Centralized Payroll Manager

Compensation Type: Yearly Highgate Hotels:

Highgate is a premier real estate investment and hospitality management company widely recognized as an innovator in the industry. Highgate is the dominant player in U.S. gateway markets including New York, Boston, Miami, San Francisco and Honolulu, with a rapidly expanding presence in Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Highgate’s portfolio of global properties represents an aggregate asset value exceeding $20B and generates over $5B in cumulative revenues. The company provides expert guidance through all stages of the hospitality property cycle, from planning and development through recapitalization or disposition. Highgate also has the creativity and bandwidth to develop bespoke hotel brands and utilizes industry-leading proprietary revenue management tools that identify and predict evolving market dynamics to drive out performance and maximize asset value. With an executive team consisting of some of the industry’s most experienced hotel management leaders, the company is a trusted partner for top ownership groups and major hotel brands. Highgate maintains corporate offices in London, New York, Dallas, and Seattle.

Location: Overview:

The Centralized Payroll Manager is responsible for the timely and accurate processing of payroll duties and reporting according to Highgate Hotels policies and procedures.

Responsibilities:

• Processing weekly payrolls for multiple properties.
• Responsible for administration of garnishments and tracking all returned or stopped garnishment payments.
• Responsible for live check reversals, direct deposit reversals, and tracking these through to completion.
• Must have the ability to research payroll or payroll related items with little direction and present finding to the group.
• Understand basic payroll tax as it relates to the employee’s pay and their W2.
• Responsible for additional administrative duties as required.
• Must contribute to a positive team environment.
• Maintain an elevated level of confidentiality and must be trustworthy.

• Must be able to work with and understand financial information and data, and basic arithmetic functions.

• Must be willing to cross train in other accounting or hotel-related areas.

• Must be able to prioritize job functions in order to meet deadlines.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality of information.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with other departments to achieve common hotel goals.
• Utilize and maintain time and attendance systems to process daily, weekly, bi-weekly, and semi-monthly payroll and related information to include, but not limited to, input/export payroll hours; modify payroll information (rates, address, status, etc.); record miscellaneous earnings/deductions, etc.
• Review and ensure accuracy and appropriateness of all payroll input and output.
• Monitor, prepare and communicate financial reports in accordance with Highgate Hotel’s requirements meeting various due dates; i.e., daily labor, tip, month-end, overtime reports, etc.
• Prepare tax reports and other regulatory reports as necessary.
• Monitor and prepare deduction schedules and payments as necessary; i.e., credit union, garnishments, health & welfare, pension and union dues, etc.
• Ensure proper paycheck distribution for each department periodically.
• Maintain a working knowledge of current payroll related laws and regulations.
• Prepare and input all required payroll journal entries.
• Keep supervisor informed of any unusual events and/or deviations of policies or procedures.
• Copy and distribute reports as necessary.
• Respond to governmental inquiries upon receipt.
• Monitor and maintain timekeeping equipment.
• Remote, but regular visits to properties are required - must reside in Tri-State Area (NYC)

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years payroll processing experience.
• Dayforce payroll systems are preferred.
• Payroll experience in an unionized environment preferred.
• Strong ability to read and understand multiple collective bargaining agreements i.e., IWA and Division A Experience
• Must have knowledge of the Union Contributions Requirements and ability to assist Finance with accurate monthly calculations and other reporting related to payroll processing.
• Strong interpersonal, written communication and organization skills.
• Strong Microsoft Office including Excel, Word, and other programs.
• Extreme attention to detail, accuracy and data integrity are crucial to this role.
• Must have a sense of urgency and ability to work within a fast-paced mutli-task environment.
• Ability to work flexible hours in order to meet critical deadlines when necessary.
• Maintain a warm and friendly demeanor at all times.
• Must be able to effectively communicate both verbally and written, with all level of employees and guests in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service oriented manner.
• Must be effective at listening to, understanding, and clarifying concerns raised.
• Must be able to multitask and prioritize departmental functions to meet deadlines.
• Approach all encounters in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service-oriented manner.
• Attend all hotel required meetings and trainings.
• Maintain regular attendance in compliance with Highgate Hotel standards, as required by scheduling, which will vary according to the needs of the hotel.
• Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming, which includes wearing the proper uniform and nametag.
• Comply with Highgate Hotel standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient hotel operations.
• Maximize efforts towards productivity, identify problem areas and assist in implementing solutions.
• Must be effective in handling problems, including anticipating, preventing, identifying and solving problems as necessary.
• Must be able to understand and apply complex information, data, etc. from various sources to meet appropriate objectives.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality of information.