliance requirements
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines

Preferred Experience

• Experience in mid-size to large, multi-location organizations
• Exposure to payroll system implementations or upgrades
• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) certification