Payroll Specialist

Job Description

OPTI STAFFING GROUP IS HIRING
Opening: Payroll Specialist
Location: Anchorage, AK
Pay: $70,000 -$80,0000

We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Payroll Specialist to join our team. This role is critical for the timely processing of payroll, tax compliance filings, and maintenance of payroll records. The ideal candidate will display a high level of confidentiality, professionalism, and accuracy.
Key Responsibilities:
Payroll Processing

• Manage end-to-end weekly payroll processing for multiple entities in Alaska and North Dakota.
• Perform detailed data entry, review, and account reconciliations to ensure accuracy.
• Administer employee deductions for voluntary benefits, tax withholdings, and retirement contributions.
• Maintain and update employee payroll data, including new hires, terminations, salary adjustments, garnishments, and direct deposit information.

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax laws, as well as wage and hour regulations.
• Prepare and file payroll tax returns, including Form 941, W-2s, and state/local equivalents.
• Stay informed of changes in payroll legislation and tax rates.
• Assist in internal and external payroll audits, providing documentation and reports as needed.

Systems & Record Keeping

• Maintain accurate payroll records and personnel action files.
• Generate standard and ad-hoc payroll reports for the accounting team and leadership.
• Ensure confidentiality and security of all payroll data and employee information.
• Support system upgrades, testing, and implement payroll process improvements.

Employee Support

• Address employee inquiries regarding pay, deductions, benefits, and tax withholdings.
• Collaborate with HR on onboarding, offboarding, and leave of absence pay calculations.
• Administer garnishments, child support orders, and voluntary deductions per legal requirements.

Qualifications:
Required:

• Minimum of 2 years of hands-on experience in payroll processing.
• Proficiency with payroll software and strong knowledge of federal and state payroll regulations.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, data validation).
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to meet strict deadlines while handling confidential information with discretion.
• Strong analytical skills and the capacity to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills for collaboration with accounting and field personnel.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Preferred:

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) designation.
• Experience with multi-state payroll processing.
• Knowledge of union payroll, prevailing wage, or government contractor requirements.
• Familiarity with HRIS integrations and data import/export processes.
• Understanding of accounting principles, including double entry bookkeeping and general ledger reconciliation.
• Previous experience with Sage 300 CRE.

Benefits:

• Low-deductible health, dental, and vision insurance with 100% of the premium paid by employer for employees and legal dependents.
• 401(k) deferral option.
• Paid vacation and holidays.

Standard Hours:
Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM (1-hour lunch). Flexible scheduling may be considered.
Important Notes:
This is an in-person position; remote work or hybrid options are not available. Preference will be given to candidates residing in Anchorage or the surrounding area. If you are relocating soon, please include a cover letter detailing this information. Out-of-area applicants who do not include this information will not be considered, as we are not offering relocation assistance for this position.

Hunter

NEXT STEPS:
Just hit the "Apply" button above and you're half-way home!
Or, send your resume to [email protected] or call View phone number on click.appcast.io and we'll set up a time to meet!


Opti Staffing Group is a locally owned and operated full-service staffing agency that boasts continual growth and innovation. We have six offices located throughout the Pacific Northwest in Alaska, Washington, and Oregon. Our focus is on long-term career placement.


Opti is the recruiting partner for some of the country's leading companies-offering hiring solutions you can't find anywhere else.


Our recruiters will take the time to get to know you, understand what you're looking for in a job and then present job opportunities that are a good fit for your skills and experience.


Meet Your Recruiter

Hunter Stuits


About Anchorage, AK

Ready to embark on an exciting career journey in Anchorage, Alaska? Explore our job opportunities and discover the endless possibilities for growth and success in this vibrant city. Anchorage, the largest city in the state of Alaska, offers a unique blend of urban amenities and breathtaking natural landscapes. Imagine being able to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the Alaska Native Heritage Center, catch a show at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, or witness the stunning Northern Lights at Flattop Mountain. Savor the delicious local seafood cuisine, go kayaking in the pristine waters of Turnagain Arm, or take a hike in Chugach State Park on your days off. Join us in Anchorage and experience a one-of-a-kind career adventure in the Last Frontier!