Position Title: Payroll Associate

Location: Wilmington, NC

Department: Finance & Accounting

Reports To: Payroll Manager

Summary

Tailwind Hospitality is expanding its corporate team and hiring an entry-level Payroll Associate. This position focuses on the execution of daily data entry, routine multi-state payroll preparation, and administrative support for payroll inquiries across our diverse regional properties. This introductory role requires strong attention to detail and offers professional development in high-volume workforce management.

What Makes This Opportunity Different

This isn't simply a payroll data-entry position. You'll be joining a growing organization where payroll is an important part of the company's continued development. You'll have the opportunity to contribute to process improvement, systems optimization, and standardization. For the right person, this position offers an opportunity to grow with the organization and take on increasing responsibility within payroll operations

Payroll Administration

• Maintain payroll checklists, supporting documentation, and payroll records.
• Maintain payroll spreadsheets, Google Sheets trackers, and reporting documentation
• Research and resolve basic payroll discrepancies and employee questions
• Provide general support to the Payroll Department
• Collect payroll-related information submitted by General Managers and other leadership.
• Review emails and support documentation for completeness and accuracy.
• Enter payroll information into the appropriate Google Sheets and tracking documents.
• Maintain accurate and organized payroll records throughout each payroll cycle.
• Ensure information is documented in the correct location and for the correct pay period.
• Identify missing, incomplete, or unclear information and follow up with the appropriate manager.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee payroll and personal information.
• Enter information accurately and consistently according to established procedures.
• Update documentation after payroll has been processed.
• Maintain historical payroll documentation and ensure records are complete.
• Assist with identifying discrepancies between submitted information and payroll documentation.
• Help maintain organized files and supporting documentation for payroll audits and internal review.

The Payroll Associate will receive hands-on training and progressively develop knowledge of the company's payroll, timekeeping, scheduling, restaurant, and administrative systems.

Qualifications

• Payroll, accounting, HR, or administrative experience preferred
• Experience with multi-state payroll strongly preferred
• Hospitality, restaurant, airport, or retail payroll experience is a plus
• Strong proficiency in Google Sheets, Excel, ADP, TEAMWORK or similar preferred
• High attention to detail and ability to manage large volumes of data accurately
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and prioritize deadlines
• Knowledge of payroll laws, wage compliance, and payroll tax practices preferred

Work Environment

• Fast-paced hospitality support environment
• Frequent interaction with operations managers and multi-location teams
• Primarily computer and spreadsheet-based work
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Health and wellness benefits
• Growth opportunities within a multi-state hospitality organization

STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS

Employees in this position are required to adhere to any job-related instructions and perform any additional duties assigned by authorized personnel. The requirements outlined in this document represent the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities necessary for this role.

This document does not establish an employment contract, either explicit or implied, other than maintaining an "at-will" relationship.

This is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you require any accommodations during the application process, please contact our HR department.