Staff Accountant

Together We Build – Partnership, Innovation, Excellence, and Safety At Kelso Industries, 5,000+ employees across 40+ companies work together to deliver exceptional HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, refrigeration, and electrical solutions nationwide. Join us to grow your career, make an impact, and be part of a team where innovation, excellence, and safety come first. Recruiter Notice: We respectfully ask external recruiters and staffing agencies not to submit candidates. We only accept direct applications. Payroll Operations Accountant Location: Phoenix, AZ (Hybrid/On-Site as Needed) About Kelso Industries Kelso Industries is a rapidly growing, private equity-backed holding company focused on the Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) industry. With operations across multiple states and continued expansion through acquisitions and organic growth, Kelso partners with leading commercial and industrial contractors to build scalable, operationally excellent businesses. We are seeking a detail-oriented and operationally focused Payroll Operations Accountant to support payroll processing, labor reporting, and job costing activities across multiple Operating Companies (OpCos). This role will partner closely with Accounting, HR, Operations, and Corporate Payroll teams to ensure payroll accuracy, labor cost integrity, and compliance with company and prevailing wage requirements. Position Summary The Payroll Operations Accountant, Operations will be responsible for reviewing and validating payroll and labor data, supporting job costing accuracy, resolving payroll discrepancies, and producing operational labor reporting across assigned OpCos. This individual will serve as a key liaison between field operations and corporate payroll while helping improve payroll processes, reporting, and system functionality. Key Responsibilities Ensure timecards from assigned Operating Companies (OpCos) are submitted by established deadlinesReview and audit timecards for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with company policyIdentify and resolve payroll discrepancies in coordination with field supervisors and employees prior to payroll submissionSubmit verified payroll data to the corporate payroll team before established deadlinesServe as the primary point of contact for payroll-related questions and employee supportEnsure payroll hours and labor costs are accurately posted to the General Ledger (GL) and job cost modulesResearch, analyze, and resolve questions related to labor postings and project cost allocationsMonitor and reconcile labor cost allocations across active projects to ensure proper coding and reporting accuracyCollaborate cross-functionally with Accounting, HR, Operations, and Corporate Payroll teamsSupport payroll system implementations, upgrades, and process automation initiativesBuild, maintain, and distribute recurring and ad hoc labor reports including productivity, utilization, labor cost, and headcount reportingProduce reports for Prevailing Wage and Davis Bacon projectsTrack labor hours and related requirements to ensure compliance with prevailing wage and PTO regulationsMaintain confidentiality of employee compensation and payroll information at all times Qualifications Required 2–3 years of construction payroll experience with strong exposure to job costing and labor reportingExperience supporting prevailing wage and Davis Bacon compliance/reportingDemonstrated understanding of General Ledger postings and payroll accounting processesAdvanced Excel skills including formulas, reporting, and data analysisStrong attention to detail, organizational skills, and follow-throughAbility to work effectively across departments in a fast-paced operational environment Preferred Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related fieldExperience working within multi-entity or construction-related environmentsExposure to payroll/timekeeping systems and ERP platforms Core Competencies Compliance-focused mindsetExceptional organizational and time-management skillsStrong analytical and problem-solving abilitiesClear and professional communication skillsAbility to work independently while collaborating cross-functionally Why Kelso Industries Kelso Industries offers the opportunity to work within a growing, multi-OpCo organization, supporting meaningful infrastructure and industrial projects nationwide. We value accuracy, accountability, and partnership—and provide a collaborative environment where payroll compliance expertise is essential and respected. Kelso Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Why Join Kelso Industries? Join us and be part of a team dedicated to creating efficient, sustainable, and high-performance environments that make a lasting impact across the industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors. Here You Will Experience Growth Opportunities: Develop new skills, take on exciting challenges, and advance your career in meaningful ways. Company Culture: You’ll thrive in an environment that supports your growth, values your contributions, and makes work fulfilling and enjoyable. Impact: Your work directly contributes to meaningful outcomes, allowing you to see the difference you make and feel a sense of purpose every day. Competitive Compensation & Benefits: You’ll be rewarded fairly for your contributions while enjoying perks that enhance your financial security, health, and overall well-being. Kelso Industries celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate in any aspect of employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local employment discrimination laws where Kelso does business