Accounting, Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Cook Hospital and Care Center•Cook, MN

19h•$28

About The Position

Accounting, Payroll & Benefits Specialist Cook Hospital & Care Center Full-Time | Day Shift | Accounting EEO Employer – M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status Join Our Team! Find your belonging at Cook Hospital & Care Center, where compassionate professionals are committed to excellence in care and service. We are seeking a detail-oriented, knowledgeable Accounting, Payroll & Benefits Specialist to support our financial operations and employee benefit programs with accuracy, integrity, and professionalism. If you thrive in a role that combines payroll expertise, benefits coordination, and accounting functions — we’d love to meet you. Compensation Starting pay is $28.00 per hour for candidates with an Associate of Arts (AA) degree. Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree may qualify for a higher starting rate , based on qualifications and experience. Why Join Us? ✔ Great Work Environment ✔ Competitive Pay ✔ Generous PTO & Sick Time ✔ Excellent Benefits ✔ Employee Perks ✔ Free Wellness Center Membership ✔ Meaningful Work Serving Our Community Benefits Cook Hospital & Care Center offers a comprehensive benefits package to regular full- and part-time employees working 0.5 FTE (20 hours/week) or more. Benefits are effective the first day of the month following 90 days of employment. Benefits Include: Medical Insurance Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Retirement Plans (including PERA) Long-Term Disability Life Insurance Paid Time Off (PTO/EIB) Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) Bereavement Leave Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Free Wellness Center Membership (Casual employees accrue Earned Sick and Safe Time as applicable.) Position Overview The Accounting, Payroll & Benefits Specialist ensures accurate and confidential administration of payroll, employee benefits, accounts payable, fixed assets, and selected general ledger functions. This position plays a key role in maintaining financial integrity, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency across the organization.

Requirements

Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field
Payroll and benefits administration experience
Strong knowledge of accounting principles and payroll regulations
High attention to detail and confidentiality

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
Healthcare or union environment experience
Experience with governmental retirement systems (PERA)
Experience with payroll/timekeeping systems

Responsibilities

Process and administer payroll accurately and in compliance with applicable laws and policies
Maintain employee payroll, compensation, and benefit records
Monitor and apply wage adjustments and eligibility changes
Track and administer leave accruals (PTO/EIB/ESST/PFML)
Serve as primary contact for time and attendance system
Administer health, dental, vision, retirement (PERA), and related benefits
Coordinate enrollments, life events, terminations, and COBRA administration
Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations (FLSA, FMLA, COBRA, PERA, etc.)
Maintain I-9 documentation and employee tax records
Prepare required reports including PBJ (Payroll-Based Journal) submissions
Support audits, reporting, and regulatory filings
Coordinate benefit communications, new hire education, and annual benefits fair
Process vendor invoices accurately and timely
Execute check runs, ACH, and wire payments
Reconcile vendor statements and resolve discrepancies
Maintain vendor records and W-9 documentation
Prepare and distribute annual 1099 forms
Manage petty cash and related reconciliations
Maintain asset records from acquisition through retirement
Reconcile fixed asset accounts to the general ledger
Ensure proper classification and reporting
Maintain accounting structure and GL accounts
Post journal entries and reconcile assigned accounts
Assist with monthly and year-end closing processes
Perform bank reconciliations and monitor daily cash activity
Support annual financial audits
Process MNCARE payments and reporting