Certified Payroll Specialist

Join a North American Leader in Watermain Rehabilitation

FER-PAL is a North American leader in watermain rehabilitation, with more than 30 years of expertise in delivering innovative, sustainable solutions. As we continue to grow, we’re looking for a Certified Payroll Specialist to join our team in Michigan and play a key role in ensuring accurate, compliant, and efficient payroll operations across our U.S. workforce.

In this senior-level role, you’ll lead the full cycle of certified payroll, Prevailing Wage administration, and reporting—while also supporting HR and operational initiatives that help keep our people at the center of everything we do. Reporting to the Payroll Manager, you’ll collaborate closely with HR, Finance, Operations, and field teams to ensure smooth payroll processing and robust compliance in a construction-focused environment. Advanced Excel skills are essential for success in this role, as much of the reporting, analysis, and reconciliation work relies heavily on complex spreadsheets.

What You’ll Do

Certified Payroll & Compliance

• Process accurate weekly payroll for U.S. employees.

• Track time, verify classifications, and calculate wages for Prevailing Wage employees.

• Prepare and submit Certified Payroll Reports (LCPTracker, eComply).

• Use advanced Excel functions to manage, validate, and analyze payroll data (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, formulas, multi-sheet tracking, etc.).

• Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations.

• Maintain well-organized, up-to-date payroll and compliance records.

• Support internal and external audits with detailed and accurate Excel-based reporting.

• Manage payroll components such as 401(k), vacation pay tracking, and fringe benefits.

HR & Operational Support

• Ensure wages, fringe benefits, and classifications align with Prevailing Wage and contractual requirements.

• Support HR with employee onboarding/offboarding related payroll tasks.

• Assist with tracking diversity goals and help maintain compliance for the Apprenticeship Program.

• Provide general administrative support to Payroll and HR leadership as needed.

Requirements

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

• 3+ years of payroll processing experience, ideally in construction or the public sector.

• Strong knowledge of Certified Payroll practices and Prevailing Wage regulations.

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation is a strong asset

• Expert-level Excel skills is required:

  • Strong proficiency with pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, SUMIFS, filters, multi-sheet models, and large data sets.

  • Ability to build, maintain, and troubleshoot complex spreadsheets used for reporting and audits.

• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.

• Excellent communication skills and proven ability to work with confidential information.

Skills That Set You Apart

• Experience with payroll systems such as ADP or Paycom.

• Experience handling multi-state payroll.

• Ability to build strong working relationships with both field and office teams.

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.

About Fer-Pal Infrastructure

Fer-Pal Infrastructure is an entrepreneurial leader in water-main rehabilitation services in North America with a 30-year award-winning history of ensuring clean and safe water for municipalities in Canada and USA.

Fer-Pal Company Mission

FER-PAL would like to create a long term, sustainable, continuously growing, well managed business.

FER-PAL will remain the predominant player in pipe rehabilitation – now and in the future.

FER-PAL must create and sustain a culture that prizes safety, family, quality products, workmanship, innovation, high profitability, professionalism, great customer service.

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, Fer-Pal will provide a reasonable accommodation to employees and prospective employees to the point of undue hardship upon request and as required in respect of the individual’s particular restrictions and limitations. If you require a specific accommodation because of a disability or a medical need, please advise us in your application.