Senior Payroll Manager

Willdan Group, Inc. is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to lead the Company's payroll function and ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing across a complex, multi-state organization, with more than 13 FEINs.

This role will oversee payroll operations, compliance, systems, internal controls, process improvements, and team development. The ideal candidate has strong experience with ADP, multi-state payroll, prevailing wage, payroll accounting, and public-company controls.

The position will work closely with Accounting, Human Resources, IT, and Operations to ensure payroll processes are efficient, well-controlled, and support Willdan's growth and acquisitions.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Payroll Operations & Controls
  • Oversee end-to-end payroll processing for a complex, international, multi-state and multi-entity employee population, ensuring accurate and timely payroll.
  • Weekly and Bi-weekly payrolls.
  • Review and approve payroll calculations, adjustments, deductions, bonuses, commissions, equity-related compensation, and other special payments, ensuring proper authorization and adherence to company policies.
  • Review payroll reports, reconciliations, and general ledger activity to ensure accurate payroll accounting and timely resolution of discrepancies.
  • Establish and maintain effective payroll procedures, calendars, checklists, approval workflows, internal controls, and backup coverage to support consistent and reliable payroll operations.
  • Oversee employee payroll inquiries and ensure issues are researched, resolved, and communicated accurately and timely.
  • Maintain accurate and confidential payroll records and supporting documentation in accordance with company policies, record-retention requirements, and SOX controls.
  • Support internal and external audits by providing payroll reconciliations, reports, control documentation, and other supporting information.
• Payroll Compliance
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, tax, and wage-and-hour requirements, including overtime, meal and rest periods, paid leave, deductions, garnishments, and final pay.
  • Oversee payroll tax compliance, including federal, state, and local tax withholdings, deposits, filings, reconciliations, and resolution of tax notices and discrepancies.
  • Manage quarterly and annual payroll reporting, including Forms 941, W-2/W-2C, and applicable state and local filings.
  • Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local requirements for employees working across multiple states, jurisdictions, and international locations.
  • Monitor changes in payroll and employment regulations, assess their impact on the Company, and implement necessary process or system changes.
• Prevailing Wage & Government Contracting
  • Oversee compliance with prevailing wage, certified payroll, and other payroll requirements applicable to government-funded and public works projects, and federal contracts.
  • Partner with Operations, HR, and Compliance to ensure appropriate employee classifications, wage determinations, fringe benefits, and certified payroll reporting.
  • Monitor prevailing wage requirements and help ensure payroll practices comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations and contract requirements.
  • Maintain accurate supporting documentation for certified payroll reporting, government contract compliance, and related audits.