Accounting & Payroll Manager

Nekoosa, WI

About The Position

Sand Valley is a golf resort and community settled gently upon 12,000 acres of rugged, pre-historic sand dunes in central Wisconsin. Here, residents and guests will find six world-class golf courses built in harmony with the land: Sand Valley, Mammoth Dunes, Sandbox, The Lido, Sedge Valley, and Commons. Founded in 2016 by brothers Michael and Chris Keiser, the resort is known for its friendly hospitality and a community of golf and outdoor enthusiasts who have been drawn to the raw beauty and serenity of the vast Wisconsin Wilderness. Beyond premier golf, Sand Valley is a year-round celebration of all the outdoors from fat-tire biking, hiking, and kayaking to ice hockey, skating, or a guided cold plunge. The resort now features a 13,000-square-foot Tennis Center with 16 grass tennis courts and the eleventh Court Tennis facility in the United States. Alongside soul-stirring golf and outdoor exploration, Sand Valley offers a variety of savory dining venues showcasing globally inspired and rustic Wisconsin cuisine. The Sand Valley team works together to create experiences of a lifetime by asking questions and sharing ideas. With authenticity and a hard-working attitude, Sand Valley helps guide guests through an immersive experience in Wisconsin's natural beauty and away from the demands of daily life. Position Summary The Accounting & Payroll Manager plays a critical role in supporting the day-to-day financial operations of Sand Valley, with a primary focus on payroll. This role owns payroll processing across a large, seasonal workforce with varying pay structures, ensuring team members are paid accurately, on time, and in full compliance. In partnership with the Assistant Controller, this position also supports core accounting operations including close, reporting, reconciliations, and internal controls. Working closely with People & Culture and department leaders, this position helps ensure both the team member experience and financial operations run smoothly and with integrity.

Requirements

Bachelorâs degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred
5+ years of accounting experience, including direct ownership of payroll
Strong understanding of payroll regulations, accounting principles, and financial reporting
Experience with payroll systems such as ADP Workforce Now and strong Excel skills
High attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, seasonal environment
Clear communication skills and a collaborative, accountable approach

Nice To Haves

Experience in hospitality, resort, or multi-entity environments strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Lead full cycle payroll processing across all departments, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance
Manage payroll across a dynamic, seasonal workforce with multiple pay structures, employment types, and peak season fluctuations
Review and validate payroll registers, variance reports, and supporting data prior to processing
Manage payroll adjustments, off cycle runs, and complex pay components including seasonal pay, bonuses, and other earnings
Maintain accurate payroll records and reporting, including earnings, deductions, benefits, garnishments, and tax filings
Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll regulations
Prepare and support year end payroll reporting, including W 2 processing
Reconcile payroll to the general ledger and support related accruals
Ensure payroll is completed accurately and on schedule within strict processing deadlines
Maintain payroll calendars, processing schedules, and key deadlines
Ensure confidentiality and security of payroll and employee data
Serve as the primary resource for payroll related questions, resolving issues with care, clarity, and follow-through
Support daily and monthly accounting functions including general ledger activity, journal entries, and reconciliations
Assist with month end, quarter end, and year end close processes, including payroll related accruals and reconciliations
Prepare and post journal entries related to payroll and assigned accounts
Prepare, review, and support distribution of financial reports
Support daily revenue posting and reconciliation across golf, lodging, and F&B operations
Monitor accounts, investigate discrepancies, and resolve issues to ensure accuracy
Assist with sales tax filings, reporting requirements, and audit preparation
Support tax reporting requirements, including coordination of payroll and applicable state and local filings
Support budgeting and forecasting processes, providing payroll and labor insights as needed
Support tracking and accounting for capital projects and key initiatives
Maintain accurate accounting records and supporting documentation across assigned areas
Execute and uphold internal controls across payroll and assigned accounting processes, identifying inconsistencies and escalating as needed
Own the day-to-day administration, accuracy, and continuous improvement of payroll systems, including ADP Workforce Now and related tools
Support integration and data flow between payroll, HR, and accounting systems
Identify opportunities to improve processes, increase efficiency, and stay current on payroll regulations and accounting standards
Provide day-to-day guidance and coordination across payroll and accounts payable functions
Partner closely with People & Culture on employee lifecycle changes impacting payroll
Collaborate with department leaders and operational teams to ensure accurate financial information and support business needs
Support onboarding and training of team members across payroll and accounting processes
Contribute to a team environment built on trust, accountability, and shared support