Prevailing Wage Payroll Specialist

Company: Associated Construction & Engineering, Inc.
Department: Accounting / Payroll
Reports To: Payroll Manager
Location: In-Person – Temecula, CA
Schedule: 4/10 Alternative Workweek – Monday through Thursday, 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Salary Range: $45,000 – $60,000 annually (depending on experience)

Position Summary

The Prevailing Wage Payroll Specialist is responsible for preparing, auditing, and submitting payroll for employees working on projects subject to prevailing wage laws (federal, state, and local). This role ensures compliance with certified payroll reporting, fringe benefit calculations, and related labor compliance requirements under California law and applicable federal regulations (e.g., Davis-Bacon, if applicable).

The Specialist collaborates closely with project managers, HR, subcontractors, and compliance teams to maintain accurate payroll records and stay current with changing wage determinations and labor laws.

Key Responsibilities

Process payroll for employees on prevailing wage projects, ensuring accurate calculation of wages, overtime, deductions, fringe benefits, and other compensable items.

Prepare and submit certified payroll reports (e.g., DIR in California) in full compliance with state and federal requirements.

Maintain and update prevailing wage rate tables, local determinations, union agreements, and fringe benefit rates.

Audit subcontractor payroll submissions for compliance with prevailing wage laws, including classifications, hours, fringe contributions, and apprenticeship requirements.

Reconcile payroll costs and labor allocations by job, cost code, and project.

Monitor timekeeping systems, review timesheets, and coordinate approvals with project management.

Resolve payroll discrepancies and respond to employee inquiries related to prevailing wage assignments.

Stay current with wage and hour laws, prevailing wage updates, and regulation changes at the federal, state, and local levels.

Assist with internal and external audits related to payroll and labor compliance.

Collaborate with HR, finance, accounting, project management, and legal teams to ensure accurate integration of payroll data, benefits, and compliance reporting.

Generate periodic reports such as labor cost summaries, fringe benefit usage, and variance analyses.

Support year-end payroll reconciliation and tax reporting.

Perform other payroll and compliance-related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Experience: 2–5 years of payroll experience, including at least 2 years handling prevailing wage or certified payroll in California (or similar jurisdiction).

Technical Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of California wage and hour laws, prevailing wage statutes, and certified payroll reporting requirements.

Software: Experience with payroll systems such as ADP, Paylocity, UKG, Kronos, or LCP Tracker.

Proficient in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, formulas, data analysis).

Strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and ability to interpret contracts and wage determinations.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Proven ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects.

High integrity and discretion in handling confidential employee and payroll data.

Preferred Qualifications

Payroll certification (CPP, FPC, or equivalent).

Experience in construction, public works, or government contracting.

Knowledge of apprenticeship programs and fringe benefit trusts.

Familiarity with audit processes and internal controls.

Multi-state payroll experience.

Education

Associate’s degree or higher in Accounting, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).

Working Conditions / Physical Demands

Office-based position located in Temecula, CA.

Standard schedule: 4/10 Alternative Workweek – Monday through Thursday, 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Overtime may be required during peak payroll cycles or audit periods.

Occasional travel to project sites may be required.

Must be able to manage time-sensitive tasks accurately and efficiently.

Benefits

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Retirement Plan (401k or similar)

Paid Time Off, Holidays, and Sick Leave.

Training and Professional Development Opportunities

AAP/EEO Statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, or disability.

Other Duties

This job description is intended to outline the general nature and key responsibilities of this role. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time, with or without notice