Payroll Clerk - Nevada

About the Opportunity

Mendoza Companies is a multi-entity ecosystem of construction, services, and investment businesses operating under The Mendoza Way. The platform includes High-Light Electric, Inc. (HLE) — a California-based union electrical infrastructure contractor founded in 1996 delivering public works and complex electrical construction across California — along with Mendoza Trust and an international independent contractor workforce supporting operations and advisory functions.

We partner with Caltrans, municipalities, transit authorities, and infrastructure programs throughout California, with active expansion into Nevada and Arizona. In 2025, HLE was recognized on the Inc. Regionals Pacific list — #116.

Mendoza Companies is guided by Mission 2040: to build a $1 billion business ecosystem connecting 1,000 families and communities through business by 2040.

When you join Mendoza Companies, you are not just taking a job. You are joining a mission and embracing a purpose.

The Role

The Payroll Clerk plays an important role in supporting accurate, timely, and compliant payroll operations across the organization, primarily supporting payroll activity in California and Nevada.

Working under the direction of the Office Manager and in coordination with Human Resources, this position supports companywide payroll functions including timecard and pay-rate validation, wage withholdings, payroll processing, reporting, and Certified Payroll Reports — primarily under California Department of Industrial Relations requirements.

This role is especially well suited for someone who enjoys working with numbers, detailed records, deadlines, and structured processes. Because payroll accuracy directly impacts our employees and the company, strong attention to detail, confidentiality, follow-through, and responsiveness are essential.

The Payroll Clerk works with employees and internal teams across the organization while reflecting The Mendoza Way: professionalism, respect, and service.

What You’ll Do

• Process multistate payrolls for hourly and salaried staff, primarily in California and Nevada, on a weekly or biweekly basis in accordance with federal, state, local, and applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) requirements in a timely, accurate, and compliant manner.
• Prepare and upload payroll certifications (CPRs) in compliance with federal and state requirements, including California DIR requirements, and all applicable CBAs, ensuring appropriate backup documentation for labor audits or internal validation and testing.
• Validate job classifications and collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) by employee and project, coordinating responses with Compliance and Management.
• Process salary adjustments, garnishments, and retroactive payments in a timely and accurate manner, aligning rates according to union updates and HR guidelines.
• Monitor benefits, fringes, and payment dates, supporting internal audits and preventative corrections.
• Reconcile timecards and work records within systems such as Vista and Procore, verifying overtime and special classifications while resolving anomalies in payroll or related records and keeping applicable documentation up to date.
• Prepare union and government reports, including fringe summaries, and maintain systems ready for audits.
• Assist in compliance with California Prevailing Wage requirements, as applicable.
• Access time and attendance and payroll records and compile reports as requested.
• Utilize and help maintain systems, procedures, and policies for payroll, HR, and accounting functions to ensure adherence to company guidelines.
• Collaborate with key people to ensure payroll accuracy, integrity, and responsiveness.
• Maintain immaculate and accurate records relating to payroll, expense reimbursements, and benefits.
• Recommend and enforce policies and procedures for payroll activities.
• Create monthly payroll reports for management as needed, including overtime, California penalty pay, missed punches, and other payroll metrics.
• Assist with and/or run special projects as directed by the Office Manager and/or Director of HR, or support payroll or HR projects and activities as needed, subject to availability.
• Perform other duties and tasks as assigned.

What We’re Looking For

Required

• Experience with certified payroll requirements and documentation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Ability to produce audit-ready reports and identify and resolve discrepancies.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with professionalism.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to coordinate multiple activities and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong time management, attention to detail, and follow-through.
• Ability to work independently, learn quickly, and remain productive with minimal supervision.
• Aptitude for working with numbers, problem-solving, and adapting to change.
• A reliable, timely, responsive, and respectful approach to payroll processes and employee support.

Highly Desired

• At least one year of Certified Payroll and/or California payroll experience, including exposure to payroll compliance, reporting, and field collaboration.
• Knowledge of payroll systems, reporting tools, and regulatory frameworks such as DIR, LCP, CPR, and CBAs.
• Experience using payroll software and project/task management tools such as Vista, Procore, ClickUp, or equivalent systems.
• Practical knowledge of California, other applicable state labor laws, and federal wage regulations.
• Ability to communicate professionally in both English and Spanish.

Education

Four-year degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent knowledge gained through formal education, specialized training, or additional job experience.

What to Expect in This Role

Payroll is a deadline-driven function where small details matter.

You will work with payroll records, timecards, wage rates, Certified Payroll documentation, union requirements, and sensitive employee information while coordinating with employees and internal teams.

This position supports payroll across more than one state and requires someone who can remain organized and accurate while managing recurring deadlines and resolving discrepancies.

For someone interested in building deeper experience in payroll compliance, Certified Payroll, and construction-related payroll processes, this role provides direct exposure to those areas.

Hiring Process

Our hiring process is designed to be structured, efficient, and focused on mutual fit.

• Application and screening questionnaire
• Approximately 10-minute structured pre-screen conversation using an AI-supported assessment tool
• HR screening interview
• Final panel interview

AI tools are used to support consistency, structure, and efficiency during early-stage evaluation and are regularly reviewed to support fair and compliant hiring practices.

Qualified candidates can expect clear communication throughout the process.

Pre-employment screening and verification of applicable qualifications or credentials may be required prior to hire.

Equal Opportunity Employer

HLE is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.