Payroll Specialist

ABOUT POET

At POET, it is our mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible. For over thirty-five years, our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and a leader in sustainable products in the world.

CULTURE IS KING AT POET

We’re all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren’t just slogans on our walls. It’s the way we do things at POET. We provide an environment for team members to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It’s the best way to optimize health, wellness, and productivity in a sustainable way. We work hard. We play hard. We have frequent team events, volunteer efforts, and we know how to celebrate wins!

JOB SUMMARY

At POET, we pride ourselves on being a world-class organization in everything we do—including how we care for and support our team members.

Reporting to the Payroll Manager, the Payroll Specialist plays a key role in managing and resolving complex payroll issues, serving as a subject matter expert in payroll operations. This role is responsible for delivering exceptional customer service related to payroll inquiries while ensuring compliance and accuracy in all payroll processes.

The ideal candidate will possess in-depth knowledge of payroll processing, payroll tax regulations, Total Rewards, HRIS systems, reporting, and employment policies.

Core Responsibilities Include:

• Bi-weekly payroll processing

• Time tracking administration

• Payroll tax compliance and reporting

This is an onsite position reporting out of either our Sioux Falls, SD or Wichita, KS headquarters locations.

DURING A TYPICAL DAY

The Payroll Specialist team rotates bi-weekly payroll processing responsibilities on a monthly basis and is expected to remain current on all payroll procedures and best practices. The team is collectively responsible for the following:

• Managing all aspects of multi-state payroll processing on a bi-weekly schedule.

• Serving as the primary point of contact for payroll-related inquiries from POET team members and leaders, including data validation, maintenance, and entry within the HRIS system.

• Supporting internal stakeholders—including onsite Administrative Coordinators, Finance, Tax, and People & Culture—with payroll-related needs.

• Processing child support orders and wage garnishments accurately and in a timely manner.

• Maintaining and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and developing new processes as needed.

• Applying in-depth knowledge of company policies to ensure payroll processing is fully compliant with all applicable regulations.

• Ensuring accurate, organized, and compliant payroll records in accordance with federal, state, and local requirements.

• Monitoring and ensuring full compliance with all relevant state, federal, and local labor and tax laws.

Each Payroll Specialist is assigned as a subject matter expert (SME) in either Time Tracking or Payroll Tax.  This position will fulfill the tax responsibilities.  

Tax SME Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Corporate Tax team on payroll-related processes, filings, reporting, and audit inquiries.

• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes, ensuring timely integration into the HRIS and payroll systems.

• Update and maintain annual unemployment tax rates in the HRIS.

• Set up new state and local tax configurations within the HRIS as needed.

• Review and verify payroll tax data each payroll cycle to ensure accuracy and compliance.

• Respond to team member inquiries regarding payroll tax questions and concerns.

• Ensure compliance with employee tax regulations, including considerations for remote work, work state vs. residence state requirements, and local tax obligations.

• Process personal address changes and update employee tax elections (state and federal) to ensure accurate employee and employer tax withholding.

• Conduct annual audits of team member tax exemption elections to verify accuracy.

• Continuously develop and improve best practices related to tax processes, team member education, and documentation (e.g., SOPs).

Since we’re all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skills may be put to a lot of other uses!

STRENGTHS OF A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

• Education: Associate’s degree required, preferably in Finance, Business, or Human Resources Management.

• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of related experience. Experience with Workday or a similar HRIS is preferred.

• Certifications (Preferred): Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), Professional in Human Resources (PHR), or SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)

• Additional Skills & Attributes:

  • Solid understanding of compensation structures and benefits administration is a plus.

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a high attention to detail.

  • Customer-focused with a positive, approachable demeanor.

  • Demonstrates integrity, discretion, and a strong commitment to confidentiality.

  • Excellent organizational and time management skills; ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.

  • Adaptable and open to change.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position operates in an office environment working at a personal computer where you may sit or stand.

GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

At POET, we encourage internal development and growth by allowing team members to carve their own path to success. Leaders support team members with the necessary resources to develop their skills, achieve goals, and create the most value. We believe in developing our team members to their highest potential and recognizing contributions that add value to the organization. Each new team member’s position and compensation are carefully determined by considering their unique qualifications and skillset.

BENEFITS

For eligible team members

• Comprehensive benefits package: Individual and family plans for health, dental, & vision insurance, including a generous employer Health Savings Account contribution

• Quarterly Profit-Sharing Bonuses and Bi-Annual Incentive Bonuses

• Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions

• 401K with company match

• Paid time off and paid holidays – 40 hours available on day ONE!

• Paid Parental Leave

• Tuition reimbursement

• Attractive Relocation Assistance and Bonus Programs for qualifying positions and/or locations

OTHER PERKS

For eligible team members

• A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually

• Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements

• Safety and cold weather gear reimbursements

• Discounted home and auto insurance

POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). POET complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws regarding hiring and employment. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.