Payroll Specialist

***This position is a hybrid role and can be located anywhere within the geographic footprint of Forum Communications Company's print and/or digital markets - Dickinson, Jamestown, Fargo, or Grand Forks, ND; Mitchell, Rapid City, or Sioux Falls, SD; Detroit Lakes, Perham, Wadena, Alexandria, Willmar, Worthington, Rochester, St. Cloud, Brainerd, Park Rapids, Pequot Lakes, Cloquet, Duluth, or Bemidji, MN; Superior, WI or surrounding area***

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for accurately processing the company's payroll on a bi-weekly basis, ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local tax laws. This role involves calculating wages, deductions, and benefits, maintaining payroll records, and addressing employee payroll inquiries. The Payroll Specialist will work closely with the HR and Finance teams to reconcile payroll data and ensure timely reporting and payment of taxes and benefits.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Responsible for processing bi-weekly payroll, ensuring accuracy in timekeeping, wages, commissions, taxes and deductions in compliance with all applicable regulations.
• Accurately manage payroll changes such as terminations, promotions, transfers, direct deposit, garnishment, etc.
• Coordinates with Finance to reconcile payroll with the general ledger and benefit invoices.
• Prepare and transmit payroll contributions and reports, such as quarterly Payroll 941, unemployment tax, workers compensation and benefit contribution reports, and validating alignment between HRIS and vendor systems.
• Set up new positions and enter new hire information into the HRIS.
• Process garnishments and child support orders.
• Prepare and distribute annual documents such as W-2s and 1095s
• Perform monthly, quarterly, fiscal year end and calendar year end payroll procedures.
• Document all payroll processes and maintain payroll records per regulatory retention guidelines.
• Prepare requested documents and files for external audits.
• Respond to external payroll inquiries including employment verifications.
• Respond to and resolve employee inquiries regarding payroll issues or concerns.
• Prepare reports for Finance, leadership team and other various teams as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong preference given to candidate with knowledge of advanced ADP/ADP reporting, and Microsoft Office tools, such as Excel.
• Knowledge of taxation regulations and multi-state payroll requirements.
• Knowledge of accounting and payroll software.
• Attention to detail.
• Strong organizational and mathematical skills.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions and percentages.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field with 3 years of payroll experience in a large company or an equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred.

Expected compensation for this role is between $50,000 and $70,000/year, based on qualifications and experience.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

We are a family-owned media and technology company that has been providing trustworthy, quality journalism and business solutions for more than a century. We've always been in the business of telling stories, but we're more than just a newspaper today. As one of the Upper Midwest's largest media organizations, we are leaders in the business of print and digital news, technology, telebroadcasting, printing, and agency advertising.

The company is comprised of passionate and purpose-driven people fueled by collaboration and innovation. In addition to a generous benefits package, you'll enjoy development and growth opportunities, an inclusive and creative culture, and a safe working environment. We believe in supporting each other, working hard towards common goals, and having fun. Come for the perks. Stay for the people.

Forum Communications Company offers the following for all full time and 32 benefited employees:

• Health, dental, and vision packages
• Company paid short term disability and life insurance coverage
• Critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity coverage options
• Paid maternity and parental leave
• Retirement benefits
• Generous PTO and paid volunteer hours

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. FCC currently does not offer employer sponsorship.