Payroll & Compliance Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY

This role will support all three of our organizations: Great States Construction, Great States Development, and Collective, offering a diverse and rewarding opportunity to make a broad impact across construction, real estate development, and property management sectors.

The Payroll & Compliance Specialist is a detail-oriented HR professional responsible for the accurate, compliant, and timely execution of payroll and HR/payroll-related compliance functions across multiple entities. This role serves as the primary specialist for payroll operations and employment compliance while supporting leadership with reporting, audits, and regulatory accuracy. The Payroll & Compliance Specialist will report directly to the Human Resources Manager.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Administration

Process bi-weekly and off-cycle payroll accurately and on time

Ensure accurate calculation of wages, overtime, bonuses, reimbursements, deductions, and commissions

Maintain payroll records in compliance with federal and state retention requirements

Coordinate payroll changes related to new hires, terminations, and compensation changes

Reconcile payroll reports and resolve discrepancies

Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll inquiries

Conduct routine payroll audits for accuracy

Generate standard and ad-hoc payroll reports

Partner with accounting on payroll reporting and reconciliations

Ensure timely preparation and distribution of annual W-2’s

Compliance & Regulatory Administration

Maintain HR compliance across payroll and employment regulations

Ensure compliance with FLSA and applicable state wage and hour laws

Administer garnishments, child support, and tax levies

Support payroll tax filings and audits

Monitor regulatory changes and recommend process updates

Maintain payroll compliance documentation and SOPs

Additional responsibilities as required to support department objectives

QUALIFICATIONS

Associates degree in HR, Accounting, Finance or related field OR equivalent experience

2-5 years of payroll administration experience required including processing payroll for roles with variable compensation (commissions, bonuses, incentives)

Multi-state payroll experience preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

Strong knowledge of payroll laws and compliance requirements

High attention to detail and accuracy

Strong organizational and time management skills

Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality

Proficient in HRIS platforms (BambooHR preferred)

Proficient in Microsoft Excel

BENEFITS AND PERKS

Health, dental, and vision insurance with an HSA and FSA options

Supplementary insurance

Eligibility the first of the month following 30 days

401k with a match of 3% 

Flexible time off with 10 paid holidays

Paid volunteer hours

Professional development opportunities 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

Must be able to lift and/or move 20 pounds

Occasionally climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position requires regular office hours (8 am – 5pm, M-F) to be maintained along with availability for emergency situations outside of regular office hours.

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER