Payroll and Human Resources Specialist

SUMMARY

National Electric Works is seeking an experienced Payroll & Human Resources Specialist to administer full-cycle payroll, manage labor compliance reporting, and support day-to-day HR operations for a California electrical contractor. This role owns certified payroll compliance (state and federal), union trust reporting, garnishments, and agency filings; maintains accurate employee records; and supports HR onboarding and offboarding. The position also serves as a payroll processor and is responsible for training cross-coverage to ensure continuity.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Payroll Administration

• Prepare, audit, and enter weekly payroll in Paychex and Sage 300 (via HH2 People Platform), including job/labor cost coding, fringes, shift differentials, pay re-rates, and trade classifications.
• Maintain earnings/deductions, direct deposits, tax setup, and PTO/PSL/UTO calendars to ensure accurate timekeeping.
• Set up and manage wage garnishments, child support orders, and related deductions; process wage assignments and support orders in compliance with California law; issue weekly garnishment payments through ExpertPay.
• Reconcile payroll registers, general ledger postings, and labor cost reports; resolve variances prior to funding.
• Submit payroll-related documents to EDD, FTB, and other agencies as required.

Certified Payroll & Public Works Compliance

• Produce and submit Certified Payroll Records (CPRs) and Statements of Compliance (eCPR) via California DIR and platforms including LCP Tracker, Elations, EMARS, PRISM, and owner-controlled insurance program (OCIP) portals — on time and error-free.
• Perform daily job compliance checks: verify prevailing wage determinations, craft/class codes, zone pay, shift/holiday rules, travel & subsistence, apprenticeship ratios, fringe allocations, and proper work classifications from daily reports and timecards.
• Manage certified payroll project startups and subcontractor compliance monitoring; communicate discrepancies to management promptly.
• Maintain and update labor compliance software with current pay rates and fringe information.
• Submit monthly fringe and training reports to general contractors.
• Submit OCIP monthly reports and Workers’ Compensation monthly reports.
• Stay current on labor compliance laws and regulations through ongoing training and coursework.

Union & Benefits Reporting

• Prepare union trust reports (e.g., NEBF/NEAP/Local fund remittances), workers comp, reciprocity, and monthly census files; reconcile to payroll.
• Prepare and verify monthly Union Dues reports.
• Coordinate Workers’ Compensation audits (e.g., Travelers WC): submit payroll/classification data and audit support schedules; administer WC wage statements as needed.

HR Administration

• Onboarding/Terminations: Collect new-hire paperwork (I-9, W-4/DE-4, direct deposit, required California state notices); initiate/terminate system access and benefits; complete final pay processing including accrued PTO payout per California law.
• Prepare and print new hire employment documents; create and maintain employee personnel files (electronic and physical) in compliance with California retention and privacy requirements.
• Assist new hires with Paychex onboarding and benefits enrollment.
• Conduct E-Verify for all new hires.
• Respond to employment verifications.
• Manage EDD filings: new-hire reporting, payroll tax submissions, and unemployment claims responses.
• Badging: Coordinate client/site badge requirements (background checks, vaccinations/fit tests if required by client) and track expirations.

Time Off & Calendars

• Administer company sick leave and vacation accruals and balances consistent with California Paid Sick Leave law and applicable local ordinances.
• Maintain the company time-off calendar and ensure accurate payout/accrual reporting.

Administrative & General Support

• Answer and transfer incoming phone calls; provide general administrative support.
• Maintain written payroll procedures and internal controls appropriate for a contractor environment.
• Train designated backup(s) and serve as backup payroll processor when needed to ensure business continuity.
• Support periodic process improvements and software upgrades.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• 3+ years of hands-on California payroll experience (multi-job, multi-site, hourly trades).
• Experience with certified payroll (CA DIR and/or Davis-Bacon) and union trust reporting.
• Working knowledge of Sage 300 and/or Paychex (or comparable ERP/payroll platform) and strong Excel skills (lookups, pivot tables).
• Familiarity with labor compliance platforms such as LCP Tracker, DIR eCPR, EMARS, and PRISM.
• Solid understanding of California wage & hour rules: overtime, meal/rest period premiums, final pay requirements, sick leave accruals, and payroll tax basics.
• High attention to detail, commitment to confidentiality, and ability to meet firm deadlines.
• Professional communication skills with both field and office teams.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Construction industry experience — electrical or low-voltage a plus.
• Familiarity with Elations, OCIP portals, and apprenticeship documentation.
• Prior support for EDD audits, Workers’ Compensation premium audits, and garnishment administration.
• Notary Public commission or HR certification (PHR, SHRM-CP) is a plus.

PHYSICAL & WORK ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged periods working at a computer workstation.
• Ability to lift up to 15 lbs.
• Occasional early or late hours during payroll processing and month-end close.
• Minimal local travel to jobsites or general contractor meetings may be required.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Company: National Electric Works, Inc. (NEW)

Location: San Diego, CA (on-site with some flexibility as business allows)

Department: Finance / HR

Reports To: Office Manager

FLSA Status: Non-exempt (overtime-eligible)

Schedule: Full-time, Monday–Friday

Pay Range (CA disclosure): $32–$45 per hour DOE. NEW’s actual offer will factor in experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

Benefits: Eligible for overtime; medical/dental/vision; 401(k); paid holidays; paid sick leave and vacation in accordance with California law and company policy; other benefits as offered by NEW.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (CALIFORNIA)

National Electric Works, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to any legally protected characteristic, including race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, marital/domestic partner status, medical condition, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, military/veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, California state, or local law.

NEW provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs, consistent with applicable law. To request an accommodation, please contact HR.

AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT

Employment with NEW is at-will and may be terminated by the employee or NEW at any time, with or without cause or advance notice, consistent with applicable law. Nothing in this job description constitutes a contract of employment or a guarantee of continued employment.

CALIFORNIA APPLICANT PRIVACY NOTICE (SUMMARY)

When you apply, NEW may collect identifiers (e.g., name, contact information), professional and employment history, education records, and other information you provide (e.g., work authorization status), as well as information required to conduct background or badge checks when applicable and permitted by law. We use this information for recruiting, hiring, onboarding, payroll and benefits administration, legal compliance, and security purposes. For full details or to exercise rights available under California privacy law (CCPA/CPRA), please contact HR to request our complete Applicant Privacy Notice.