Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of the hotel's payroll and for the analysis and control of labor cost across the property. Beyond core payroll administration, this role focuses on payroll allocations to the correct departments and cost centers, monitoring workforce performance and productivity, and supporting management with labor controls that keep staffing aligned to business volume. The Payroll Specialist works closely with Human Resources and department heads to ensure every employee is paid correctly and that labor remains efficient, compliant, and well controlled.

Key Responsibilities

• Payroll Processing & Allocations
• Process accurate, on-time payroll for all hourly and salaried hotel employees, including wages, tips, overtime, gratuities, and service charges.
• Allocate payroll cost to the correct departments, outlets, and cost centers so that labor expense is reported accurately on departmental statements.
• Reconcile payroll allocations to the general ledger and partner with the Accounting Manager during month-end close on payroll accruals and journal entries.
• Maintain payroll records, process new hires, terminations, and status changes, and ensure compliance with wage-and-hour and tax regulations.

Workforce Performance

• Track and analyze workforce performance metrics such as hours worked, productivity per occupied room or cover, and labor efficiency by department.
• Prepare regular reports on staffing, attendance, and overtime trends to help leaders understand and improve workforce productivity.
• Identify patterns in absenteeism, turnover, and overtime, and surface insights and recommendations to management and Human Resources.

Labor Controls

• Monitor actual labor cost against budget, forecast, and business volume, flagging variances and over-staffing to department heads.
• Support managers in building and adjusting schedules and productivity standards that align staffing levels with occupancy and demand.
• Maintain and audit the time-and-attendance system, reviewing punches, edits, and approvals to ensure accuracy and prevent time leakage.
• Help enforce labor-control policies and standards, supporting cost-saving initiatives without compromising service or compliance.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Two or more years of payroll experience; hotel or hospitality and multi-department labor experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of payroll systems, time-and-attendance platforms, and wage-and-hour and tax compliance.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills and the ability to analyze and present labor data clearly.
• High attention to detail, discretion with confidential information, and strong organizational skills.

Key Competencies

• Accuracy and confidentiality in handling employee and payroll data.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to translate labor data into actionable insight.
• Strong communication and partnership with operations and HR.
• Ability to meet strict, recurring payroll deadlines.

The Kennebunkport Resort Collection is a portfolio of diverse, luxurious lodging and dining options offering stylish and unique hospitality in Kennebunk and Kennebunkport. Our growing hospitality group includes Hidden Pond//Earth at Hidden Pond, Tides Beach Club//Goose Rocks Beach House, Cape Arundel Inn & Resort//Ocean Restaurant, Kennebunkport Inn//The Burleigh Restaurant, Cottages at Cabot Cove, The Grand Hotel//Rosella, The Boathouse Waterfront Hotel & Restaurant, Yachtsman Hotel & Marina Club, and Lodge on the Cove//The Dory.

KRC is proud to offer competitive wellness options and perks for both Part Time and Full Time employees:

• Employer-subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company-funded $25K in complimentary life insurance and $1K/mo. in disability
• Optional Disability, Life and AD&D, Critical Illness, and Accident Insurance options
• Additional Health & Wellness benefits including prescription and gym membership discounts
• Generous Paid Time Off package including Employer Paid Leave plus immediate Paid Vacation accruals
• Flexible and understanding work-life equality
• Family Matters Program of 3+ months paid parental leave for new parents
• 401k employer match, up to 4% of salary
• Competitive wages with ongoing market analysis with annual performance evaluations and compensation adjustments
• Discounted employee and immediate family hotel rates as low as $59 per night at EOS Hospitality portfolio locations
• Food and Beverage discount of 50% Off at EOS Hospitality portfolio locations
• Gold Card annual complimentary restaurant allowance for managers
• Discounted lodging rates from New England Inn & Resort Association partners
• Pathways for growth and professional development including training and tuition reimbursement
• Relocation assistance to temporary employer housing
• Incentive opportunities for both hourly and managerial roles
• Supportive, open workplace culture
• Company-funded Employee Assistance Program for life and mental health resources

Join our community of ambitious, thoughtful, and dedicated hospitality professionals delivering exceptional guest experiences. At Kennebunkport Resort Collection, we encourage creativity, ownership, and problem-solving at all levels of our organization, and we are committed to weaving diversity, equity, and inclusion into every aspect of our business.

As a Kennebunkport Resort Collection employee, we welcome you to join us in making a community impact. Our KRC Cares team partners with community leaders and like-minded businesses to advance our community services, such as toy drives, beach cleanups, and other charitable causes around the community. Our Community Impact project allows a 1% Impact Fee to be donated to hand-picked local organizations focusing on affordable housing, protecting wildlife habitats, and creating spaces for the youth of our community.

Kennebunkport Resort Collection offers customized learning opportunities for all employees. We work to carve out a path for internal leaders with motivated career goals. Annual conferences, mentorships, scholastic reimbursements, internships, and company-funded leadership development opportunities are just some of the ways we support our associates.