Payroll Specialist at The Master Trades Group – Columbia, Maryland

Location: Columbia, MD – Onsite

Join a Fast-Growing Home Services Platform

Master Trades Group is a private-equity-backed residential services platform operating 12+ trusted local Plumbing, HVAC, and Electrical brands across multiple states. Our brands share one mission: to deliver same-day, expert service rooted in trust, professionalism, and community reputation.

Master Trades Group is seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized Payroll Specialist to support payroll operations across our growing platform of residential service brands. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing for multiple entities and employee groups while maintaining compliance with company policies and applicable payroll regulations.

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, multi-entity environment and brings strong attention to detail, accountability, and a proactive mindset to managing payroll processes. This role requires a high level of confidentiality, accuracy, and the ability to collaborate effectively with HR, Finance, and field leadership teams.

• Competitive salary + performance-based incentives
• Weekly pay
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Paid Time Off (PTO) & Paid Holidays
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Advancement opportunities within a growing company that promotes from within

What You’ll Do:

Payroll Processing

Process weekly and biweekly payroll for employees across multiple brands and locations
Review and validate payroll data including hours worked, overtime, bonuses, commissions, and deductions
Ensure accurate calculation of wages, benefits, garnishments, and taxes
Audit payroll reports prior to processing to ensure accuracy and compliance
Maintain payroll records and ensure all documentation is properly recorded and stored

Compliance & Reporting

Ensure payroll compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour regulations
Support payroll tax reporting and filings in coordination with internal teams or third-party providers
Assist with year-end processes including W-2 preparation and distribution
Prepare payroll reports and summaries for Finance and leadership as needed

Employee Support

Serve as a point of contact for employee payroll inquiries and resolve issues in a timely manner
Partner with HR to ensure accurate employee data including new hires, terminations, pay changes, and benefit deductions
Assist employees with questions related to pay, deductions, and payroll policies

Systems & Process Improvement

Maintain payroll data within payroll and HRIS systems
Assist with payroll audits and reconciliation with Finance
Support process improvements to increase payroll accuracy and efficiency
Help implement payroll best practices across a multi-brand platform

Confidentiality & Professional Judgment

Handle sensitive payroll and employee information with the highest level of confidentiality
Exercise strong attention to detail when reviewing payroll data and identifying discrepancies
Manage deadlines effectively to ensure payroll is processed accurately and on time

What We Are Looking For:

3–5+ years of payroll processing experience, preferably in a multi-state or multi-entity environment
Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, or related field preferred, or equivalent professional experience

Skills & Competencies

Strong attention to detail and accuracy
Excellent organizational and time-management skills
Ability to manage multiple payroll cycles and deadlines
Strong written and verbal communication skills
High proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word)
Ability to work independently while collaborating with cross-functional teams

Preferred Experience

Experience processing payroll for hourly, commission-based, and field service employees
Experience with HRIS and payroll systems such as ADP, Paylocity, Paycom, or similar platforms
Familiarity with multi-state payroll compliance and payroll tax requirements
Experience supporting payroll operations in a multi-location or high-growth organization

All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check, drug screening, and motor vehicle report (if applicable), conducted in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or working conditions associated with the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

MTG is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).