Director of Payroll

Director of Payroll Full-Time: Exempt Location: Brea, CA Onsite: 5 Days The Opportunity We are seeking an exceptional Director of Payroll to serve as the senior compliance authority across our California public works construction and manufacturing operations. This is not a transactional payroll role — it is a strategic leadership position for a subject-matter expert who thrives at the intersection of complex labor law, union administration, and executive partnership. If you have deep hands-on experience with certified payroll, prevailing wage compliance, and multi-CBA environments, and you are looking for a role where your expertise directly protects the business and enables the successful delivery of major public works projects, this is the opportunity for you. What You'll Own Certified Payroll & Prevailing Wage Compliance Direct end-to-end payroll processing for union, prevailing wage, and non-union employees across multiple California public works projects. Own all certified payroll reporting, fringe benefit calculations, and compliance submissions through Miter, ensuring full conformance with DIR, DOL, and awarding agency requirements. Interpret and administer multiple collective bargaining agreements — including wage rates, fringes, deductions, travel/subsistence, and work rules — with precision and authority. Ensure airtight compliance with California wage and hour law: Daily/weekly overtime and double time Meal and rest period compliance and premium pay Final pay timing and compliant wage statements Manage payroll audits, labor compliance reviews, and all agency inquiries from preparation through resolution. Ensure timely, accurate payroll tax filings, garnishments, workers' compensation reporting, and year-end filings (W-2, 1099). Finance Integration & Job Costing Partner with Finance using Sage Intacct to reconcile payroll to job cost reports and allocate labor accurately by project, phase, and cost code. Support labor cost forecasting and margin protection across a multi-project portfolio. Union Labor Administration Serve as the company's internal authority on union payroll administration and labor compliance. Partner with leadership on grievance responses, disciplinary actions, and contract compliance matters. Ensure compliance with apprenticeship utilization, training fund contributions, and benefit fund reporting. Coordinate effectively with unions, trust administrators, and external compliance consultants. Risk Management & California Labor Law Lead payroll operations and policy development in alignment with California employment law, with a sharp eye toward PAGA and litigation risk mitigation. Oversee compliance with FLSA, CFRA, FMLA, PAGA, FEHA, California Paid Sick Leave, Paid Family Leave, and leaves of absence. Maintain accurate employee classification (exempt vs. non-exempt) across a mixed workforce. Safety, Training & Workforce Oversight Partner with Operations and Safety leadership to support OSHA compliance and public works safety requirements. Oversee labor compliance training and payroll/HR education for operations leaders in the field. Monitor key workforce metrics including overtime exposure, turnover, absenteeism, and labor cost trends. Executive Leadership Act as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on labor strategy, public works risk exposure, and compliance readiness. Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing payroll and HR team. Drive continuous improvement of payroll systems, processes, and internal controls — maintaining constant audit readiness. What You Bring Required Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field. 8–12+ years of progressive payroll leadership experience, with deep expertise in: Certified payroll and prevailing wage compliance Union payroll administration across multiple CBAs California wage and hour regulations Direct, hands-on experience with Miter for certified payroll and compliance reporting. Demonstrated success leading payroll in high-risk, audit-intensive environments. Preferred Bachelors degree in HR, Business, or a related field. Professional certifications: CPP, SHRM-SCP, or SPHR. Experience managing labor compliance across multiple awarding agencies and large public works portfolios. Experience supporting mixed union/non-union workforces. Compensation & Benefits Competitive executive-level salary, commensurate with experience. Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance. Retirement plan with employer match. Paid time off, holidays, and California-compliant sick leave. Professional development and certification support. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.