Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Job Title: Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Reports To: Payroll & Benefits Manager

Category: Full-Time, Exempt

Department: Finance

Location: Remote, West Coast only Must travel to Juneau for training and be able to travel to Juneau as needed.

Salary Range: $65,000 – $80,000 (commensurate with experience)

Relocation up to $2000 for the right candidate

Position Summary

The Payroll & Benefits Specialist assists with accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing for Huna Totem Corporation and its subsidiary entities, supporting a workforce of 500+ employees across seasonal and year-round operations. This position serves as a liaison between Human Resources, Finance, and ADP, ensuring all personnel actions, time records, and benefit elections are properly documented, approved, and reflected in payroll systems. The role requires a high degree of accuracy, confidentiality, and adherence to federal, state, and local payroll regulations.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Payroll Processing

Process bi-weekly payrolls in ADP Workforce Now for multiple entitiesReview employee timecards and exception reports for accuracy and complianceEnsure timely payroll submission and fundingValidate earnings, deductions, taxes, and benefit electionsProcess off-cycle payrolls, adjustments, and corrections as needed

HR Coordination & Data Management

Process personnel action forms in ADP, including new hires, terminations, pay changes, and job changesEnsure all payroll-related actions are properly approved and documentedMaintain accurate and up-to-date employee master dataPartner with Human Resources to research and resolve payroll discrepancies

Compliance & Internal Controls

Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulationsMonitor overtime calculations and Alaska labor law requirementsSupport ACA tracking, garnishments, and workers’ compensation reportingMaintain payroll internal controls, procedures, and documentation

Reporting & Reconciliation

Prepare payroll registers, funding reports, and audit documentationReconcile payroll to the general ledger and benefit invoicesSupport month-end and year-end close processesAssist with year-end tax reporting, including W-2 processingProvide payroll data for audits, budgeting, and financial analysis

Process Improvement & Employee Support

Maintain and update payroll procedures and documentationIdentify opportunities for workflow efficiency and process improvementSupport payroll system upgrades and integrationsRespond to employee payroll-related inquiries in a timely and professional mannerResearch and resolve payroll discrepanciesPerform other related duties as assigned

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

Primarily office-based with periodic site visitsAbility to lift up to 25 pounds occasionallyOccasional travel, including travel by small aircraftValid Alaska driver’s license required

Qualifications

Education & Experience

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or Human Resources preferred5 years of payroll administration experience supporting a workforce of 300+ employees required.Experience supporting multi-entity or seasonal workforce preferredExperience with ADP Workforce Now strongly preferredRemote experience preferred.

Technical Skills & Competencies

Strong proficiency with payroll and timekeeping systems; ADP experience requiredAdvanced Excel skills for reconciliation and reportingKnowledge of payroll tax, wage and hour laws, and benefit administrationAbility to integrate payroll data with HRIS and accounting systemsExceptional attention to detail and accuracyStrong organizational and deadline management skillsHigh ethical standards with the ability to maintain confidentialityClear, professional communication skillsCalm, solutions-oriented approach in a fast-paced environment

This job description is not comprehensive but provides examples of typical responsibilities for a Payroll & Benefits Specialist. The Payroll & Benefits Specialist is responsible for performing other duties of a similar nature and level as in this description, as well as others necessary to carry out the goals and objectives of Huna Totem Corporation.

Huna Totem Corporation is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer with the exception to Native Preference under P.L. 93-638.

PI283055870