Payroll Specialist

About Us

PJ Helicopters is a family-run, world-class precision helicopter lift service operating nationwide. Since 1970, PJ Helicopters has earned a reputation for excellence by consistently delivering safe, reliable, and efficient aerial solutions for its customers.

With a fleet of more than 50 aircraft, PJH primarily supports the utility, forestry, and construction industries. Our operations are built on three core pillars: world-class equipment, highly skilled and experienced personnel, and an unwavering commitment to customer service. From project planning through execution, PJ Helicopters works closely with clients to ensure missions are performed safely, efficiently, and to the highest professional standard.

About this Role

The Payroll Specialist supports the full-cycle payroll function for Quanta Aviation Services Group and its operating subsidiaries. Working under the direction of the Controller, this role is responsible for accurate and timely payroll processing, timecard verification, data entry, and employee record maintenance across multiple entities operating in a Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX)-compliant environment. The Payroll Specialist is a detail-oriented, execution-focused role for someone who takes personal ownership of accuracy and discretion.

QASG operates several active subsidiaries including PJ Helicopters, Billings Flying Service, and Wilson Utility Helicopters, with employees across multiple states. Payroll cycles are semi-monthly and weekly depending on entity, and the environment includes multi-state taxation, prevailing wage and certified payroll obligations, garnishments, and a variety of benefit deductions. This role processes payroll for approximately 400 employees and works closely with the HR and Finance team to ensure accuracy and compliance across all entities

What You'll Do

Payroll Processing

• Process semi-monthly and weekly payroll cycles for assigned QASG entities in Viewpoint Spectrum, ensuring accurate and timely disbursement for all employees.

• Analyze and review timecard data to verify compliance with company policy, government regulations, and applicable wage and hour laws prior to each payroll run.

• Enter and verify all payroll data including per diems, additions, benefit elections, deductions, garnishments, and tax withholding.

• Oversee accurate calculation and disbursement of payroll including multi-state taxation, overtime, double time, and supplemental wages consistent with federal and state requirements.

• Process garnishments, child support orders, tax levies, and other involuntary deductions in compliance with applicable regulations.

• Maintain all payroll processing documents, reports, and audit-ready records for each cycle.

Employee Records & Data Integrity

• Maintain accurate employee payroll records including new hires, terminations, pay rate changes, deductions, direct deposit, and tax withholdings.

• Address verifications of employment and income requests accurately and within required response timeframes.

• Ensure the complete confidentiality and privacy of all payroll data and employee records at all times.

Compliance & Internal Controls

• Assist in the implementation of and compliance with internal controls, including SOX compliance requirements applicable to the payroll function.

• Support quarterly and annual filings including 941, DE-9, W-2, and 1095-C, assisting the Payroll Manager with preparatory reconciliation work.

• Prepare payroll-related journal entries and supporting documentation to enable a clean month-end close in coordination with the Finance team.

• Support audit requests including SOX, workers' compensation, 401(k), and benefits audits as needed.

Collaboration & Support

• Work with managers, Finance, and HR to research and resolve employee payroll questions accurately and promptly.

• Serve as a reliable resource for employees on payroll-related questions, maintaining a professional and discreet approach.

• Support the Payroll Manager during peak periods including year-end, quarter-end, and payroll system implementations or conversions.

• Maintain written standard operating procedures for recurring payroll tasks assigned to this role, with quarterly review for accuracy.

What You'll Bring

• Two or more years of hands-on payroll processing experience in a multi-entity or multi-state environment.

• Working knowledge of federal and California wage and hour law, including overtime, meal and rest period rules, and payroll tax requirements.

• Proficiency with at least one full-featured payroll platform (Spectrum, ADP, Paylocity, UKG, or similar) and strong general computer skills including Microsoft Excel.

• Demonstrated ability to manage confidential employee data with discretion and integrity.

• Strong attention to detail and personal standard for accuracy — errors in payroll directly affect employees and the organization.

• Effective communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with managers, HR, and Finance to resolve discrepancies.

• Reliable on-site presence in Red Bluff, California.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Business, Accounting, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience with multi-state payroll, union payroll, or prevailing wage / certified payroll processing.

• FPC (Fundamental Payroll Certification) or CPP (Certified Payroll Professional), or active progress toward one.

• Prior experience with Viewpoint Spectrum in a payroll context.

• Experience in aviation, construction, utilities, or field-services industries.

• Public company or SOX-compliant environment experience.

Working Conditions

• On-site at our Red Bluff, California office. Reliable in-person presence is required to support payroll processing, employee transactions, and team coordination.

• Standard business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Flexibility is required during payroll processing periods, quarter-end, and year-end cycles. Overtime is possible during peak periods.

• Primarily sedentary role in a professional office environment using standard office equipment. Employees must be able to perform extended periods of computer work and occasionally lift and move up to 15 pounds.

• Minimal travel is anticipated; occasional local or out-of-area travel may be required.

What You'll Get

The pay range for this position is $25.00 – $30.00 per hour ($52,000 – $62,400 annualized at full-time), depending on experience. QASG offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and paid holidays.

Quanta Aviation Services Group is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities that may be required. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice

Compensation Range

The anticipated compensation for this position is USD $25.00/Hr. - USD $30.00/Yr. depending on experience and qualifications.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company’s Human Resources department.