Assistant Controller/Payroll

We are looking for an Assistant Controller/Payroll specialist to support a renewable operations company in Pittsford, New York. This Long-term Contract position blends hands-on payroll leadership with broader accounting support, making it ideal for someone who can manage weekly payroll with strong prevailing wage knowledge while contributing to finance operations and special projects. The role will work closely with accounting, HR, and operations teams to maintain compliance, improve processes, and strengthen financial controls across multiple sites.

Responsibilities:
• Lead weekly payroll processing for salaried, hourly, and field employees working across multiple locations and states.
• Administer payroll activities in Paychex, ensuring employee data, earnings, deductions, and time records are accurate and up to date.
• Apply prevailing wage requirements by reviewing labor classifications, geographic wage rules, fringe allocations, overtime calculations, and shift-related pay practices.
• Prepare, review, and submit certified payroll reports while maintaining documentation that supports regulatory and audit readiness.
• Coordinate with HR and operational leaders to confirm job codes, worker classifications, and timekeeping details before payroll is finalized.
• Support accounting operations through selected controller-level tasks such as general ledger activities, month-end close support, and financial reporting assistance.
• Contribute to audit preparation by organizing payroll and accounting records and helping address compliance-related questions, including labor and financial reviews.
• Participate in finance improvement initiatives, which may include evaluating payroll-related tools, strengthening expense documentation practices, and assisting with accounting process enhancements.• Demonstrated experience managing end-to-end payroll for multi-state employee populations on a recurring weekly schedule.
• Strong knowledge of prevailing wage regulations, including wage determinations, fringe benefit treatment, certified payroll, and related compliance requirements.
• Hands-on familiarity with Paychex or similar payroll platforms used in complex payroll environments.
• Background in accounting or controllership functions, including exposure to month-end close, general ledger work, and financial reporting.
• Ability to support audits and maintain well-documented processes that stand up to regulatory or financial review.
• Understanding of labor compliance standards and experience responding to payroll-related inquiries with clear supporting records.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to balance payroll ownership with special projects in a fast-moving environment.