Payroll & Accounting Specialist

Description: The Bartolotta Restaurants is a nationally recognized restaurant and catering organization co-founded by restaurateur Joe Bartolotta and his brother, two-time James Beard Award-winning Chef Paul Bartolotta.
Since 1993, The Bartolotta Restaurants has grown to become the premier culinary brand in the Greater Milwaukee region, offering first-class service and cuisine across a portfolio of 17 one-of-a-kind restaurants and catering facilities.
As a forward-thinking and respected company, we also give back to our community through Care-a-lotta, a charitable program that supports numerous nonprofit organizations throughout Milwaukee.
At The Bartolotta Restaurants, we are committed to excellence in every aspect of our business, from the products we source to the food and service we deliver every day in our restaurants and catering venues.
Our greatest asset in our company is our team members because, without them, we wouldn't be in business.
We look for people who have what we call a "hospitality heart," characterized by a commitment to providing excellence, a passion for taking care of our guests, and a “can-do” attitude.
We're a family-run business, and we consider our team members part of The Bartolotta Restaurants family.
JOB PURPOSE: The Payroll & Accounting Specialist is responsible for all payroll processing for multiple units.
Administers internal audit and control procedures to ensure that all wages, including tip allocations, and taxes are accurate.
Provides administrative support to the Finance team, primarily for Accounts Payable to ensure proper processing and payment of vendor invoices.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Performs bi-weekly payroll processing and any off-cycle payments as needed in a timely manner using Paylocity.
Ensures timely deposit and reporting of all funds related to payroll, 401k, HSA, FSA, garnishments, withholdings, etc.
Resolves payroll discrepancies by collecting and analyzing information and collaborating with restaurant management, HR, and finance teams.
Assists with monthly, quarterly, or year-end calculations of bonuses, commissions, and other salary-based compensation.
Handles payroll adjustments, deductions, and reimbursements with precision.
Prepares and distributes payroll reports and statements for internal stakeholders.
Maintains confidentiality and security of employee payroll information.
Assists in payroll compliance activities, including W-2 preparation and reconciliation; 1099s, and 5500s.
Verifies the accuracy of monthly employee benefits’ premiums and maintains data in order to track and verify employee benefits-related costs; creates an audit schedule for benefit invoices.
Conducts periodic internal audits to ensure data accuracy, integrity, and compliance.
Provides prompt and exceptional customer service to employees and management with payroll inquiries.
Stays up to date with federal, state, and local tax regulations, ensuring accurate tax withholding and reporting.
Maintains payroll operations by following policies and procedures and reporting needed changes.
Monitors PTO balances accordingly and adjusts as needed for negative balances or changes in employee status that impact the payout of vacation, including employees exiting the company and employees transferring from full-time to part-time, etc.
Assists with annual 401k audit.
Receives, opens, and distributes department mail.
Acts as the contact person for vendors as it relates to invoicing, payments, etc.
Sends out new vendor packets and completes set-up of new vendors into the accounting and payment systems; ensures that W9 forms are completed as needed.
Scans hard copy invoices into the system for payment.
Vouchering AP invoices in accounting system, ensuring proper approvals and support are obtained.
Prepares and mails out AP checks.
Downloads monthly corporate credit card statements and distributes to card holders for review.
Accumulates all corporate credit card substantiation, i.
e.
, receipts and business purpose.
Assists with year-end and one-off audit requests for payroll and AP.
Continuously and proactively review systems and processes to streamline and add efficiencies.
Stays up to date with labor legislation and interprets new legislation impacting payroll.
All Other Duties as Assigned Requirements: QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Understanding of payroll taxes, benefits, garnishments, and other deductions High level of critical and analytical thinking.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Exceptional multi-tasking, organizational skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.
Self-starter with excellent time management skills with a proven ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
Knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations.
Solid data entry and math skills.
Familiarity with accounting principles Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
Proficiency with HRIS, Payroll, Benefit Administration systems, and financial software.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: High school diploma required; Associate degree preferred.
At least 2 years’ experience in payroll, accounting, finance, or human resources fields.
Prior experience in a multi-site organization and/or hospitality preferred.
Previous Paylocity experience a plus.
Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) and/or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) a plus.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is: Regularly required to sit, talk, use repetitive motion, type, and hear.
Frequently required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers to handle and feel, and reach with hands and arms.
Occasionally required to bend, kneel, crouch, climb stairs, and reach overhead.
ADA Disclaimer: In developing this job description care was taken to include all competencies needed to successfully perform in this position.
However, for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) purposes, the essential functions of the job may or may not have been described for purposes of ADA reasonable accommodation.
All reasonable accommodation requests will be reviewed and evaluated on a case-by-case basis