Payroll is a critical back-office function for construction companies, connecting workforce time records, compensation, taxes and regulatory requirements. At Prince, Mary Mossad has built a career in the function after joining the organization more than 10 years ago and taking on progressively broader responsibilities.
Mossad held several positions at Prince before moving into payroll. Her transition came after the company's payroll administrator retired, creating an opportunity for Mossad to take on payroll accounting responsibilities.
The role introduced her to a specialized area of construction business operations and eventually developed into a long-term career path. Her experience across different positions also gave her exposure to multiple business processes and teams.
Mossad's work now centers on ensuring employees are paid accurately and on schedule while maintaining the records and processes required to support payroll operations.
Payroll professionals handle more than processing employee payments. Their responsibilities can include reviewing time records, verifying employee information, managing taxes and deductions, maintaining financial records and meeting federal and state requirements.
Mossad has continued developing her skills by working with new processes and technologies and collaborating with colleagues across the United States and Canada. Her career progression demonstrates how administrative and financial functions can evolve as construction organizations become more complex.
As payroll manager, Mossad serves as a resource for employees and the organization while overseeing a function that affects the entire workforce.
Mossad's career development has been shaped by opportunities to take on unfamiliar responsibilities and resolve new challenges. Complex payroll issues, regulatory requirements and process improvements have provided opportunities to expand her knowledge.
Her experience also illustrates the importance of developing internal talent. Employees who move between roles can bring knowledge of company operations into specialized functions, helping strengthen processes and collaboration.
Construction workforce management extends beyond jobsites and project schedules. Payroll, compliance and financial administration directly support employees and the broader operation of contractors.
For construction companies, developing employees through cross-functional opportunities can help build specialized expertise while retaining institutional knowledge. Mossad's progression at Prince provides an example of how an unexpected career opportunity can develop into long-term leadership within a critical business function.
Source: Flatiron Dragados
