Payroll Assistant

Company Overview: Royal Oak Enterprises, LLC is a leading manufacturer and marketer of branded and private label charcoal, manufactured fire logs, fire building products, matches and toothpicks. In addition, the Company also manufactures railroad cross ties, which strengthens our relationship with our suppliers in the charcoal business. We offer a full suite of grilling products, including charcoal briquettes, all-natural lump charcoal, fire starters along with the Pine Mountain fire building brand, the Diamond brand, and the Specialty Wood Products brand. Position Summary: The Payroll Assistant is responsible for preparing and processing payroll for Sweet Oak while ensuring all payroll-related administrative tasks are completed accurately and efficiently. This is a salaried non-exempt position. Key responsibilities include assisting with payroll tax filings, reviewing and processing payroll for accuracy, maintaining and updating company payroll procedures, and ensuring payroll records are complete and up to date. The Payroll Assistant will also support general accounting functions and administrative tasks assigned by management. Key Responsibilities: Prepare and process assigned components of weekly and semi-monthly payrolls for more than 650 employees, ensuring payroll is processed accurately and timely. Review approved timesheets for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established payroll policies and procedures. Track, calculate, and process payroll deductions, including garnishments and other special or employee-authorized deductions. Assist in coordinating payroll activities between Payroll, Human Resources, Finance, and other departments to ensure the accurate and timely flow and maintenance of employee data. Prepare, maintain, and distribute detailed payroll and workforce reports, including labor reports, leave balances, headcount reports, and other reports as requested. Assist with HRIS administration, including employee processing, data maintenance, and ensuring accurate information is entered and maintained within the system. Assist with monitoring compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), including reviewing employee time submissions and supporting proper classification and payroll practices. Monitor the submission and approval of employee timesheets and follow up on missing or incomplete information as needed. Assist with validating and reconciling data transfers to and from the payroll service provider to ensure payroll information is complete and accurate. Support employee benefits administration activities, including open enrollment and related employee data updates. Maintain accurate and confidential employee payroll records and ensure employee changes are entered correctly and in a timely manner. Review employee changes for appropriate authorization and compliance with company policies, including applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Assist with year-end payroll compliance reporting and audit activities, including the preparation and filing of W-2s, 1095s, EEOC reports, and other required compliance documentation. Assist with payroll-related audits by providing supporting documentation, reports, and records as requested. Perform other accounting, payroll, HRIS, and administrative duties as assigned by management. Qualifications: Minimum of an associate degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field required. Previous payroll, accounting, or related administrative experience preferred. Strong time management, organizational, and prioritization skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and competing priorities. Strong mathematical reasoning and analytical skills with a high degree of accuracy. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other computer software applications, including spreadsheet and database programs; strong Microsoft Excel skills preferred. Experience with payroll and/or Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) preferred. Working knowledge of payroll practices, employee timekeeping, payroll deductions, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations preferred. Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and timely completion of assigned work. Must demonstrate a high level of confidentiality and discretion when handling sensitive employee, payroll, compensation, tax, and personal information. Dependable, professional, and able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with employees, managers, and other departments. Physical Requirements & Work Environment: Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods of time. Ability to perform repetitive computer, keyboard, and mouse functions for extended periods. Ability to work additional hours, including overtime, as needed to meet payroll deadlines and business requirements. Work is primarily performed in a professional, collaborative office environment with standard office equipment and moderate noise levels. Occasional movement throughout the office and ability to retrieve and handle standard office materials and equipment. Sweet Oak is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an all-inclusive environment. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas.