Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist

Location: Minneapolis, MN 55443 or Sarasota, FL (onsite, 5 days/week)

Compensation Range: $25 – $30 hourly, non-exempt

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, paid time off

The Ceres Commitment

Ceres Global is a network of companies delivering integrated solutions in infrastructure, power, environmental services, and community resilience. Founded in 1976, Ceres has grown from a Midwest operation to a global enterprise with nine offices across the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, India, and New Zealand.

With $2 billion in bonded project capacity and nearly 50 years of experience, Ceres Global serves clients worldwide through specialized units in disaster recovery, electrical infrastructure, power generation, heavy civil construction, environmental restoration, and materials recovery. These units operate as one cohesive force, combining local insight, shared resources, and global expertise to create lasting impact.

Driven by Purpose, Powered by People 

At Ceres, we believe you’re more than just an employee; you’re part of a team with a purpose and a meaningful mission. Whether in management, field operations, or behind the scenes, every team member plays a vital role in restoring hope, helping communities recover and rebuild.  

We value initiative, respect diversity, and give our people the freedom to lead. We offer competitive pay, travel opportunities, and a culture built on resilience and teamwork. If you show up with compassion, share the commitment, react with urgency, and deliver solutions, you’ll fit right in. We don’t just respond to challenges; we rise to them. 

Job Overview:

We're hiring a detail-oriented and highly organized US Payroll Specialist (to include CA & Puerto Rico) to join our HR/Finance team. The Payroll Specialist will be responsible for ensuring the accurate and timely processing of payroll for all employees in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. The ideal candidate will have experience managing US payroll systems and a strong understanding of payroll taxes, deductions, and benefits. In addition, processing union payroll highly desirable. 

This position requires the ability to work extended hours, including weekends, when necessary to meet deadlines.

Responsibilities Include:

• Payroll Processing: Process weekly payroll for all employees, ensuring accurate calculation of wages, deductions, and benefits.
• Tax Compliance: Validate and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations, including withholding taxes, garnishments, and other deductions.
• Time and Attendance: Review and validate employee timecards and attendance records to ensure data accuracy prior to payroll submission.
• Reporting: Prepare and submit payroll-related reports, including tax filings and year-end reporting.
• Benefit Deductions: Administer employee benefits (health, retirement, etc.) and ensure proper contributions are reflected in payroll.
• Employee Inquiries: Employee inquiries regarding payroll, deductions, benefits, and tax-related questions in a timely and professional manner.
• System Maintenance: Maintain and update payroll software to ensure data accuracy within the system.
• Audits and Reconciliation: Perform payroll reconciliations and assist with internal/external audits related to payroll.
• Confidentiality: Protect sensitive employee payroll information and uphold all data privacy and security requirements.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: H.S. Diploma
• Experience: 3+ years’ experience processing payroll to include US (must have California) and Puerto Rico, in mid-to-large-sized organization, to include Union and Non-Union.
• Proficiency using payroll software (Paycom, ADP, Vista or similar construction ERP)
• Proficient in Word and Excel create and use pivot tables
• Knowledge: Strong knowledge of US federal, state, and local payroll tax laws, wage and hour laws, and benefit administration. 
• Exceptional Customer Service: Ability to serve employees in a professional and timely manner, under strict deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications:

• AA or BS degree in Accounting, HR or related field
• Bilingual: English and Spanish
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Problem-solving abilities and discretion when handling sensitive information 

Why Join Ceres? 

At Ceres, you won’t just have a job, you’ll have a mission. Your work will directly impact the speed and strength of community recovery after disasters. 

 We offer: 

• A collaborative, mission-driven culture. 
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement. 
• The chance to make a lasting difference for communities. 
   

Ceres Environmental Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, religion, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

 Work Authorization 

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Ceres does not sponsor employment‑based visas for this position unless stated otherwise. 

 E-Verify: We comply with Federal law by verifying employment eligibility.