Senior Payroll Specialist
Emcor
Tonawanda, NY · Posted October 20, 2026
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AI use among compensation, benefits, and job analysis specialists is little observed so far. Measured exposure for compensation, benefits, and job analysis specialists: 6% (little observed).
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About the job
About Us
John W. Danforth Company, one of the largest mechanical contractors in the Northeast, is growing! We believe our people are our greatest asset and invest in training, career development, employee engagement, and team support. We are committed to delivering industry-leading experiences for our customers across commercial and industrial HVAC, plumbing, refrigeration, advanced technology manufacturing, process piping, fabrication, mission-critical environments, and energy performance projects, backed by comprehensive service maintenance and repair.
Job Summary
As a Senior Payroll Specialist at John W. Danforth Company, you'll have a direct impact on our organization by ensuring the accurate, compliant, and timely processing of weekly multi-state, multi-union construction payroll. You will serve as a key resource for payroll operations, managing complex union wage requirements, prevailing wage compliance, employee payroll records, and audit support while contributing to efficient business operations. Due to the interactive nature of payroll processing, software used, and the handling of confidential records and documentation, regular on-site presence is required.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
• Execute end-to-end processing of weekly multi-state, multi-union construction payroll.• Process complex union wage scales, shift differentials, overtime, and double-time rates.• Manage multiple prevailing wage determinations and ensure compliance with Davis-Bacon Act requirements.• Prepare monthly union fringe benefit reports and process timely union dues payments.• Manage union benefit, deduction, and tax accrual accounts.• Ensure proper posting of job cost and overhead payroll.• Coordinate and support union audits by organizing payroll records, timesheets, and dispatch slips.• Maintain accurate employee and union records for compliance and reporting purposes.• Communicate effectively with employees, management, and colleagues regarding payroll matters.• Participate in continuous improvement efforts and support company initiatives.
Qualifications
• Minimum of 5 years of payroll processing experience; construction payroll experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of payroll regulations, union agreements, prevailing wage requirements, and payroll compliance practices.• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities.• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to maintaining a high degree of accuracy.• Ability to analyze payroll data and resolve issues effectively.• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.• Self-starter with a strong desire for continuous learning and professional development.
#danfth
Equal Opportunity Employer As a leading provider of mechanical and electrical construction, facilities services, and energy infrastructure, we offer employees a competitive salary and benefits package and we are always looking for individuals with the talent and skills required to contribute to our continued growth and success. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.
Notice to Prospective Employees Notice to prospective employees: There have been fraudulent postings and emails regarding job openings. EMCOR Group and its companies list open positions here. Please check our available positions to confirm that a post or email is genuine. EMCOR Group and its companies do not reach out to individuals to help with marketing or other similar services. If an individual is contacted for services outside of EMCOR’s normal application process – it is probably fraudulent.
Geographic Disclosure
Compensation Range : $65,000-$75,000
Other Compensation : Bonus eligible
Benefits : We are committed to providing employees a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with health savings and flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability, a 401(k) Savings Plan, and an employee assistance program.