Compliance Specialist Jobs in New Jersey
Compliance specialist jobs in New Jersey are in strong demand, concentrated in financial services, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and insurance across one of the country's most heavily regulated state economies, with openings at every level from entry-level compliance analyst through senior compliance officer and director. The largest hiring concentrations are in Newark, Jersey City, and Princeton, where major employers like Johnson & Johnson, Prudential Financial, and Cognizant maintain substantial compliance and risk functions. The most sought-after specializations in New Jersey are regulatory affairs, financial compliance, and pharmaceutical quality and GCP compliance. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Compliance Specialist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 21+ Compliance Specialist jobs
Requisition ID: 110517
Share Our Purpose. Be Yourself. Feel Valued.
People are the heart of our business. As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career. Our benefits packages focus on key areas such as health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals.
We are Beautifully Different. We strongly believe having diversity across our company makes us more successful and helps us provide essential services to our customers. We are stronger because we embrace different ideas, viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds. American Water is the best choice for your next role! Click here for more information on our inclusion, diversity, and equity journey.
About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.
For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Position Information
Lead, Prevailing Wage Compliance Specialist
Camden, NJ
$83,550 - 137,380
The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity.
In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more!
American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally!
Primary Role
Leads the administration and continuous improvement of Davis-Bacon Act (DBA) and Service Contract Act (SCA) prevailing-wage compliance across the MSG portfolio. Serves as the primary subject-matter resource and liaison among Contracts, installation teams, Human Resources, Finance, and other internal stakeholders. Interprets applicable wage determinations and contract requirements; establishes and maintains compliance processes, controls, documentation, and training; recommends corrective actions; and escalates significant compliance risks to appropriate leadership to support accurate, timely, and consistent implementation across contracts and locations.
Key Accountabilities
- Provides day-to-day functional guidance to compliance specialists and operational stakeholders; reviews complex or escalated prevailing-wage matters; coordinates work priorities; and promotes consistent compliance practices without direct supervisory responsibility.
- Interprets and applies DBA, SCA, applicable U.S. Department of Labor requirements, contract clauses, wage determinations, and internal policies.
- Reviews new and modified contracts and wage determinations with Federal Contracts, Payroll, Human Resources, Finance, and operations to identify required wage, fringe-benefit, classification, and effective-date changes.
- Maintains current master wage determinations and related records for covered employees, contracts, and locations.
- Tracks changes to minimum wages, prevailing wages, health and welfare rates, and other required fringe benefits; coordinates timely implementation and validation.
- Conducts periodic audits of the DBA/SCA compliance program and supporting systems; documents and communicates findings; recommends corrective actions; escalates material or recurring issues; and monitors remediation through completion.
- Develops, updates, and delivers compliance procedures, guidance, tools, and training for relevant stakeholders.
- Maintains compliance activities and evidence within CrossComply or other designated systems of record.
- Monitors regulatory and policy developments and assesses potential impacts on MSG contracts, employees, processes, and controls.
- Maintains complete, accurate, and audit-ready documentation demonstrating compliance with prime-contract and subcontract obligations.
- Supports internal and external audits, inquiries, and corrective-action plans by compiling records, analyzing issues, and coordinating responses.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Knowledge/Skills
- Advanced knowledge of DBA, SCA, prevailing-wage principles, wage determinations, employee classifications, and required fringe benefits.
- Working knowledge of federal contracting requirements, recordkeeping obligations, audit practices, and corrective-action processes.
- Knowledge of payroll and human resources processes that affect wages, benefits, classifications, and employee records.
- Knowledge of compliance-program design, internal controls, risk assessment, policy development, and training practices.
- Strong command of business writing, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
- Broad knowledge of organizational operations, policies, procedures, and cross-functional decision-making.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and strong proficiency in Word, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft 365 applications.
- Ability to interpret complex laws, regulations, contract clauses, and wage determinations and translate them into practical requirements.
- Strong analytical, auditing, problem-solving, and data-validation skills with close attention to detail.
- Clear and effective written and verbal communication, presentation, listening, and report-writing skills.
- Ability to prioritize competing deadlines, manage multiple workstreams, and produce accurate results independently.
- Ability to influence, collaborate, and build effective relationships in a culturally and geographically diverse, multi-company matrix organization.
- Strong interpersonal skills, including tact, diplomacy, cooperation, consultation, and negotiation.
- High level of initiative, sound judgment, professional discretion, and ability to safeguard confidential information.
