Payroll & Benefits Manager at ROERS

Job Title: Payroll & Benefits Manager

Department: Human Resources

Reports To: VP of Human Resources

Employment Type: Full-Time

Location: On-site

Job Summary

The Payroll & Benefits Manager is a hands-on role responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll and administration of employee benefits for a construction and property management organization. This position directly processes payroll and has oversight and execution responsibility for implementing, maintaining, and reviewing timekeeping and payroll systems to ensure accurate processing of salaries, benefits, garnishments, taxes, and other deductions. The Payroll & Benefits Manager ensures compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations, union agreements, certified payroll, prevailing wage, and Davis-Bacon Act requirements. Working closely with HR, Finance, and field operations, the role supports payroll and benefits accuracy across multiple job sites, entities, and complex pay structures. Additional responsibilities include processing payroll updates such as new hires, terminations, and pay rate changes; overseeing benefits administration; maintaining personnel and payroll records; preparing payroll reports; and ensuring ongoing compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. This summary outlines the key components of the position, with additional duties assigned as needed.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Core Values & Professional Conduct

• Follow and demonstrate the company’s core values of Respect, Opportunity, Partnership, Experience, Expertise, and Community when working with employees, leadership, vendors, and external partners
• Maintain positive, professional, and collaborative working relationships with peers, management, and support resources
• Provide exemplary internal customer service to employees while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism
  
  

Hands-On Payroll Processing

• Process weekly payroll for hourly and exempt employees using a consistent, accurate, and efficient process
• Enter, maintain, and audit employee payroll data including pay rates, job codes, labor classifications, direct deposits, and deductions
• Process timecards and time records, ensuring accuracy and resolving errors related to system uploads or manual entry
• Process off-cycle payrolls, manual checks, payroll corrections, and retroactive adjustments
• Make pay adjustments for raises, bonuses, commissions, and other compensation or benefit-related changes
• Perform internal payroll processing, bank file uploads, and paystub vendor uploads
  
  

Certified Payroll, Prevailing Wage & Davis-Bacon Compliance

• Process payroll for prevailing wage and Davis-Bacon–covered projects, ensuring correct wage determinations, classifications, and fringe benefit allocations (cash vs. benefit)
• Prepare, review, and submit certified payroll reports in compliance with federal, state, and local requirements
• Maintain accurate records of wage determinations, worker classifications, work locations, and fringe benefit calculations
• Respond to certified payroll audits, discrepancies, and inquiries from general contractors, owners, and government agencies
  
  

Payroll Taxes, Compliance & Reporting

• Maintain current knowledge of payroll rules, regulations, and labor laws to ensure company compliance
• Prepare, review, and submit federal, state, and local payroll tax filings, including quarterly Forms 941 and state equivalents
• Reconcile payroll tax liabilities and coordinate timely payments
• Complete year-end payroll processing including W-2 and 1099 preparation and distribution
• Critically review payroll, benefits, and tax procedures and recommend improvements to support best-practice operations
• Complete all required payroll- and benefits-related reporting within established deadlines
  
  

Benefits Administration & PTO

• Administer employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, voluntary benefits, and wellness offerings
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee and management questions related to benefits
• Lead and manage the annual open enrollment process, including employee communications, system setup, and vendor coordination
• Administer 401(k) and retirement plans, including enrollments, contributions, employer match calculations, and reconciliations
• Set up, maintain, and reconcile benefit deductions (pre-tax and post-tax)
• Maintain PTO accrual balances, including monthly accrual processing and tracking of usage
• Coordinate benefit enrollments, terminations, and billing reconciliation with vendors and brokers
  
  

Garnishments, Leave & Employee Records

• Process child support orders and other garnishments, ensuring accurate calculations, documentation, and timely remittance
• Manage leave of absence approvals, processing, tracking, and coordination with payroll and benefits
• Enter and maintain personnel, payroll, benefits, and leave data in applicable systems
• Ensure employee records are accurate, secure, and confidential
  
  

Systems, SOPs & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain payroll, timekeeping, HRIS, and benefits administration systems
• Identify, investigate, and resolve payroll or system discrepancies; escalate issues as needed
• Develop, maintain, and update payroll and benefits SOPs (standard operating procedures)
• Understand payroll and HR system interaction with company accounting software and modules
• Recommend and help implement system or process improvements
  
  

Collaboration & Organizational Support

• Partner with HR on onboarding activities including new hire paperwork, policy review, and benefits education
• Collaborate with Finance on payroll reconciliations, benefit expense allocations, and accounting-related payables
• Establish and maintain professional relationships with external vendors (payroll processors, banks, benefit providers, accounting software partners)
• Provide requested payroll, personnel, and benefits reports to company leadership while maintaining confidentiality
• Participate in company committees and cross-functional initiatives
• Provide assistance with front desk or administrative duties when needed
  
  

Education & Experience

Required

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 3-5 years of previous hands-on payroll and benefits administration experience
• Experience with payroll, timekeeping, and accounting systems
• High degree of accuracy and attention to detail
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to handle confidential information
  
  

Preferred

• Experience in construction or property management payroll environments. Sage 300 experience very beneficial.
• Knowledge of certified payroll, prevailing wage, and Davis-Bacon compliance
  
  

Skills & Competencies

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Professional interaction with employees, vendors, and leadership
• Ability to adapt to change and support a growing organization
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Commitment to teamwork, continuous learning, and professional development