Payroll Specialist

Our Mission:

Kennedy Concepts’ mission is to enrich the lives of our guests and our team members. We do this through serving the highest level of food quality, bar drink quality, and legendary guest service in a clean and comfortable environment with an energetic ambiance. We believe in treating our team members and guests like family and know that our success depends upon creating and retaining a team capable of delivering an exceptional dining experience to every guest, every time and creating memories our guests will never forget.

Summary of Position

The Payroll Specialist will perform payroll accounting and administrative duties to support the Accounting Department across the Kennedy Concepts organization and to partner with the Human Resources Director periodically. They will ensure payroll is processed on time, accurately, and in compliance with government regulations for both salaried and hourly employees. They will also comply with all state and federal regulations as it pertains to timekeeping, tax payments, and any garnishments or levies. They will assist the Controller, HR Director, and restaurant General Managers in all levels of payroll and/or HR-related tasks while providing the best customer service to the employees and management. It will be critical that the individual can excel in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment while having a high level of diplomacy and confidentiality.

Duties & Responsibilities:

PAYROLL PROCESSING & MAINTENANCE

· Responsible for the accuracy & timeliness of completing bi-weekly payroll (salaried & hourly)

· Calculate, post, update & reconcile all employee-related payroll deductions (garnishments, tax levies, child support orders, etc.)

· Work with managers to ensure that management is complying with deadlines associated with bi-weekly payroll

· Download payroll reports for regular payroll run & bonus payroll reports when required

· Access & download Quarterly payroll tax reports (941, HW-14, UC-B6, 940) & organize within proper SharePoint location

· Meet deadlines & manage workflow to ensure all payroll transactions are processed accurately & timely for multiple restaurants

· Review hours & pay data

· Detect & reconcile payroll discrepancies

· Process & post payroll to issue employee pay & ACH payments

· Determine & make adjustments for payments related to missed time or retroactive increases

· Experience with year-end payroll processes which includes handling of W2s and 1099s

· Scan & attach employee documents to employee files in payroll system

· Correspond via email & telephone with employees regarding payroll issues

· Meet daily & weekly time-sensitive deadlines

· Willingness to accept & complete other projects as assigned

· Reconcile payroll prior to transmission & validate confirmed reports

· Provide & assist with reporting &data requests associated with internal/external auditors

· Partners with HR/Benefits department concerning employee data information on new hires, termination, deductions, loans, Workers Comp, & any other HR/Benefits Schedules meeting.

· Verifies PTO/Vacation/Holiday totals with HR after finishing the bi-weekly payroll run.

· Assists walk-ins at the front desk

· Ability to handle sensitive & confidential information with discretion

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

· Type accurately, prepare & maintain accounting documents & records

· Accurately file & maintain accounting documentation according to the standards & practices of accounting.

· Prepare bank deposits, general ledger postings & statements

· Daily enter key data of financial transactions in database as directed by the Controller.

· Research accounting or documentation problems and/or discrepancies as directed by the Controller.

· Assist & support to company personnel

· Assist all departments as needed at the direction of the Controller.

· Assist in printing checks as necessary with the direction of the Controller.

· Process & code invoices

· Match invoices to POs & resolve discrepancies with vendors & purchasing team; reconcile & research open POs

· Ensure appropriate approval of all administrative & operational invoices

· Audit & code employee expense reports

· File paid invoices

· Act as backup for printing all accounts payable checks.

CLERICAL:

· Maintain an orderly accounting filing system

· Provide accounting & clerical support to the accounting department

· Provide clerical & administrative support to management as required

OTHER:

· Physical Requirements

o Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

o Ability to lift 20 pounds or more

· Take on special projects & provide assistance, as needed

· Receive & distribute incoming mail & packages.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE

· Minimum of 3-5 years of payroll administration experience

Including processing, research, payroll logic, & troubleshooting

· One year experience with taxes at Federal, State, and local level

· One year experience with garnishments; general understanding of how garnishments are processed

· Strong understanding of payroll processes & procedures

· Comprehensive knowledge of basic payroll laws & IRS Regulations

· Proven accounting experience in Accounts Payable

· Familiarity with accounts payable

· Competency in organization’s databases & Accounting software

· Experience with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word) is required

· Accuracy & attention to detail

· Aptitude for numbers

· Ability to perform filing & record keeping tasks

· Data entry & word processing skills

· Well organized, conscientious, & trustworthy

· Working knowledge with restaurants & tip reporting a plus

· High school diploma or equivalent

· Two-year accounting degree preferred

· Maintain the highest standards of accuracy, precision, discretion, & confidentiality

BENEFICIAL SOFT SKILLS

· Proven ability to provide excellent customer service to our team members via verbal and written communications

· Ability and desire to work on a team with the common goal to pay our employees accurately and on-time

· Detail-oriented and can pivot from a task when needed

· Enjoy problem solving and finding the “why” with issues and concerns

· Excellent organizational and time management skills

· Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

· Must be respectful, honest, and demonstrate a strong work ethic

WORK EXPECTATIONS

· 38-40 hours a week, Monday through Friday

· May be required to work overtime due to special projects

· The Payroll Specialist position is located at our corporate office in West Knoxville

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $22.00 - $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work setting:

• Office

Ability to Relocate:

• Knoxville, TN 37921: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person