Experience/Education
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, human resources, labor relations, accounting, finance, contract administration, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
- Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in compliance, contract administration, human resources, labor standards, or a related field, including at least 5 years supporting prevailing-wage or government-contract labor compliance involving DBA and/or SCA requirements.
- Experience interpreting wage determinations, conducting compliance audits, resolving complex pay or classification issues, and coordinating corrective actions across functions.
- Experience providing functional guidance, training, or work coordination is preferred.
Work Schedule/Environment
- Monday - Friday 8am - 4:30pm (core hours)
- Hybrid 3:2 schedule (after training and probationary period); office environment with regular computer and virtual meeting use.
- Work may require coordination across multiple locations and time zones.
- Up to 10% travel, including occasional visits to contract or installation locations
Scope
- Serves as the enterprise-wide functional lead for prevailing-wage compliance across applicable MSG contracts and locations. Coordinates cross-functional implementation, advises stakeholders, supports audit readiness and risk reduction, and provides work direction and subject-matter guidance without direct supervisory responsibility unless otherwise assigned.
#LI-BH1 #LI-Onsite
Competencies
Requisition ID: 110517
Share Our Purpose. Be Yourself. Feel Valued.
People are the heart of our business. As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career. Our benefits packages focus on key areas such as health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals.
We are Beautifully Different. We strongly believe having diversity across our company makes us more successful and helps us provide essential services to our customers. We are stronger because we embrace different ideas, viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds. American Water is the best choice for your next role! Click here for more information on our inclusion, diversity, and equity journey.
About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.
For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Position Information
Lead, Prevailing Wage Compliance Specialist
Camden, NJ
$83,550 - 137,380
The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity.
In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more!
American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally!
Primary Role
Leads the administration and continuous improvement of Davis-Bacon Act (DBA) and Service Contract Act (SCA) prevailing-wage compliance across the MSG portfolio. Serves as the primary subject-matter resource and liaison among Contracts, installation teams, Human Resources, Finance, and other internal stakeholders. Interprets applicable wage determinations and contract requirements; establishes and maintains compliance processes, controls, documentation, and training; recommends corrective actions; and escalates significant compliance risks to appropriate leadership to support accurate, timely, and consistent implementation across contracts and locations.
Key Accountabilities
- Provides day-to-day functional guidance to compliance specialists and operational stakeholders; reviews complex or escalated prevailing-wage matters; coordinates work priorities; and promotes consistent compliance practices without direct supervisory responsibility.
- Interprets and applies DBA, SCA, applicable U.S. Department of Labor requirements, contract clauses, wage determinations, and internal policies.
- Reviews new and modified contracts and wage determinations with Federal Contracts, Payroll, Human Resources, Finance, and operations to identify required wage, fringe-benefit, classification, and effective-date changes.
- Maintains current master wage determinations and related records for covered employees, contracts, and locations.
- Tracks changes to minimum wages, prevailing wages, health and welfare rates, and other required fringe benefits; coordinates timely implementation and validation.
- Conducts periodic audits of the DBA/SCA compliance program and supporting systems; documents and communicates findings; recommends corrective actions; escalates material or recurring issues; and monitors remediation through completion.
- Develops, updates, and delivers compliance procedures, guidance, tools, and training for relevant stakeholders.
- Maintains compliance activities and evidence within CrossComply or other designated systems of record.
- Monitors regulatory and policy developments and assesses potential impacts on MSG contracts, employees, processes, and controls.
- Maintains complete, accurate, and audit-ready documentation demonstrating compliance with prime-contract and subcontract obligations.
- Supports internal and external audits, inquiries, and corrective-action plans by compiling records, analyzing issues, and coordinating responses.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Knowledge/Skills
- Advanced knowledge of DBA, SCA, prevailing-wage principles, wage determinations, employee classifications, and required fringe benefits.
- Working knowledge of federal contracting requirements, recordkeeping obligations, audit practices, and corrective-action processes.
- Knowledge of payroll and human resources processes that affect wages, benefits, classifications, and employee records.
- Knowledge of compliance-program design, internal controls, risk assessment, policy development, and training practices.
- Strong command of business writing, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
- Broad knowledge of organizational operations, policies, procedures, and cross-functional decision-making.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and strong proficiency in Word, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft 365 applications.
- Ability to interpret complex laws, regulations, contract clauses, and wage determinations and translate them into practical requirements.
- Strong analytical, auditing, problem-solving, and data-validation skills with close attention to detail.
- Clear and effective written and verbal communication, presentation, listening, and report-writing skills.
- Ability to prioritize competing deadlines, manage multiple workstreams, and produce accurate results independently.
