What are the responsibilities and job description for the Payroll Specialist - Commercial Construction position at Midwest Drywall Co Inc?
About Us:
Founded in 1972, Midwest Drywall, an employee-owned company, is a leading contractor of panel engineering, fabrication, installation, EIFS/plaster, metal-studs, drywall, specialty ceilings and finish carpentry. Headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, Midwest Drywall’s 350 employees serve customers in the Midwest region and throughout the United States and has developed a reputation of excellence, providing specialty services to some of the most iconic commercial projects. Midwest Drywall Co., Inc. works hard to provide a culture where people will not only enjoy the stability of long-term employment but also have the opportunity for growth. Compensation and benefits that are consistent with our leadership position in the industry. We are searching for a candidate with deep knowledge and operational expertise, who can think strategically about a project, and serve as an influential leader on the jobsite and in the office. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) striving to provide long-term employment opportunities for all.
Job Summary:
The Payroll Specialist for commercial construction is responsible for accurately processing and maintaining payroll for workers. This role involves ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local tax laws, managing union and non-union workers, handling project-specific wage compliance, and maintaining detailed records for audit and reporting purposes. The Payroll Specialist works closely with project managers, HR, to ensure smooth payroll operations and accurate job costing.
Key Responsibilities:
- Payroll Processing:
- Process weekly payroll for all commercial construction employees, and office non-exempt, ensuring timely and accurate payment.
- Review and verify timesheets to ensure accurate recording of hours worked, overtime, and shift differentials.
- Process payroll adjustments for pay discrepancies, missed hours, and retroactive pay.
- Union and Prevailing Wage Compliance:
- Ensure compliance with union agreements (CBAs) and prevailing wage laws (Davis-Bacon, state-specific wage laws), ensuring employees are paid according to the correct wage rates and benefits.
- Track union dues, fringe benefits, and other applicable deductions based on collective bargaining agreements and project-specific labor requirements.
- Verify and manage prevailing wage rates, ensuring the correct rates are applied based on job classifications and geographic location.
- Job Costing and Project-Based Payroll:
- Ensure payroll data is correctly attributed to the respective project codes, job numbers, or cost centers for accurate financial reporting and cost tracking.
- Monitor project budgets and provide reports to the finance team to help manage labor costs across multiple commercial projects.
- Compliance and Recordkeeping:
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date payroll records for all employees, including job classifications, union status, pay rates, and work hours.
- Ensure compliance with tax withholding and reporting regulations, including federal, state, and local tax filings.
- Tax Filing and Reporting:
- Prepare and submit payroll tax filings, including federal, state, and local tax reports, workers’ compensation, and unemployment insurance.
- Ensure the timely and accurate payment of payroll taxes, ensuring that all deductions and withholdings are correct.
- Assist in the preparation of 1099 forms for independent contractors, if applicable.
- Employee Communication and Support:
- Act as the primary point of contact for employee payroll inquiries, including questions regarding pay discrepancies, tax withholdings, overtime, and benefits.
- Provide clear and detailed explanations to employees regarding their pay stubs, deductions, and any changes to their pay rates.
- Year-End Reporting:
- Prepare and distribute W-2s, 1099s, and other necessary year-end tax documents.
- Reconcile year-end payroll records and assist with tax filings and year-end audits.
- Payroll System Maintenance:
- Ensure payroll software is configured to handle the unique needs of commercial construction projects, including handling complex pay structures, union requirements, and project-based payroll.
- Test and troubleshoot payroll systems to resolve any issues related to payroll processing.
- High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business, or related field preferred.
- Minimum of 3-5 years of payroll experience, with at least 2 years in the commercial construction industry.
- Strong understanding of union labor agreements, prevailing wage laws, and commercial construction payroll practices.
- Proficient in payroll software (e.g., Procore, Viewpoint, QuickBooks, ADP, or other construction-specific platforms) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local labor laws, including tax compliance, wage and hour regulations, and workers' compensation.
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational and analytical skills.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to handle employee inquiries with professionalism and confidentiality.
- Certification as a Payroll Professional (CPP) or similar certification.
- Experience with job costing, project-based payroll, and commercial construction reporting.
- Familiarity with ERP or HRIS systems used in the construction industry (Procore, Viewpoint Spectrum).
- Office-based
- Standard office hours, but flexibility is needed to accommodate payroll deadlines.
- Occasional overtime may be required during critical payroll cycles or project milestones.
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
- 401(k) retirement plan with company-paid match
- Health, dental and vision insurance
- Generous paid time off and holidays
- Flexible spending accounts
- Company-paid life and AD&D insurance