Payroll Analyst

Meritage Hospitality Group is seeking a Payroll Analyst to join the team!

What You'll Do

The Payroll Analyst is responsible for payroll functions ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing, maintaining compliance with federal and state regulations, and providing insightful payroll reporting and analysis. The position will work closely with management team members across multiple departments as well as external partners and stakeholders. The Payroll Analyst collaborates with the payroll team and lead members to ensure accurate and timely processing along with identifying opportunities for improvement and addressing quality issues.

Responsibilities and Essential Duties

• Research, respond and attend unemployment claims, hearings and appeals; represent the company with professionalism and preparedness at unemployment hearings.
• Support Accounting and Finance teams in reconciling general ledger discrepancies.
• Ensure timely reconciliation of accounts
• Process and validate bonuses (i.e. incentive, monthly, quarterly and annual) based on information from compensation.
• Upload ACH direct deposit files to assigned banking systems as needed (Wells Fargo).
• Create and/or generate, review, maintain, analyze and support a variety of complex reports or queries using reporting tools.
• Assist with monthly and quarterly payroll tax review and W-2 data analysis to ensure accurate reporting and payments through third-party vendors.
• Assist with Off cycle payroll processing.
• Assist with month end closing processes related to payroll
• Analyze payroll data to identify trends, discrepancies, and/or errors.
• Collaborate and support Payroll Supervisor with year-end processes including W-2 preparation and audits.
• Provide support and expertise to the payroll team
• Develop procedures and recommend systems enhancements to improve efficiency and automate processes where possible.
• Work cross functionally with other departments on assigned projects such as internal control initiatives, tax compliance, and external audits
• Communicate analytical and critical information both through verbal and written communication to the organization.
• Maintain awareness of current trends in payroll with a focus on service development, process improvement and support, and applying key technologies. Through classes, reading, or other mechanisms, continuously increases both payroll and HRIS knowledge related to payroll.
• Attend staff meetings and other training courses as required.
• Serve as payroll project lead or liaison on special projects including HRIS updates and payroll implementations as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

What We Expect From You

The team at Meritage is made up of dedicated, hard-working individuals who exemplify the core values of Meritage. The team has high expectations for themselves and anyone who desires to join them. They also have a lot of fun together and truly enjoy working with one another. It is a team where excellence is expected, and accomplishments are celebrated.

To join this team, you'll need to demonstrate the same high standards. You'll also need the following qualifications:

• Three years' experience in payroll processing, accounting, or related field required
• Ability to demonstrate accounting knowledge that shows an understanding of general ledger, journal entries, and financial reporting.
• Ability to adapt and continuously learn industry trends and knowledge
• Ability to demonstrate strong analytical skills and attention to detail
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize and manage competing deadlines
• Ability to maintain and safeguard confidential and sensitive information
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of computer proficiency including Microsoft Office Suite, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Adobe Acrobat
• Ability to demonstrate strong skills in Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, formulas) for analyzing payroll data.
• Strong knowledge of advanced topics in mathematics for analysis and troubleshooting
• Ability to demonstrate payroll Software and systems proficiency
• Working knowledge of HRIS systems (i.e. Workday)
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to demonstrate professionalism, composure and discretion when expediting or resolving all related questions and concerns.
• Knowledge of payroll concepts and compliance
• Knowledge of the Waterfall methodology

What You Can Expect From Us

As a member of Meritage, you will enjoy the following benefits:

• Competitive base salary and bonus plans
• Health insurance, including medical, dental, vision, and HSA options
• Paid Time Off and Holidays
• 401k with company match
• Meal discounts at all Meritage affiliated restaurants
• Plus, various additional perks and benefits

Who We Are

Meritage Hospitality Group, headquartered in Grand Rapids, MI, is one of the nation's premier restaurant operators with more than 375 restaurants operating in 15 states. We are one of the largest Wendy's franchisees. In addition to quick service, we have developed West Michigan casual dining concepts Morning Belle and Blue Porch. Each of our concepts delivers a distinct dining experience for our guests and a work environment rich with opportunity for our approximately 11,000 team members.

At Meritage, we are Inspired by Opportunity and Achieve Success Through Service. We live by our five Core Values - Uncommon Hospitality, Run It Like You Own It, Collective Genius, The Sky is the Limit, and We Love What We Do. In the past five years, we have doubled in size and will continue to grow with Wendy's and further development of our Morning Belle.

Now is the time to join!

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Inclusion is at the heart of our business.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Inclusion is at the heart of our business.