Payroll and Accounting Specialist

Grand Central Bakery ignited a bread revolution in 1989 by introducing rustic artisan loaves to Northwest tables. Values are at the heart of our company and sustainability touches everything we do - from where we buy ingredients to how we care for our employees and invest in our communities. A Certified B Corporation, Grand Central Bakery is part of a global movement of organizations using business as a force for good.

Title: Payroll & Accounting Specialist

Job summary: The Payroll & Accounting Specialist combines payroll operations, accounting, and financial data expertise to deliver accurate, compliant, and employee-focused payroll services support in support of Grand Central Bakery’s mission to serve our customers delicious, authentic food made from high quality local and sustainable ingredients. The position owns end-to-end payroll processing, ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, serves as the subject matter expert for payroll systems.

The Payroll & Accounting Specialist supports payroll accounting, reconciliations, reporting, and financial analysis that informs month-end close and operational decision-making. Success requires strong analytical skills, sound judgment with confidential information, and a commitment to exceptional employee service while partnering cross-functionally with HR, Finance, and Operations.

Location: This position works on site in either Portland, Oregon or Seattle, Washington.

Compensation: $36.05/hour

Schedule Requirements: As a full-time hourly employee, the Payroll and Accounting Specialist typically works 5 days a week with flexibility to adjust schedule around special projects and may be required to work extra hours and/or days on an irregular basis due to unforeseen circumstances and emergencies.

• Own the processing of accurate and timely payroll each pay period, including review and validation of timekeeping records (hours worked, overtime, tips, pay rates, premiums), and processing adjustments such as bonuses, reimbursements, retro pay, and garnishments.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee and agency inquiries related to pay, taxes, deductions, and employment verification.
• Administer garnishments by responding to agencies and ensuring accurate setup and processing within the payroll system.
• Record payroll transactions, prepare journal entries, and reconcile payroll and benefits accounts to the general ledger.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax and wage‑and‑hour regulations; manage payroll tax filings, with holdings, workers’ compensation reporting, and year‑end requirements
• Process assigned monthly benefit vendor payments, including health plans, workers’ compensation (SAIF, L&I), payroll fees, union dues, and retirement plans. Reconcile monthly payroll and benefits accounts and investigate and resolve discrepancies with vendors and internal records.
• Support audits, 401(k) compliance testing, Form 5500 filings, and regulatory reporting.
• Provide guidance to managers and employees on payroll, timekeeping, and related policies and procedures; participate in payroll and timekeeping system configuration and maintenance. Support troubleshooting and system fixes.
• Respond to federal, state, and local information requests and surveys, including BLS, DOL, MWSR, and other regulatory agencies.
• Prepare payroll, labor, and benefits reports for Finance and Operations leadership while ensuring strict confidentiality and data integrity.

• Support general ledger maintenance, month‑end and year‑end close activities.
• Prepare reconciliations and balance sheet schedules related to payroll and benefits accounts.
• Provide backup support for accounts receivable, accounts payable, and cashbook processes.
• Contribute to financial reporting, audits, and process improvement initiatives.

• Partner on system implementations, upgrades, and cross-functional Finance and HR projects.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of employee and company information at all times.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Knows and acts in accordance with the mission,…