CJ Hughes Construction

75 W 3rd ave Huntington WV, 25701

Payroll Specialist

Job Description/Position Summary

C.J. Hughes Construction is actively seeking a highly productive, detail-oriented, and dependable Payroll Specialist who thrives in a fast-paced environment and works well as part of a team. This position plays a critical role in ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing for a large multi-state workforce consisting of both union and non-union employees.

The ideal candidate will possess strong payroll experience, exceptional organizational skills, and a thorough understanding of payroll compliance, taxes, fringe benefits, union agreements, and reporting requirements within the construction industry. This role requires professionalism, confidentiality, accuracy, and the ability to manage multiple priorities efficiently while working with multiple trade unions and payroll obligations.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• Process weekly payroll for 500+ employees across multiple states and union/non-union environments
• Enter, review, process, and finalize payroll accurately and within required deadlines
• Export payroll files and process payroll transmissions to banking institutions
• Review, analyze, and update employee timecards to ensure accurate payment in accordance with company policies and labor agreements
• Process payroll corrections, adjustments, and retroactive pay when necessary
• Maintain payroll records, deductions, garnishments, direct deposits, and tax information
• Assist employees with payroll-related questions, discrepancies, and concerns in a professional and confidential manner
• Onboard new hires into payroll and timekeeping systems while maintaining accurate employee records
• Process and submit 401(k) contributions and payments to Ascensus
• Process weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll tax payments including federal, state, municipal, and local taxes
• Ensure compliance with all payroll tax regulations and reporting requirements
• Process child support garnishments, wage attachments, and other court-ordered deductions
• Enter and process Accounts Payable invoices as assigned
• Process and submit weekly and monthly union fringe benefit payments, including CRC union fringes and other applicable trade union obligations
• Generate payroll reports including steward reports, labor reports, certified payroll reports, union reports, and audit documentation
• Assist with workers’ compensation audits, union audits, payroll reconciliations, and payroll-related reporting requirements
• Maintain compliance with Master Labor Agreements and applicable trade union payroll requirements
• Utilize Microsoft Excel for payroll tracking, reconciliation, reporting, and data analysis
• Support external audits and maintain organized payroll documentation and records
• Coordinate and assist with mailing payroll, tax, and company-related documents, including taking outgoing mail to the post office when needed
• Maintain confidentiality of payroll and employee information at all times
• Work closely with HR, Accounting, and Operations teams to ensure payroll accuracy and efficiency
• Assist with identifying and resolving payroll discrepancies and system issues
• Provide administrative and office support as needed
• Perform additional payroll and administrative duties as assigned by management

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of payroll experience preferred, preferably within the construction, industrial, or utility industries
• Experience processing high-volume, multi-state payroll required
• Experience working with trade unions, union payroll, and Master Labor Agreements required
• Knowledge of fringe benefit administration, payroll deductions, garnishments, and union reporting procedures
• Strong understanding of federal, state, municipal, and local payroll tax regulations
• Experience processing union fringes and benefit contributions preferred
• High school diploma or equivalent required; additional accounting or payroll certifications preferred
• Previous experience with Foundation Software or similar payroll/accounting systems preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Strong knowledge of payroll systems, payroll processing, tax compliance, and union payroll procedures
• Ability to interpret labor agreements and apply payroll rules accurately
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong teamwork skills while also being capable of working independently
• Reliable, dependable, and self-motivated work ethic

Employment Requirements:

- Valid Drivers License and Reliable Transportation

- Must provide documentation to verify identity and employment eligibility in accordance with federal I-9 requirements

- Ability to pass drug test and background check

- Willingness to travel and work in different areas as needed

- Commitment to following all Safety Policies and Procedures

- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and perform physical labor

- Ability to work overtime and extended hours based on workload

- Must be 18 years of age

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer
• Frequent use of computers, phones, and office equipment
• Ability to occasionally lift office materials and supplies up to 25 pounds
• Ability to perform repetitive hand and wrist movements associated with office work

Work Environment:

• Office environment with prolonged computer and desk work
• Fast-paced environment with strict payroll deadlines
• Frequent interaction with employees, supervisors, union representatives, and management teams
• Professional office setting requiring strong communication and organizational skills

Schedule/Travel Requirements

• Full-time position
• Monday through Friday with standard office hours
• Additional hours and overtime may be required during payroll processing periods, audits, or year-end reporting
• In-office position located in Huntington, West Virginia

Compensation & Benefits:

· 401(k) with company match

· Medical, dental, and vision insurance

· Short-term and long-term disability

· Life insurance

· Paid time off (PTO) and holiday pay

· Paid vacation

· Comprehensive benefits package

· Opportunities for professional growth and development

Pay Based on Experience ( $18-$22 per hr)

Additional Duties:

- Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor or management.

C.J. Hughes Construction is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.