Accuracy, compliance and efficiency in one payroll solution

By Dani Sheehan.

Turn your cumbersome payroll processing into a streamlined operation by leveraging construction-specific software solutions.

Managing payroll is no small feat, particularly in the construction industry where schedules can change on a dime, projects take place in multiple states and labor law compliance is essential. In a recent episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with Robert McManus, CFO of Mid-South Roof Systems, to identify common payroll challenges and discuss how his crew conquered these challenges by leveraging the right technology.  

Like many contractors, Mid-South Roof Systems once relied on paper timesheets and manual processes for payroll. “We went from paper timecards to using WorkMax now – it's been way better than guys on a job site four states away having to use a paper timecard and send a picture of it on their phone to our payroll administrator to process.” Not only was this method time-consuming, but it also left open too many opportunities for errors and delays.

The shift to Payroll4Construction and WorkMax brought immediate improvements. “The foreman on a crew is responsible for clocking guys in and out of the job at the end of the day,” Robert explained. “It seems to work just great. Anything is subject to errors if you put garbage in, but with proper oversight, the system is incredibly effective.” Superintendents ensure accuracy by reviewing crew times before submission, keeping the process efficient and reliable.

For the accounting department, the impact was equally transformative. “The biggest thing ROI-wise was freeing up time,” Robert said. “On average, it saved me five to ten hours a week, not to mention the significant time savings for our payroll administrator.” The automation also eliminated the risk of costly payroll tax penalties. Robert recalled, “If a federal tax deposit isn’t made within a strict timeframe, penalties can add up fast. We don’t have to worry about that anymore.”

Robert’s advice to business owners navigating similar challenges is simple: don’t go it alone. “It’s tough to be versed in all 50 states and localities’ tax obligations payroll-wise,” he said. “I highly encourage anybody to use a payroll service.”

But not just any service will do for the construction industry. Payroll4Construction uniquely understands the challenges roofing contractors face and this solution integrates seamlessly with job costing systems. “As soon as you click the button for payroll, it’s hitting job cost and everything else,” Robert noted, highlighting the benefits of an all-in-one system like Foundation Software.

By leveraging Payroll4Construction, Mid-South Roof Systems has transformed a once frustrating process into a competitive advantage. “The ROI is clear,” Robert shared. “It’s not just about saving time – it's about ensuring accuracy, compliance and efficiency.”

Read the transcript or Listen to the podcast to learn more about the power of technology and the right partnerships.