Payroll Specialist/Accounting Assistant - Creative Financial Staffing

Position Summary
This individual will report directly to the Controller and is responsible for processing biweekly payroll for a workforce of approximately 125 employees. The position includes assisting the Controller with accounting functions, and ensuring the accuracy of financial statements.

Competencies

• Interpersonal Skills: Understands, relates, and gets along with members, employees, and others.
• Enforcing Laws, Rules, & Regulations: Enforces laws, rules, and regulations and initiates enforcement actions in a way that the public perceives as fair, objective, and reasonable.
• Accountability & Dependability: Takes personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work while achieving results with little oversight.
• HR Information Systems and Technology Acumen: Must be able to select, implement, and deploy HRIS technology for the organization and provide training to the workforce.
• Financial and Operational Acumen: Makes informed decisions to optimize performance and achieve strategic goals. Be able to analyze financial statements, understand how operational processes impact the bottom line, and use this combined knowledge to drive effective decision-making.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing monthly and annual financial statements.
• Maintain the integrity of the general ledger and chart of accounts.
• Assist in month-end and year-end closing procedures.
• Prepare journal entries and account reconciliations as needed.
• Maintenance of payroll and employee records.
• Compliance with and extensive knowledge of local and federal employment and tax regulations.
• Maintaining payroll information by collating, calculating, and entering data.
• Updating payroll records by entering any changes to employee information or benefits such as job title changes, exemptions, and deductions.
• Preparing reports that include summaries of earnings, tax deductions, leave, and non-taxable wages.
• Overseeing and managing payroll HRIS (3^rd party). Verifying payroll liabilities, employee taxes, federal and state income and social security tax, and benefit programs.
• Resolving payroll discrepancies and answering any employee payroll queries.
• Maintaining all payroll operations according to company policies and procedures.
• Overseeing and verifying HRIS process for issuing W-2 and 1095 forms to employees.
• Assisting executive management in the annual review, preparation, and administration of the club's wage, salary, and benefit programs.
• Managing benefit programs with employees, including enrollment assisting employees with questions and issues.
• Administering and maintaining a handbook, policies, and procedures for club employees in accordance with business protocols, operations, and club governance.
• Managing HRIS technologies and systems to automate HR systems processes, increasing operational efficiency and improving visibility and access for employees and leaders.
• Assist with audits and provide necessary documentation and explanations.
• Contribute to the enhancement of financial systems and processes.
• Identify opportunities for efficiency gains and cost savings.
• Participate in special projects and initiatives as assigned by the Controller.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in accounting preferred but not required
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and ordinances.
• Proven experience (1-3 years) in accounting or finance roles, preferably in the hospitality or private club industry.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting practices.
• Proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent analytical skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and work independently and as part of a team.
• Proven experience (5+ years) in payroll and accounting or finance roles, preferably in the hospitality or private club industry.