Payroll Specialist

Payroll & Accounting Specialist

ABOUT GOLDEN STATE FOODS Golden State Foods is a distinguished leader in the food service industry, offering an extensive array of products and services to a diverse clientele. Rooted in the values of quality service and integrity, we are dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where employees can advance, innovate, and contribute to our ongoing success.

The Payroll & Accounting Specialist is responsible for supporting the accurate and timely administration of company payroll processes, payroll accounting activities, and related Shared Services functions. The role helps ensure payroll compliance, strong internal controls, accurate financial reporting, and exceptional service to associates and business partners. The Payroll & Accounting Specialist will have regular contact with divisional Human Resources, Benefits, Payroll, Finance, management, and associates across the country, requiring strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills. The position will also provide accounting support to the Shared Services function, including accounts payable, account reconciliations, reporting, and other accounting-related activities as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Payroll Processing & Maintenance 50%
• Perform tasks to establish and maintain accurate associate and payroll records, including:
• Review daily audit reports for new associates and ensure payroll-related information is accurate and complete.
• Review and summarize timekeeping records using Workforce Management (WFM).
• Review timekeeping information for accuracy, including hours worked, overtime, PTO, holidays, deductions, and other payroll-impacting information.
• Research and resolve timekeeping discrepancies in partnership with Human Resources, managers, and divisional contacts.
• Utilize UKG and WFM to process, validate, and maintain payroll and timekeeping information.
• Run standard and business intelligence payroll reports to support locations and identify payroll discrepancies or anomalies.
• Process weekly payroll for Corporate associates and ensure the accuracy and completeness of payroll records.
• Support weekly payroll processing for multi-state locations.
• Process deduction mass uploads and other payroll data uploads as required.
• Process payroll adjustments, corrections, supplemental payroll, and other payroll-related transactions.
• Maintain accurate and confidential associate payroll records.
• Research, analyze, and resolve payroll variances, control exceptions, and reconciliation discrepancies to ensure accurate payroll accounting and reporting. Review payroll registers and supporting reports to identify errors prior to payroll submission.
• Ensure payroll deadlines and established processing schedules are consistently met.
• Weekly Payroll Closing & Reconciliation 10%
• Perform weekly payroll closing activities in support of multi-state locations, including union and non-union associates.
• Review payroll reports and reconcile payroll-related information to supporting documentation.
• Research and resolve payroll variances and discrepancies.
• Reconcile payroll-related accounts, deductions, and liabilities as assigned.
• Assist with payroll journal entries and supporting documentation.
• Ensure payroll transactions are accurately recorded and properly supported.
• Coordinate with HR, Benefits, Finance, and divisional payroll contacts to resolve issues impacting payroll close.
• Maintain and execute key payroll controls to ensure payroll transactions are properly authorized, accurately processed, and adequately documented.
• Payroll Systems, Policies & Process Improvement 10%
• Maintain working knowledge of Human Resources and payroll policies, procedures, and applicable federal and multi-state payroll requirements.
• Lead or participate in continuous improvement initiatives that enhance payroll accuracy, strengthen controls, improve associate experience, and increase operational efficiency. Participate on teams supporting payroll system upgrades, enhancements, testing, and implementations.
• Support the administration and optimization of UKG and WFM.
• Serve as a functional subject matter expert for UKG and Workforce Management processes and support users across the organization as needed.
• Assist with testing system changes and validating payroll results following system updates.
• Develop, update, and maintain payroll Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Identify recurring payroll issues and recommend sustainable solutions.
• Support process documentation and cross-training within Shared Services.
• Year-End Payroll Activities 5%
• Support and process all year-end payroll activities.
• Support year-end payroll reporting and reconciliation activities.
• Assist with payroll-related audits and requests for supporting documentation.
• Ensure year-end activities are completed accurately and within established deadlines.
• Accounting & Shared Services Support 25%
• Provide cross-functional support for Accounts Payable and Shared Services accounting activities during peak workloads, absences, month-end close activities, and special projects. Assist with account reconciliations and research of reconciling items.
• Review and process accounting transactions in accordance with established procedures.
• Assist with month-end and year-end close activities.
• Prepare reports, schedules, and supporting documentation as requested.
• Research accounting discrepancies and coordinate resolution with appropriate departments.
• Support internal and external audit requests as needed.
• Participate in Shared Services process improvement initiatives.
• Perform other accounting-related and assigned duties to support the Shared Services organization.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education/Certification: Associate's degree from a nationally or regionally accredited degree program in Accounting, Finance, Business, Human Resources, or a related field preferred.
• 3+ years of experience supporting payroll operations, payroll accounting, payroll compliance, or related financial processes. Minimum of 1 year of experience in multi-state payroll processing and reporting, including payroll tax requirements.
• Experience working with payroll and timekeeping systems.
• Experience with UKG and/or WFM strongly preferred
• Experience in a high-volume payroll environment preferred.
• Experience supporting union and non-union payroll preferred.
• Knowledge of federal and multi-state payroll tax laws and regulations

Skill and Ability to:

• Exercises independent judgment in researching payroll issues, resolving discrepancies, recommending corrective actions, and escalating complex payroll matters when appropriate.
• Work effectively in a general business environment with a focus on high levels of quality, accuracy, and customer service.
• Maintain payroll data with a high level of accuracy, confidentiality, and integrity.
• Identify, research, and analyze payroll problems, discrepancies, and anomalies for early resolution.
• Perform detailed payroll and accounting reconciliations.
• Communicate and coordinate effectively with internal and external customers.
• Manage multiple priorities and meet strict payroll and accounting deadlines.
• Work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a Shared Services team.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and participate in system and process enhancement initiatives.
• Develop and maintain effective procedures and documentation.
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality when handling sensitive employee and financial information.
• Act in accordance with GSF's Values and Creed.

WHY JOIN US Golden State Foods (GSF) is one of the largest diversified suppliers in the food industry, manufacturing a range of products including sauces, dressings, condiments, syrups, and toppings for leading restaurant and retail brands.Join GSF and grow your career with a global food industry leader who:

• People First: At Golden State Foods, we're not just a company; we're a dynamic community where your talents are celebrated, and your ambitions are nurtured.
• Values Driven: Our core values drive everything we do, creating a culture of innovation, integrity, and excellence. But we're not content with just being great; we strive for greatness in every aspect of our work.
• People Development: At GSF we strive to continually develop our people to prepare us all for the needs of tomorrow.
• Philanthropy & Sustainability: We're committed to making a difference beyond our walls through philanthropy and sustainability efforts across all our locations around the globe.
• Extensive Benefits: Golden State Foods believes in a holistic approach to wellness focusing on the whole person with benefits that support those needs.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We're proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our company values diverse perspectives and is committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace where every person is supported and empowered to thrive.