About the Payroll Specialist / Prevailing Wage Specialist Role

Robert Half is excited to partner with a dynamic, fast-growing company in Vacaville, California, to find an exceptional Payroll Specialist / Prevailing Wage Specialist for a contract opportunity. This critical role demands a detail-oriented professional with deep expertise in prevailing wage compliance across federal, state, and local regulations. If you thrive in high-stakes payroll environments, particularly in construction, public works, or government-contracted projects, this position offers the perfect platform to showcase your skills. Located in the heart of Vacaville, CA, you'll contribute to seamless payroll operations while ensuring 100% adherence to complex wage laws. With a competitive rate of $25.34 per hour, this contract role provides stability and growth potential in a thriving Northern California market.

Prevailing wage specialists are in high demand as companies navigate stringent labor regulations. Robert Half specializes in connecting top talent like you with opportunities that match your expertise in payroll processing, certified payroll reporting, and fringe benefit management. Join us to advance your career in payroll compliance while supporting innovative projects that shape the region's infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

Core Payroll and Compliance Duties

• Ensure full compliance with prevailing wage laws and regulations at federal, state (including California-specific Davis-Bacon and public works rules), and local levels to mitigate risks and penalties.
• Accurately process weekly payroll runs, meticulously calculating prevailing wage rates, overtime premiums, and fringe benefits such as health, pension, and apprenticeship contributions.
• Review and verify employee timecards against project-specific certified payroll requirements, identifying discrepancies and ensuring labor classifications align with approved wage determinations.

Reporting and Record-Keeping

• Maintain comprehensive, audit-ready records of hours worked, wages paid, fringe benefits, and deductions to meet prevailing wage standards and prepare for inevitable audits.
• Prepare and submit essential reports to regulatory authorities, including DIR (Division of Labor Standards Enforcement) filings, federal WH-347 forms, and local agency documentation.
• Manage monthly contributions to state-mandated training funds and handle all associated reporting obligations for seamless compliance.
• Respond promptly to regulatory requests, audits, and inquiries while managing reporting forms required by builders, general contractors, or awarding public entities.

Team Collaboration and Support

• Collaborate closely with project managers, HR teams, and field supervisors to streamline payroll processes and uphold compliance standards across all operations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned, such as ad-hoc payroll audits, system implementations, or training staff on prevailing wage best practices.

These responsibilities highlight the role's pivotal position in safeguarding the company's reputation and financial health through impeccable payroll accuracy.

Required Qualifications

To excel as our Payroll Specialist / Prevailing Wage Specialist, you need proven experience in high-volume payroll environments with a laser focus on compliance. Key qualifications include:

• 3+ years of hands-on experience as a Payroll Specialist, with at least 2 years dedicated to prevailing wage compliance in construction or public sector projects.
• Expert knowledge of federal Davis-Bacon Act, California Prevailing Wage laws, and local ordinances, including fringe benefit tracking and apprentice ratios.
• Proficiency in payroll software (e.g., ADP, Paychex, or Viewpoint) and advanced Excel for data analysis and reporting.
• Exceptional organizational skills and a keen eye for detail to handle weekly deadlines without errors.
• Strong communication skills for interacting with regulators, contractors, and internal stakeholders.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced setting while maintaining confidentiality of sensitive payroll data.
• High school diploma required; Associate's or Bachelor's in Accounting, HR, or related field preferred.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or familiarity with LCPtracker/DirEtrieve systems is a plus.

Candidates with a track record of successful wage audits and zero-deficiency reports will stand out.

Why Join Us at Robert Half?

Partnering with Robert Half means accessing unparalleled career support in the competitive Vacaville, CA job market. This contract role offers immediate impact with a supportive team, weekly pay at $25.34/hour (equating to approximately $52,707 annually based on full-time hours), and exposure to cutting-edge prevailing wage practices. Benefit from our extensive network for future full-time opportunities, professional development resources, and a collaborative culture that values work-life balance. Vacaville's vibrant community, proximity to Sacramento and the Bay Area, and booming construction sector make this an ideal location for payroll pros. Apply today through Robert Half to elevate your career in payroll compliance—spaces are filling fast!

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