Senior Certified Payroll & Prevailing Wage Specialist

Senior Certified Payroll & Prevailing Wage Specialist

· On-Site | Full-Time

· Mosedsto/Escalon, California

· Immediate Opening

· Reports To: Director of Human Resource

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Senior Certified Payroll & Prevailing Wage Specialist to join our growing team. This role is responsible for managing California payroll processing, certified payroll reporting, prevailing wage compliance, and labor compliance administration for public works and construction projects.

The ideal candidate will have strong working knowledge of California payroll laws, DIR compliance requirements, certified payroll reporting, prevailing wage regulations, union and apprenticeship compliance, and payroll systems. This position plays a critical role in supporting Operations, HR, Accounting, and Project Management teams while ensuring full compliance across all active projects.

This is a confidential search for a highly organized professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, works independently, and maintains a high level of accuracy and professionalism.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Administration

Process California payroll accurately and on time while ensuring compliance with all applicable wage and hour laws, payroll tax requirements, and labor regulations.

Maintain payroll records, employee deductions, garnishments, levies, fringe benefits, and tax-related documentation.

Coordinate with HR regarding employee status changes, benefit deductions, compensation adjustments, and payroll-related updates.

Coordinate with Accounting regarding payroll reporting, reconciliations, labor allocations, and audit support.

Support year-end payroll processing, including W-2 preparation and payroll reconciliations.

Handle employee payroll inquiries professionally and confidentially.

Certified Payroll & Prevailing Wage Compliance

Prepare, review, and submit certified payroll reports through DIR eCPR and related compliance systems.

Ensure compliance with California prevailing wage laws, DIR requirements, labor classifications, wage determinations, and fringe benefit allocations.

Track and resolve certified payroll discrepancies, payroll corrections, and compliance issues in a timely manner.

Maintain organized, audit-ready certified payroll and prevailing wage documentation.

Support internal and external labor compliance audits and respond to contractor, agency, union hall, and DIR requests as needed.

Union & Apprenticeship Compliance

Prepare and submit DAS 140 and DAS 142 forms within required timelines.

Coordinate apprenticeship dispatch requirements and union labor compliance documentation.

Maintain accurate records of union notifications, dispatches, and compliance confirmations.

Support labor tracking and workforce compliance for public works and construction projects.

Systems & Reporting

Manage payroll and labor compliance reporting through systems such as:

• DIR Public Works / eCPR
• LCPtracker
• Surge or comparable compliance platforms
• Paylocity or similar HRIS/payroll systems

Audit payroll and compliance data for accuracy and resolve discrepancies promptly.

Prepare payroll, labor compliance, and reporting summaries for management and project teams.

Stay current on California labor laws, payroll regulations, prevailing wage updates, and compliance requirements.

Qualifications

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP/CPS) certification preferred.

Minimum 5+ years of payroll processing, certified payroll, or prevailing wage compliance experience preferred.

Experience with California certified payroll reporting and prevailing wage compliance required.

Strong understanding of California payroll laws, wage and hour regulations, payroll tax requirements, and labor compliance standards.

Experience with:

• DIR eCPR reporting
• DAS 140 / DAS 142 submissions
• LCPtracker
• Prevailing wage compliance systems
• Payroll and HRIS systems such as Paylocity, ADP, Paycom, Paychex, or similar platforms

Construction, solar, roofing, electrical, or public works industry experience preferred.

Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and payroll reporting systems.

Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple deadlines.

Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information professionally.

Strong communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional coordination skills.

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Range: $34.00 – $42.00 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications.

We offer a competitive benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) and Retirement Plan Options
• Paid Time Off and Holidays
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional Development Assistance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Supportive and collaborative work environment

Work Environment

This is an on-site position supporting active construction and public works operations. The role works closely with HR, Operations, Accounting, and Project Management teams in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Why Join Us

This is a high-impact role within a growing construction organization where compliance, accountability, and operational excellence are critical to project success. Your expertise will directly support successful project execution while helping strengthen and improve internal payroll and labor compliance systems.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our workplace.

Pay: $34.00 - $42.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Payroll Specialist: 5 years (Required)
• Prevailing Wage: 3 years (Required)
• Microsoft Excel: 3 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Certified Payroll Professional (Preferred)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Work Location: In person