Payroll Specialist

TruGrid is a leading contractor of battery energy storage systems and solar projects, dedicated to advancing the energy transition across North America. Our commitment to excellence in both our projects and our workplace has positioned TruGrid as a growing and trusted employer and partner in the renewable energy industry.

Headquartered in Houston, TX, our team brings extensive experience in the engineering, procurement, construction (EPC), and integration of utility-scale renewable energy projects. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, we deliver high-quality, cost-effective energy solutions that meet the needs of our clients and contribute to a sustainable future. In addition to our EPC expertise, TruGrid has a robust operations & maintenance division that services both energy storage and solar assets.

At TruGrid, we believe the success of every project is driven by the strength of the people behind it. That’s why recruiting and retaining top-tier talent is a priority to ensure excellence across every level of our operations.

If you’re passionate about creating a better, more sustainable future, TruGrid offers a unique opportunity to work alongside some of the industry’s most skilled project execution teams and engineers.

ROLE SUMMARY

The Payroll Administrator will be a detail-oriented and highly organized Payroll Specialist to serve as the primary field payroll liaison between operations teams, employees, union representatives, and third-party labor vendors. This role is responsible for managing complex payroll activities with a strong emphasis on prevailing wage compliance/ IRA (Inflation Reduction Act) reporting requirements, certified payroll support, and coordination with external labor providers.

The ideal candidate has experience in construction, industrial, energy, or field-service environments where multi-state payroll, government compliance, and contractor labor management are critical.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITIES

Field Payroll Liaison Duties

• Act as the primary point of contact (POC) for all field payroll-related inquiries and escalations.
• Partner with project managers, superintendents, HR, accounting, legal, and field leadership to ensure accurate payroll processing and labor compliance.
• Review and reconcile field timekeeping records, per diem tracking, shift differentials[BA1] , and job coding allocations.
• Conduct payroll audits to identify discrepancies, missing documentation, or compliance risks.

Prevailing Wage & Certified Payroll Compliance

• Administer payroll processes related to prevailing wage projects in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Prepare, review, and maintain certified payroll reports and supporting documentation.
• Ensure compliance with IRS/ Dept of Treasury regulations including (but not limited to) various local, state, and federal project-specific labor standards.
• Monitor wage determinations, fringe benefit calculations, and labor classifications.
• Coordinate correction of payroll discrepancies, restitution payments, or compliance findings when necessary.

IRA Reporting & Labor Compliance

• Support Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) labor compliance requirements, including prevailing wage and apprenticeship reporting.
• Maintain documentation required for IRA tax incentive eligibility and labor standard verification.
• Track apprentice ratios, labor classifications, and compliance records for qualifying projects.
• Collaborate with internal parties and external auditors during project reviews or audits.
• Ensure all payroll reporting aligns with applicable federal and client reporting requirements.

Third-Party Labor Vendor Coordination

• Serve as the main liaison for third-party field labor and staffing vendors.
• Coordinate payroll submissions, invoicing support, worker verification, and compliance documentation from labor providers.
• Review vendor labor reports for accuracy, prevailing wage adherence, and contractual compliance.
• Resolve payroll disputes or timekeeping issues involving subcontracted or contingent labor.
• Maintain strong working relationships with external labor partners and client representatives.

Reporting & Systems

• Generate payroll and labor compliance reports for management and project teams.
• Maintain accurate employee and payroll records within payroll and ERP systems.
• Assist with audits, reconciliations, and month-end reporting activities.
• Recommend process improvements to enhance payroll accuracy and compliance efficiency.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years related payroll processing experience in multi-state processing required
• 5+ years of payroll experience in construction, industrial, energy, manufacturing, or field operations environments.
• Heavy experience with prevailing wage, certified payroll, and labor compliance reporting.
• Working knowledge of IRA labor compliance requirements preferred.
• Experience coordinating with third-party labor vendors or staffing agencies.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work across field and corporate teams. Passion for excellent customer services and well-developed customer service skills
• Solid skill in using application with Excel (power pivot, tables)
• Ability to leverage technology that continuously improves and adds efficiency to payroll systems, services, and processes.
• Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills across all levels of an organization.
• Demonstrated ability to work in partnership with other accounting functions as well as aligned departments.