Job Information
MSA Professional Services, Inc. Payroll Specialist in Duluth, Minnesota
Job Duties
Responsibilities
Payroll Processing
Process and reconcile bi-weekly or semi-monthly payroll within company payroll and timekeeping systems
Review employee timesheets for completeness, proper approvals, and compliance with company policies
Ensure accurate allocation of regular, overtime, and premium pay to the correct project codes
Process employee deductions including benefits, retirement contributions, garnishments, and levies
Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax requirements, including multi-state taxation
Timekeeping & Labor Reporting
Ensure all employee timesheets are submitted and approved according to company deadlines
Monitor compliance with project-based time reporting standards to support accurate job costing and billing
Review labor distribution reports to confirm hours are charged to appropriate projects and cost categories
Assist Project Managers and Project Accountants with labor corrections and reclassifications
Support month-end close by ensuring labor postings are accurate and reconciled
Compensation & Financial Reporting
Track and calculate PTO accruals, flex time balances, and related payouts according to company policies
Process final pay and PTO payouts for employee terminations
Reconcile payroll registers to the general ledger, including wage expenses, payroll taxes, and benefit deductions
Prepare payroll-related journal entries such as PTO accruals, bonus accruals, and payroll liabilities
Assist with year-end payroll processes including W-2 preparation and reconciliation
Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
Serve as a primary point of contact for employee payroll and timekeeping questions
Partner with HR to ensure accurate pay rates, benefit deductions, and accrual policies are applied
Coordinate with Accounting to ensure labor costs are recorded accurately for project reporting
Support internal and external audits by preparing payroll documentation and reports
Identify opportunities to improve payroll and timekeeping processes while maintaining strong internal controls
Qualifications
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field preferred
Equivalent professional experience will be considered
Experience
4+ years of payroll or accounting experience
Experience in an Architecture/Engineering or professional services firm strongly preferred
Experience with project-based timekeeping and labor costing systems preferred
Skills
Strong attention to detail and accuracy
Working knowledge of payroll regulations and tax compliance
Ability to analyze payroll data and resolve discrepancies
Strong communication and collaboration skills
High level of integrity and discretion when handling confidential information
Work Authorization
This position requires authorization to work in the United States for any employer. We are unable to provide sponsorship for this role.
Benefits & Compensation
Salary Range: $62,615 – $100,100 depending on experience and qualifications. Candidates with significant experience may also be considered for a higher-level role with increased compensation.
Why Join MSA
Better Together – A collaborative work environment that promotes open doors, new ideas, and honest opinions.
Multi-disciplinary Opportunities – As multi-talented people in a multi-disciplinary firm, we encourage employees to explore interests, seek new experiences, and apply their skills where they can make the greatest impact.
We’ve Got Your Back – Support when you need it and independence when you don’t.
Commitment to DEIB – We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone can bring their authentic selves to work and where diverse perspectives drive innovation.
Passion & Purpose – We are passionate about what we do and proud of it. Join us to share ideas, “geek out,” and think big.
Communities of Practice – Our Communities of Practice bring together experts across disciplines to collaborate, share knowledge, and generate new ideas.
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
MSA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Minimum Education Required
No education requirement found.
Minimum Experience Required
4+ years of payroll or accounting experience.
Shift
First (Day)
Number of Openings
1
Compensation
$62,615.00 - $100,100.00 / Annually
Postal Code
55802
Place of Work
On-site
Requisition ID
3068
Job Type
Full Time
Job Benefits
Eligible employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package, including:
Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance for employees and eligible dependents
Paid Time Off: Minimum of 17 days in the first year
Paid Holidays: 8 holidays annually
Paid Parental Leave: 2 weeks for both parents, with additional paid leave for birth parents
Employer-Paid Insurance: Life, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): As a 100% employee-owned company, eligible employees receive company shares at no cost
401(k) Retirement Plan: With a generous employer match that is immediately 100% vested
Short-Term Incentive Program (STIP): Annual performance-based bonus opportunity
Application Link
https://talentwire.org/gkx7Pl