Job Details

Position Summary:

The Prevailing Wage Compliance Manager will serve as MEI's internal owner and SME of certified payroll and labor compliance accounting processes for non-union public works projects. Reporting to Corporate Accounting, this role will partner closely with project management, accounting, payroll, benefits, operations, and legal personnel to ensure compliance with Davis-Bacon and related Acts and state/local prevailing wage laws. Key functions of the PWC Manager will be to reduce audit exposure, payment delays, and margin erosion while solving complex compliance issues, setting standards, and serving as the escalation point-of-contact for agency reviews and high-risk projects.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Certified Payroll & Prevailing Wage Leadership

• Own and serve as subject matter expert for certified payroll and prevailing wage compliance for assigned public works projects.
• Oversee the preparation, review, and submission of weekly Certified Payroll Reports (CPRs).
• Interpret complex wage determinations and validate labor classifications, rates, and fringe calculations.
• Identify systemic compliance risks and implement corrective actions proactively (before audits or findings occur).
• Lead others in verifying certified payroll practices align with federal, state, and local labor market requirements.

Project & Financial Integration

• Partner with Project Management, Sales, and Accounting to address compliance issues impacting job cost, margin, funding, and closeout.
• Advise project teams on prevailing wage implications before (when possible) and during project execution.
• Reconcile certified payroll data to payroll reports, job cost reports, and the general ledger.
• Identify trends or gaps that create compliance or financial risk exposure.

Labor Compliance Programs (LCPs) & Agency Interface

• Serve as primary point of contact for Labor Compliance Programs (LCPs), awarding agencies, and third-party administrators.
• Lead responses to audits, investigations, and compliance reviews.
• Manage corrective actions, back-wage calculations, and documentation through resolution.
• Ensure reporting is audit-ready and fully documented.

Subcontractor Compliance Oversight

• Oversee subcontractor certified payroll compliance.
• Identify recurring subcontractor issues and elevate risk trends to Project Management and AP.
• Support subcontractor onboarding and education related to prevailing wage requirements.
• Coordinate resolution of compliance issues prior to payment or project closeout.

Program & Process Ownership

• Establish and refine certified payroll workflows, controls, and best practices.
• Partner with Payroll, Benefits, and Accounting to ensure end-to-end compliance.
• Serve as an internal subject matter expert for prevailing wage compliance across the organization.
• Support Legal and Finance with compliance strategy and risk mitigation.

Minimum Qualifications (Experience, Skills, and Education):

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) highly preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in accounting; business operations related experience or knowledge needed.
• Deep working knowledge of Davis-Bacon Act and state/local prevailing wage laws.
• Extensive experience preparing, reviewing, and correcting weekly CPRs.
• Experience supporting multi-state public works projects.
• Strong understanding of payroll accounting, job costing, and construction financial controls.
• Proven ability to operate independently and own compliance outcomes.
• Is self-directed and self-motivated; manages own time efficiently and works well under time constraints.
• Comfortable serving as the escalation point-of-contact for audits and agency inquiries; works with an internal and external customer relations focus.
• Is detail-driven, analytical, demonstrates critical thinking skills, and has a risk-averse oriented mindset.
• Is trustworthy and able to handle sensitive compensation and employee data appropriately; executes inquiries or reporting with discretion and confidentiality.
• Excellent interpersonal communication, project management, and research skills; construction knowledge helpful.
• Strong Excel skills necessary; intermediate knowledge of MS Office / D365 needed.
• Comfortable using various accounting / payroll software or HRMS (Points North, ADP WorkforceNow); Certified Payroll software knowledge preferred.
• Proven ability to work successfully when working in a remote capacity; collaborate with all levels and disciplines of staff and professionally assist internal and external customers.
• Ability to travel, as necessary. Travel requirements are 15% - 25% and may vary from year to year.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

The Prevailing Wage Compliance Manager will perform work in a hybrid environment utilizing a home office, and work in a normal, temperature-controlled office environment. Will frequently use a computer, keyboard / mouse, cellular or office telephone, and regular business office equipment. Extended periods of sitting for long durations. Occasional walking over uneven terrain, accessing outdoor areas or perform work in non-temperature-controlled environments may be necessary. Infrequent lifting and/or moving objects of up to 10 lbs. Domestic travel needed; travel may require driving a vehicle or overnight stays.

Additional Requirements:

Work with a Top-of-Mind Awareness for the safety of yourself and everyone at the job site. Must be able to work in a high functioning team environment. Display the highest levels of honesty, integrity, and professionalism. Take pride in your work and in the company. Communicate openly and strive for peak performance in daily tasks. Know and deliver the quality service MEI's customers have come to expect.

Disclaimer: This job description is intended to summarize the type and level of work performed by a Prevailing Wage Compliance Manager and is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and/or requirements. MEI reserves the right to change or modify this job description or the essential duties of the job, as necessary.

MEI is an Equal Opportunity, M/F/Disabled/Vet Preferred Employer.