Payroll Clerk

Job Title: Payroll Clerk Department: Finance / Human Resources Reports To: Human Resources Business Partner

Position Overview

We are seeking a detail-oriented and dependable Payroll Clerk to join our team in the utility industry. The Payroll Clerk will be responsible for accurately processing employee payroll, maintaining payroll records, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and industry-specific regulations. This role is critical in supporting our field crews, operations staff, and corporate employees by ensuring timely and accurate compensation in a fast-paced, service-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

- Payroll Processing

- Collect, review, and enter timekeeping data from field crews, office staff, and remote employees.

- Process weekly/biweekly payroll in accordance with company policies and applicable laws.

- Verify hours, overtime, shift differentials, per diem, and other compensation details.

- Calculate and process union and non-union payrolls (if applicable).

- Compliance & Reporting

- Ensure payroll practices comply with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws.

- Prepare and submit payroll-related reports to management, accounting, and regulatory agencies.

- Maintain employee payroll records, tax information, and direct deposit authorizations.

- Process garnishments, child support orders, and other mandatory deductions.

- Coordination & Support

- Collaborate with HR to update employee records for new hires, terminations, and changes.

- Communicate with supervisors to resolve time entry discrepancies.

- Assist employees with payroll-related questions and issues.

- Coordinate with accounting on labor cost allocations to projects, work orders, or job sites.

Qualifications

- High school diploma or GED required; associate's degree in accounting, business administration, or related field preferred.

- 1–3 years of payroll experience (utility, construction, or field-service industry preferred).

- Familiarity with payroll systems (e.g., ADP, Paylocity, Paychex) and timekeeping software.

- Working knowledge of wage and hour laws, union contracts, and certified payroll reporting (preferred).

- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and other office software.

- Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and confidentiality.