Payroll & Prevailing Wage Specialist

Why Work at SMA America

At SMA America, we believe in Energy that Changes. Since 1981, we’ve been developing innovative solar technology that simplifies, secures, and enhances the performance of photovoltaic systems — all while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in clean energy.

But we’re not just transforming power — we’re empowering people.

We’ve built a culture where bold ideas are welcomed, collaboration is second nature, and your career growth truly matters. With our Rocklin, CA headquarters as the hub, we offer a hybrid work model, competitive benefits, and a team-driven environment where your impact is seen and felt.

Whether you’re a sales expert, service pro, or engineering innovator, if you’re ready to join a purpose-driven team committed to shaping the future of energy — we’d love to meet you.

POSTITION OVERVIEW  

We are seeking a Payroll & Prevailing Wage Specialist who is responsible for ensuring the accurate payment of employees working on prevailing wage sites and correlating certified payroll reports for the North American subsidiary. Duties include payroll processing for multiple states, payroll compliance, and reporting. 

PRIMARY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Analyzes, prepares, and inputs payroll data as it applies to Prevailing Wage.
• Produce accurate and timely payroll. Ensures compliance with all applicable state and federal wage and hour laws. 
• Prepares weekly, monthly, quarterly and year end reports (gross payroll, hours worked, vacation accrual, tax deductions, benefit deductions, etc.). 
• Maintains current knowledge of applicable state and federal wage and hour laws. 
• Continually researches Prevailing Wage rates for project sites.  
• Stays current on payroll systems to achieve alignment with HR benefits and other related topics to ensure effective accounting support. 
• Responsible for daily time & attendance system as it pertains to prevailing wage. 
• Oversee timecard processing, including reviewing and editing hourly staff timecards as it pertains to prevailing wage. 
• Updates payroll with 401(k) and benefit changes weekly in compliance with employer paid fringe benefits and fringe rates.  
• Maintain relationships with subcontractors by frequent meetings, reviewing their payroll and certified reporting.  
• Responsible for prevailing wage pay updates and timely payment.  
• Maintains all relevant payroll documentation in compliance with employment laws 
• Other duties as may be required or assigned 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS  

• CPP Certification is preferred.  
• A bachelor’s degree in human resources or an equivalent area of specialty is preferred. 
• At least 3-5 years of experience in payroll processing are required. 
• Knowledge of employment payroll laws and their applications is required. 
• Knowledge of Federal and State, including California employment law; taxation, wages, LOA’s, etc. is required. 
• Proficiency in the English language, both written and verbal, is required. German and/or Spanish language skills are a plus. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS  

• Knowledge of strategic and quantitative analysis is preferred.
• A knowledge of strategic selling principles and key account management is preferred. Strong project management skills are preferred.
• Excellent negotiation skills are preferred.
• Strong organizational and communication skills are required.
• Excellent presentation skills are required.
• Proficiency in the English language, both written and verbal, is required. German and/or
• Spanish language skills are a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) is strongly preferred.
• Attention to detail and a high level of accuracy are required.
• Ability to directly or indirectly influence people.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems effectively.
• Ability to work independently.
• A valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record are required.
• This position requires frequent domestic and periodic international travel.
• Working in a matrix organization is a plus. 
• Demonstrates attention to detail and a high level of accuracy 
• Experience working in SAP or other comparable payroll platforms is preferred. 
• Strong initiative and good judgement 
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) is strongly preferred. 
• Ability to analyze and solve problems effectively. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in a variety of situations. 
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects. 
• Excellent customer Service Skills. 
• This position may require periodic domestic and international travel. 

 WE OFFER  

• Salary Range: $66,000 - $84,500, annually 
• Comprehensive benefits including health, dental and vision coverage (including $0 premium options)
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Opportunities for professional development and training  
• Inclusive, collaborative, and innovative work environment   

Our EEO Policy 

We are an equal opportunity employer and we make our employment decisions on the basis of merit and without regard to one’s race, color, creed, sex (includes gender, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender identity, religion, marital status, age (over 40), national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability (includes HIV/Aids), medical condition (cancer, genetic characteristics), veteran’s status, sexual orientation, or any other consideration made unlawful by law.

In accordance with applicable law protecting qualified individuals with known disabilities, SMA will attempt to reasonably accommodate qualified applicants with known disabilities, unless doing so would create an undue hardship on SMA. Any qualified applicant with a disability who believes he or she requires an accommodation in order to perform the essential functions of the job for which he or she is applying should identify the accommodation(s) needed in the application.

Our Privacy Policy

During your job application or recruitment process with us: (a) SMA may collect your personal information directly from you, such as when you submit your application and resume on our online portal or when you have job interviews with us. We may also obtain your personal information from third parties, including but not limited to your former employers, background or employment check service providers or third-party recruiters; and, (b) SMA may use or process applicants' personal information for relevant purposes including but not limited to general communications with you, identity verification, background or employment checks, determination of eligibility, and making hiring decisions. For successful job applicants who become SMA’s staff, we may retain and integrate your personal information collected during the recruitment process into your records at SMA. For unsuccessful job applicants, [SMA may retain your application for internal records or for future recruitment purposes].

If you are a California resident, you have specific rights regarding your personal information under the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018, as amended including by the California Privacy Rights Act of 2020, and its implementing regulations (the “CCPA”). This Company Personnel and Covered Individuals Privacy Notice for California Residents issued by SMA is applicable to you and explains your CCPA rights and our collection, use or disclosure of your personal information.

If you have any question regarding our privacy policy, please contact us at US_DataPrivacy@sma-america.com