Certified Payroll Specialist

Company: AWP Safety
Location: Santa Ana
Posted on: February 17, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Company Description AWP is North America’s leading traffic control specialist. Our team of 9,000 professionals helps secure 2,000 work zones every day – ensuring customer crews, drivers, and our own teams get home safely. We protect those who operate, maintain, and upgrade infrastructure in the energy, broadband, and transportation sectors and provide traffic control for major events like the Boston Marathon. Since our founding in 1981, we have served customers through the talent of extraordinary team members committed to customer focus, growth, valuing each other, safety and quality, and a sense of urgency. Job Description The Certified Payroll Specialist is responsible for preparing, auditing, and submitting certified payroll reports for all prevailing wage projects in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. This role ensures accuracy of wage determinations, classifications, fringe calculations, and reporting while supporting internal teams, subcontractors, and external agencies. The ideal candidate has strong attention to detail, deep knowledge of prevailing wage requirements, and exceptional communication skills. RESPONSIBILITIES Certified Payroll Processing & Compliance Prepare, audit, and submit weekly certified payroll reports (CPRs) for all applicable federal, state, and local prevailing wage projects. Ensure compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act, Service Contract Act, state prevailing wage laws (e.g., DIR), and contract-specific wage determinations. Validate wage classifications, fringe benefit allocations, shift differentials, and overtime/DBRA requirements. Maintain compliance with union agreements (if applicable) and proper worker classifications. Submit CPRs through LCP Tracker, Points North, and other required agency portals or via email/mail as needed. Data Validation & Auditing Review employee timesheets, job classifications, deductions, union status, and work locations for accuracy before payroll processing. Reconcile discrepancies in hours, classifications, WC codes, and project reporting requirements by coordinating with payroll, HR, and field teams. Identify and correct underpayments, overpayments, or missing information; prepare correction documentation and reissue CPRs when needed. Communication & Support Act as liaison with project managers, payroll/HR, field leadership, billing teams, general contractors, and government agencies to clarify requirements and resolve compliance issues. Provide support to employees regarding prevailing wage classifications, work hours, and wage statements. Communicate proactively with auditors and agencies about certification requirements, documentation needs, and deadlines. Document Control & Recordkeeping Maintain organized electronic and physical records for CPR submissions, correction notices, affidavits, wage determinations, and supporting documents. Track weekly and monthly submission deadlines, expiration dates for wage determinations, and changes in reporting requirements. Collect, track, and maintain subcontractor certified payroll documentation when required. Reporting & Audit Readiness Prepare documentation and reporting needed for internal and external audits; compile CPR history and compliance evidence upon request. Monitor compliance trends and recommend process improvements to reduce errors and rework. Produce weekly/monthly reporting on submission status, deficiencies, and compliance risks for leadership visibility. Systems & Technical Responsibilities Utilize payroll and compliance platforms such as LCP Tracker, Points North, UKG, ADP, Paycom, or equivalent systems. Configure and maintain project setups, wage determinations, security controls, and contractor profiles in compliance portals. Troubleshoot upload failures, data validation issues, and file formatting errors. Qualifications Education & Experience 2–4 years of payroll experience required. 1–2 years of certified payroll or prevailing wage compliance experience strongly preferred. Experience in construction, government contracting, public works, or a similar regulated environment highly desirable. Compliance Knowledge Strong understanding of federal, state, and local prevailing wage regulations, including: Davis-Bacon Act / DBRA State prevailing wage regulations (such as DIR requirements) Service Contract Act (if applicable) Union agreements and craft classifications Knowledge of WH-347 reporting, wage determinations, fringe benefit requirements, and correction protocols. Technical Skills Proficiency in LCP Tracker, Points North, or similar certified payroll systems. Experience using UKG, ADP, Paycom, or other payroll platforms. Strong Excel skills (lookups, filtering, pivot tables) and ability to handle large data sets. Ability to troubleshoot portal errors, system uploads, and data validation issues. Analytical & Administrative Skills High level of accuracy and attention to detail. Strong auditing, reconciliation, and documentation skills. Ability to manage tight deadlines, multiple projects, and changing compliance requirements. Excellent organizational skills for maintaining detailed, audit-ready records. Communication & Interpersonal Skills Strong verbal and written communication abilities. Ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams, external agencies, general contractors, and employees. Professionalism and confidentiality when handling sensitive payroll information. Additional Information Benefits-eligible 1st of the month following hire. All traditional benefits are offered, including 3 medical plan options and 2 dental plan options, as well as additional benefits such as Legal and Identity Shield, Accident, and Critical Illness Company paid 50k in basic life insurance. Company paid LTD. Health Savings and Flex Spending Accounts Available 401(k) Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays AWP named one of America’s Greatest Workplaces 2023 and 2025 for Diversity AWP Safety is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, age, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status or disability. AWP Safety is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, age, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status or disability.

Keywords: AWP Safety, Vista , Certified Payroll Specialist, Accounting, Auditing , Santa Ana, California