Payroll Specialist

Highgate Hotels Corporate Office - NY is seeking a Payroll Specialist to support accurate, timely payroll for a multi property hospitality portfolio. In this fast paced, collaborative environment, you will process biweekly payroll, validate timekeeping data, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage laws. Responsibilities include maintaining employee records, handling garnishments and adjustments, reconciling payroll reports, and responding to payroll inquiries.

You will partner with HR and Accounting, support audits, and recommend process improvements to enhance data accuracy, efficiency, and reporting quality.

Responsibilities

• Process multi state biweekly payroll for corporate and hotel employees accurately and on time
• Review and validate time and attendance data, resolving discrepancies with managers
• Maintain payroll records, earnings, deductions, and tax set ups in HRIS/payroll systems
• Administer garnishments, wage adjustments, and special payments in compliance with regulations
• Reconcile payroll reports and general ledger entries; support month end close for payroll
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws and company policies
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries and provide excellent internal customer service
• Support internal and external audits through reporting and documentation
• Collaborate with HR and Accounting to improve payroll processes and controls
• Generate standard and ad hoc payroll reports for management

Required Skills

• Payroll processing
• Multi state payroll regulations
• Time and attendance systems
• HRIS/payroll systems (e.g., ADP, UKG, Workday)
• Payroll tax and garnishment administration
• General ledger and payroll reconciliation
• Excel and payroll reporting
• Audit support and documentation
• Data accuracy and quality control
• Customer service and issue resolution