Payroll Administrator II

Payroll Administrator II

Chenega is a mission-driven Alaska Native corporation and a top Alaska revenue business, with nearly 9,000 employees worldwide and 50 years of steady growth. Consistently ranked among the Top 5 Alaska-owned businesses in the Alaska Top 49ers list, we deliver professional services across defense, intelligence, and civilian markets with operational excellence, integrity, and accountability.

As an Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) corporation, Chenega combines strong business performance with a commitment to community and cultural values. We are a recognized military-friendly employer, with many veterans, reservists, and military spouses across our workforce. Our culture is performance-driven, team-oriented, and focused on doing the job right while providing long-term career opportunities.

The Payroll Administrator II reports to the Payroll Operations Manager and is responsible for processing payroll for multiple companies and employees in several states. This role handles payroll tasks such as preparing, processing, reviewing, reporting, and reconciling payroll and benefits of information. The position ensures wages, deductions, and taxes are calculated correctly and follows company policies, union agreements, and federal and state payroll regulations. The Payroll Administrator also works closely with HR and Finance to ensure accurate, compliant payroll processing and provide excellent customer service.

Work Location:

• In-office - 3000 C Street, Ste. 301 Anchorage, Alaska.

Responsibilities

Payroll Processing & Maintenance

• Collect and verify payroll information, including hours worked, extra pay, time off, payroll changes, insurance selections, union dues, and other deductions, using timekeeping systems, onboarding tools, and email submissions as needed.
• Prepare payroll files, calculate employee pay and deductions, and enter payroll information into payroll systems for multiple companies and states.
• Review pay, deductions, and payroll system information to make sure everything is correct and fix any errors before payroll is finalized.
• Maintain and update employee records, including tax forms, benefit changes, garnishments, loans, and direct deposit details.
• Process off-cycle and manual payroll checks as needed.
• Keep records of payroll transactions according to company procedures and record retention requirements.

Compliance, Controls & Tax Administration

• Prepare payments for payroll-related expenses, such as benefits, garnishments, taxes, and retirement plans, using checks or electronic payments.
• Help with internal and external payroll audits by providing accurate records and responding to requests on time.
• Follow all federal, state, and local payroll and wage laws, including FLSA, ACA, leave requirements, and multi-state regulations.
• Protect sensitive employee and payroll information by following HIPAA, PII, and payroll system security requirements.

Reporting & Analysis

• Create, review, and share payroll and labor reports using reporting tools and Excel, including earnings, labor, tax, and special reports as needed.
• Reconcile payroll accounts and assist the Finance team with month-end and year-end tasks.
• Review payroll data for errors or unusual trends and suggest ways to improve processes.
• Help with system upgrades, testing, and setup for payroll, timekeeping, onboarding, and HR systems.

Systems, Technology & Communication

• Troubleshoot system issues, work with IT, and help document new processes.
• Communicate regularly with HR and Finance teams throughout the payroll process.
• Answer employee payroll questions accurately and professionally.
• Support process improvements and update documentation as needed.
• Assist department leaders with year-end payroll activities and W-2 distribution
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: (To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.)

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least two years of payroll experience is required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and Teams.
• Understanding payroll processes, tax withholding requirements, and wage calculations.
• Successfully pass background and drug screening.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree in accounting, Business, or a related field is preferred, but equivalent payroll experience may be considered.
• At least two years of experience using Deltek Costpoint.
• Experience processing payroll for employees in multiple states and companies.
• Experience working with ADP tax services or other tax filing providers.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification or currently working toward certification.
• Experience working with union payroll and union contract requirements.
• Experience using electronic onboarding systems, HR software integrations, and timekeeping systems.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll laws, including FLSA, ACA, leave laws, and wage and hour requirements.
• Understanding of basic accounting principles, internal controls, and payroll audit processes.
• Ability to assist with system upgrades, testing, integrations, and process improvements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail with a focus on accuracy and data quality.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work with employees at all levels.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information appropriately.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Physical Demands:

• Sufficient fine motor skill for use of computers, calculator with an ability to withstand repetitive keyboarding for extended periods of time
• Visual, auditory and communication abilities sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job
• Ability to kneel bend and twist at the waist on an occasional basis,
• Ability to push, pull, carry and lift objects weighing up to 20 pounds on a regular basis and more on an occasional basis
• Ability to travel by plane and safely operate a motor vehicle

Work Environment:

• The employee will normally work in a temperature-controlled office environment, with frequent exposure to electronic office equipment.
• During visits to areas of operations, may be exposed to extreme cold or hot weather conditions. Is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and loud noise.

Chenega Corporation and family of companies is an EOE. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled Native preference under PL 93-638. We participate in the E-Verify Employment Verification Program.