Payroll & Benefits Manager

Journal Hotels•Los Angeles, CA

3d•$80,000 - $95,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Hollywood Roosevelt is an iconic hotel located on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, dating back to the Golden Era. Built in 1927, it has hosted numerous stars and offers guests a glimpse into Hollywood's storied past with a modern interpretation of its original charm. The Payroll & Benefits Manager is responsible for overseeing and administering all hotel payroll and employee benefits functions, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant processing in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and hotel policies. This role collaborates with Finance, Human Resources, and department leaders to maintain accurate employee records, manage payroll changes, administer employee benefits, support regulatory reporting, and address employee inquiries.

Requirements

Extensive knowledge of the payroll function including preparation, balancing, internal control, and payroll taxes.
Proficient with payroll software, preferably ADP.
Displays orientation to profitability and aligns work with strategic goals. Develops and implements cost saving measures, conserves organizational resources and works within approved budget.
Effective Verbal & Written skills
Ability to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives. Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
Implements and maintains all policies and procedures.
Exercises sounds and accurate judgment in decision-making.
One to two years accounting experience.
Previous Hospitality industry experience preferred.
Previous experience managing payroll and employee benefits administration, preferably in the hotel or hospitality industry.
Strong knowledge of payroll processing, wage and hour requirements, payroll taxes, and benefits administration.
Familiarity with California employment and payroll requirements, including applicable state and local regulations.
Experience with payroll systems, timekeeping platforms, HRIS systems, and accounting software.
Knowledge of employee benefits programs, retirement plan administration, payroll deductions, and reconciliation procedures.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict payroll and reporting deadlines.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across Finance, Human Resources, and hotel departments.
Ability to handle confidential information with integrity and professionalism.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other relevant business applications.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as hotel communication, budgets, ledgers and financial reports.
Ability to effectively present information and thoroughly answer questions in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization in English.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Ability to efficiently use ADP, Payroll Systems and Microsoft Office programs.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversee the accurate and timely processing of hotel payroll in accordance with established payroll schedules and deadlines.
Review timekeeping records, attendance data, wage calculations, payroll coding, direct deposits, voided checks, and manual check requests to ensure accuracy.
Process payroll changes related to new hires, terminations, transfers, promotions, wage adjustments, and other employee status changes.
Prepare and maintain accurate payroll records, including earnings, taxes, deductions, garnishments, and other payroll-related transactions.
Ensure accurate payroll tax reporting and compliance with applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
Prepare payroll summaries, general ledger entries, and supporting documentation.
Research and resolve payroll discrepancies and respond to employee payroll inquiries.
Maintain organized payroll records and ensure all payroll transactions are properly documented and recorded.
Administer employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, retirement savings, and other applicable benefit offerings.
Coordinate benefits enrollment, eligibility, qualifying life events, terminations, and other employee benefit changes.
Maintain accurate records of employee benefit elections, employer contributions, employee deductions, and applicable payroll adjustments.
Monitor and reconcile benefit deductions and employer contributions to ensure accuracy between payroll records, benefit providers, and financial reporting.
Support the administration and reporting of the hotel’s 401(k) plan, including employee contributions, employer matching contributions, reconciliations, and required reporting.
Assist employees with benefits-related questions and direct complex eligibility, leave, or plan interpretation matters to the appropriate Human Resources representative or benefits provider.
Support the preparation and distribution of required benefits documentation and annual reporting.
Maintain the confidentiality of employee benefits information and ensure records are handled appropriately.
Ensure payroll and benefits processes comply with applicable wage and hour laws, payroll tax requirements, and other relevant federal, state, and local regulations.
Prepare and submit required weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports within established deadlines.
Coordinate the preparation of annual W-2 forms and other required payroll tax documents.
Assist with internal and external audits, including payroll, benefits, workers’ compensation, retirement plan, and other regulatory reviews.
Maintain accurate supporting documentation for payroll, benefits, workers’ compensation reporting, and financial audits.
Identify discrepancies or process concerns and collaborate with Finance and Human Resources to implement appropriate corrective actions.