Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate, timely, and compliant administration of payroll and payroll-related employee programs across PUSH and all affiliated divisions. This role serves as the primary owner of day-to-day payroll operations, including employee deductions and payroll compliance. Maintains records of employee benefit deductions and supports payroll reconciliation and data accuracy. Serves as a primary point of contact for employee inquiries related to pay, payroll processing, and payroll deductions, partnering with HR on benefit-related matters as needed. Plays a critical role in ensuring regulatory compliance, operational accuracy, and process optimization within a multi-state, multi-entity environment.

PUSH is a privately owned premier communications and power utility contractor headquartered in Rice Lake, WI. who has been providing telecom infrastructure to connect people globally for over 50 years through its dedicated team members who have integrity and continually strive for excellence.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Payroll & Compliance

• Administer timely and accurate payroll processing across all PUSH divisions in compliance with federal, state, and local laws. 
• Research, interpret, and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local payroll laws, including wage and hour requirements, prevailing wage, garnishments, and wage assignments. 
• Manage government payroll payments and filings, including federal, state, and local payroll taxes. 
• Establish and maintain state unemployment and withholding accounts for new or reactivated jurisdictions. 
• Execute and support payroll setup and compliance requirements for new states, new divisions, and organizational growth initiatives. 
• Support quarterly and year-end payroll reporting and filings. 
• Participate in and support payroll-related audits, including unemployment compensation and other regulatory reviews. 
• Complete verifications of employment and earnings related to payroll and employee benefit deductions. 
• Investigate, resolve, and communicate payroll discrepancies, including those related to employee benefit deductions, in a timely and professional manner. 
• Review, reconcile, and approve employee benefit deductions and associated vendor invoices. 
• Track employee benefit deductions against premiums and make necessary adjustments to ensure accuracy. 

401(k) & ERISA 

• Support payroll-related administration of the Company’s 401(k) plan, including:
  • Automatic enrollment and eligibility tracking
  • Participant changes and record maintenance
  • Hardship and distribution documentation
  • Coordination with third-party administrators

• Prepare and support annual compliance testing, audits, and reporting.

• Assist with ERISA-related filings and documentation, including but not limited to:
  • Form 5500
  • Summary Annual Reports (SARs)
  • Section 125 plan reporting
  • Medicare notifications
  • ACA tracking and reporting

Systems, Reporting, & Process Improvement 

• Utilize payroll and related systems to maximize efficiency, accuracy, and reduce non-value-added work. 
• Maintains records of employee benefit deductions and supports payroll reconciliation and data accuracy. 
• Perform data analysis and reporting to support operational improvements and informed decision-making.
• Develop and maintain payroll and payroll-related process documentation to support continuity, cross-training, and operational resilience.

Training & Collaboration

• Provide payroll training and guidance to employees and managers, including new hire orientation and time reporting practices to support payroll accuracy and compliance.
• Collaborate closely with Finance and HR partners to ensure accurate, consistent, and compliant payroll data.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and/or Experience:

• Education: Associate’s degree in Accounting or a related field preferred, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and training.
• Work Experience: Minimum of three (3) years of experience in payroll or accounting, preferably within a multi-state, multi-jurisdiction environment; experience with benefits administration is preferred.

• Industry Knowledge: Prior experience in the construction industry, including prevailing wage and seasonal workforce considerations, preferred.

Requirements:

• Prior experience as a Payroll Specialist, Accounting Specialist, or similar role
• Strong working knowledge of payroll processing and multi-state tax compliance
• Proficiency with ADP and/or similar payroll and timekeeping systems
• Knowledge of federal and state wage and hour laws, taxes, deductions, and garnishments
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace (Excel, Word, Sheets)
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Strong analytical, organizational, and attention-to-detail skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively with employees at all levels
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Benefits of Joining the PUSH Team:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability – Industry Leading!
• Free Teladoc, No-Cost Care Options
• Competitive pay, weekly checks
• 401K with Company Match up to 3%
• Paid PTO and Holidays
• Bonus Potential
• Training & Advancement Opportunities
• Apprenticeship Opportunities
• In-house CDL Program
• Referral Bonus Program
• And More!

PUSH is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer