Payroll Specialist

Position Title: Payroll Specialist Company: Tailwind Hospitality, Inc.

Location: Wilmington, NC Department: Finance & Accounting

Reports To: Payroll Manager

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Payroll Specialist to join our growing Payroll team. The Payroll Specialist will play a key role in the accurate and timely preparation, processing, reconciliation, and documentation of biweekly payroll for hourly and salaried employees across multiple locations.

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for supporting multi-location payroll operations for hospitality and airport concession locations across multiple states. This role ensures accurate payroll processing, employee data maintenance, compliance with wage and hour laws, and coordination between operations, HR, and accounting teams. The ideal candidate is highly detail-oriented, organized, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with large volumes of payroll and reporting data. The Payroll Specialist will also assist in training staff on payroll procedures and systems, with a strong focus on using ADP Workforce Now.

Key Responsibilities

• Payroll Processing and Administration
• Assist Payroll Manager in processing biweekly payroll for hourly and salaried employees across multiple locations and states
• Review timecards, labor reports, payroll adjustments, tips, bonuses, and deductions for accuracy
• Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies, missed punches, and employee inquiries
• Maintain payroll spreadsheets, Google Sheets trackers, and reporting documentation
• Support audits and prepare payroll documentation and reports as requested
• Ensure confidentiality and security of employee payroll information
• Support year-end payroll processing including W-2 preparation and filing
• Maintain and update payroll records, including new hires, terminations, salary changes, and deductions
• Ensure compliance with applicable labor laws, tax regulations, and company policies
• Calculate wages, overtime, and quarterly and annual bonuses
• Manage payroll-related deductions such as benefits, taxes, and garnishment
• Reconcile payroll accounts and resolve discrepancies
• Work with accounting to post each payroll to the general ledger
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll, taxes, and deductions
• Collaborate with HR and Finance teams to ensure accurate employee data
• Review payroll-related Google Sheets and support documentation prior to payroll processing.
• Review employee time and attendance information and identify discrepancies requiring correction.
• Ensure payroll is processed according to established payroll calendars and deadlines.
• Follow established payroll checklists and procedures for every payroll cycle.

SOP Development

• Assist in developing and maintaining Payroll Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Assist with developing payroll checklists, verification tools, workflows, and controls.
• Assist with creating and updating SOPs annually to reflect updates in software functionality or labor laws.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of payroll, accounting, HR, or administrative experience preferred
• Experience with multi-state payroll strongly preferred
• Understanding of wage and hour laws and tax regulations
• Hospitality, restaurant, airport, or retail payroll experience is a plus
• Strong proficiency in Google Sheets, Excel, ADP, TEAMWORK or similar preferred
• High attention to detail and ability to manage large volumes of data accurately
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and prioritize deadlines
• Knowledge of payroll laws, wage compliance, and payroll tax practices preferred

Work Environment

• Fast-paced hospitality support environment
• Frequent interaction with operations managers and multi-location teams
• Primarily computer and spreadsheet-based work
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
• On-site position

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Bonus opportunities
• Paid time off and holidays
• Health and wellness benefits
• Growth opportunities within a multi-state hospitality organization

STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS

Employees in this position are required to adhere to any job-related instructions and perform any additional duties assigned by authorized personnel. The requirements outlined in this document represent the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities necessary for this role.

This document does not establish an employment contract, either explicit or implied, other than maintaining an "at-will" relationship.

 This is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you require any accommodations during the application process, please contact our HR department at recruiter@tailwindconcessions.com.