Payroll Administrator

Job Description

Job Description

WHO WE ARE

Lindblad Expeditions is a true pioneer in Expedition Travel. From taking the first citizen explorers to Antarctica in 1966, opening the Galapagos and Easter Island to tourism in 1967, leading the first tourist expedition through the Northwest Passage in 1984, and launching our innovative partnership with National Geographic in 2004, we're now taking almost 30,000 guests a year to some of the world’s most remote and pristine locations on our fleet of 23 ships, and are committed to ensuring our guests experience the “Exhilaration of Discovery”.

 

JOB SUMMARY

As a member of the Accounting Department, the Payroll Administrator is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of all company payrolls and the related reporting and reconciliation activities. This role ensures payroll is processed in compliance with company policies and applicable regulations and collaborates closely with the Accounting Manager to ensure accurate payroll accounting and financial reporting.

 

The Payroll Administrator serves as the Finance team’s primary point of contact for payroll operations, working cross-functionally with Human Resources and external payroll providers to maintain data integrity, resolve issues, and ensure employees are paid correctly and on schedule. The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented, analytical professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and takes ownership of accuracy, compliance, and process improvement.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Own end-to-end payroll processing for all entities, including validating data inputs, performing pre- and post-payroll audits, and submitting payrolls through Rippling (or equivalent system).
• Review timekeeping, compensation, and deduction data received from HR and/or Operations for accuracy, completeness, and correct coding prior to payroll submission.
• Process adjustments for new hires, terminations, bonuses, commissions, and other off-cycle payments as needed.
• Ensure payroll taxes, withholdings, and deductions are processed correctly and in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Maintain accurate and complete payroll records to ensure audit readiness and compliance with SOX and internal control standards.
• Prepare and reconcile payroll-related reports and supporting documentation for Accounting, HR, and external auditors.
• Partner with the Accounting Manager to review payroll results, validate journal entry support, and assist with month-end and quarter-end close activities.
• Collaborate with HR to ensure proper configuration of pay codes, benefits, and deductions and alignment with financial reporting requirements.
• Support the preparation of payroll-related accruals, variance analyses, and management reporting.
• Serve as the Finance liaison for payroll audits, system updates, and cross-departmental initiatives.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and internal controls over payroll processing.
• Respond promptly and professionally to employee and management inquiries related to payroll.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of payroll and payroll administration experience; hands-on payroll processing required.
• Strong understanding of payroll regulations, compliance requirements, and payroll accounting principles.
• Experience with Rippling, ADP, or similar payroll system required.
• Demonstrated ability to manage data accuracy, analyze variances, and resolve discrepancies.
• Excellent attention to detail, organization, and time management.
• Strong Excel skills, including data analysis and reconciliation functions.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills; able to partner effectively with HR, Accounting, and other stakeholders.
• Public company and SOX experience preferred.
• Self-starter with a continuous improvement mindset—takes ownership, anticipates issues, and drives solutions.
• Must be available to work onsite at least 3 days per week in our New York City-area office.

Annual bonus eligibility: 7.5%

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT:

This job description is intended only to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an employee in this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills or abilities required or persons so classified or assigned.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.