Payroll Administrator

About the role

Responsible for processing end-to-end, multi-state payroll for a large, diverse workforce. This role ensures all shipbuilders, contractors, and salaried staff are paid accurately and on time while maintaining strict compliance with complex federal, state, and union regulations. The position demands rigorous attention to detail, advanced HRIS/payroll system proficiency, and a solid understanding of heavy-industry labor compliance.

Responsibilities

• Administer weekly and bi-weekly multi-state payroll for a large employee population
• Reconcile complex timekeeping data, including shift differentials, overtime, and piece-rate pay
• Monitor and enforce compliance with union agreements, prevailing wage rules, and Davis-Bacon requirements
• Audit state and local tax withholding accuracy based on employee work locations and state reciprocity rules
• Collaborate with HR to apply precise deductions for health benefits, 401(k), and garnishments
• Maintain confidential employee payroll records, verifying new hires, status changes, and terminations
• Investigate payroll variances and resolve employee pay discrepancies promptly
• Evaluate current payroll workflows, identifying opportunities to enhance system efficiency and reporting control

Requirements

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or Human Resources preferred
• Minimum 3+ years of dedicated experience managing multi-state payroll, ideally within heavy construction, manufacturing, or maritime industries
• Strong hands-on expertise with enterprise-level payroll software and HRIS platforms
• Comprehensive understanding of state-specific wage and hour laws, multi-state tax setups, and SUTA rates
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) preferred

Working Environment / Physical Demands

• Mobility to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to attend meetings at various sites
• Mobility to climb up and down stairs all day, as needed
• Health, transportation and family arrangements to attend work every scheduled workday
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone
• Regular exposure to all weather conditions, especially hot, humid and/or rainy weather, combined with regular work time indoors in environmentally controlled conditions

Special Skills

• Advanced analytical and numerical skills
• Excellent cross-functional communication
• High integrity and strict adherence to data confidentiality
• Strong organizational capability to meet tight, high-volume processing deadlines

Necessary Equipment Operation

• Office equipment, including telephone, copiers, scanner, computers, postage machine, ten-key