- Ability to influence, collaborate, and build effective relationships in a culturally and geographically diverse, multi-company matrix organization.
- Strong interpersonal skills, including tact, diplomacy, cooperation, consultation, and negotiation.
- High level of initiative, sound judgment, professional discretion, and ability to safeguard confidential information.
Experience/Education
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, human resources, labor relations, accounting, finance, contract administration, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
- Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in compliance, contract administration, human resources, labor standards, or a related field, including at least 5 years supporting prevailing-wage or government-contract labor compliance involving DBA and/or SCA requirements.
- Experience interpreting wage determinations, conducting compliance audits, resolving complex pay or classification issues, and coordinating corrective actions across functions.
- Experience providing functional guidance, training, or work coordination is preferred.
Work Schedule/Environment
- Monday - Friday 8am - 4:30pm (core hours)
- Hybrid 3:2 schedule (after training and probationary period); office environment with regular computer and virtual meeting use.
- Work may require coordination across multiple locations and time zones.
- Up to 10% travel, including occasional visits to contract or installation locations
Scope
- Serves as the enterprise-wide functional lead for prevailing-wage compliance across applicable MSG contracts and locations. Coordinates cross-functional implementation, advises stakeholders, supports audit readiness and risk reduction, and provides work direction and subject-matter guidance without direct supervisory responsibility unless otherwise assigned.
#LI-BH1 #LI-Onsite
Competencies
See All 21 Compliance Specialist Jobs in New Jersey
Find roles in New Jersey that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Compliance Specialist JobsCompliance Specialist Jobs by City in New Jersey
Where New Jersey roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Compliance Specialist Job Market in New Jersey
A snapshot from current New Jersey openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
What New Jersey Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in compliance specialist jobs across New Jersey.
- Bachelor's degree in business, finance, law, or a related field required
- Relevant certification such as CCEP, CRCM, or CHC strongly preferred
- Demonstrated knowledge of federal and New Jersey state regulatory frameworks
- Three or more years of compliance, audit, or regulatory experience preferred
- Strong familiarity with financial services, healthcare, or pharmaceutical regulations
- Proficiency with compliance management software and Microsoft Office suite
Compliance Specialist Jobs in New Jersey: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a compliance specialist in New Jersey?
Most compliance specialist roles in New Jersey require a bachelor's degree in business, finance, law, or a related field, followed by relevant work experience in a regulated industry. New Jersey does not issue a state-specific compliance license, but employers strongly prefer nationally recognized credentials such as the Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP) or the Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM). Candidates targeting pharmaceutical roles often benefit from familiarity with FDA regulatory requirements given New Jersey's concentration of life sciences employers.
How much do compliance specialists make in New Jersey?
Compliance specialists in New Jersey earn a median of about $106,410 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $72,800 for the lowest 10% to over $205,030 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire compliance specialists in New Jersey?
Employers hiring compliance specialists in New Jersey right now include L3Harris, NJ TRANSIT, and Opella., based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. New Jersey's dense concentration of pharmaceutical headquarters, major insurance carriers, and regional banks means compliance demand is broad and consistent throughout the state.
Which New Jersey cities have the most compliance specialist jobs?
Camden, Newark, and Clifton have the most compliance specialist openings in New Jersey. Newark and Jersey City draw heavy demand from financial services firms and insurance companies anchored in the New York metro corridor, while Princeton and its surrounding corridor attract life sciences and pharmaceutical compliance roles tied to the region's dense concentration of biotech and pharma headquarters.
Are there remote compliance specialist jobs in New Jersey?
Yes, and more than many fields, because compliance work is largely desk-based, document-driven, and well-suited to remote or hybrid arrangements. About 60% of compliance specialist openings tied to New Jersey are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the analytical and policy-focused nature of the role. Regulatory review, policy drafting, and training coordination are the functions most commonly performed remotely.
How can I get hired as a compliance specialist in New Jersey with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a compliance analyst, compliance coordinator, or regulatory affairs assistant role at a New Jersey financial institution, insurance carrier, or pharmaceutical company. Employers like Prudential Financial, Johnson & Johnson, and large regional banks regularly hire associates into compliance operations teams. A paralegal background, internal audit experience, or completion of the CCEP Associate exam gives candidates a clear edge, as does any prior exposure to FDA, FINRA, or state Department of Banking and Insurance requirements.
Where can I find and apply to compliance specialist jobs in New Jersey?
You can find and apply to compliance specialist jobs in New Jersey on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the state. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly through the listings.
See All 21 Compliance Specialist Jobs in New Jersey
Find roles in New Jersey that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Compliance Specialist Jobs