What are the responsibilities and job description for the Payroll / AP Specialist position at Home Surplus?
Company
Home Surplus is a retail warehouse superstore for cabinets, doors, and more, featuring in-stock products, expert design, and outstanding customer service at value prices. Home Surplus aspires to be the first choice of contractors and consumers in cabinets, countertops, doors, and windows. After operating as a single location for over 40 years, Home Surplus has expanded to 5 stores in NJ and MD in recent years as it grows into a national footprint.
Position
The Payroll AP Specialist is responsible for the accurate processing of payroll, handling accounts payable functions, and ensuring timely and accurate payments to vendors and employees. The ideal candidate will have experience in payroll and accounts payable processes, with strong analytical and organization skills, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced retail environment. The position reports to the Director of Accounting and is based in Keyport, NJ.
Primary Responsibilities
- Payroll Processing:
- Process weekly payroll for employees across multiple retail locations.
- Verify employee timecards for accuracy and completeness, ensuring compliance with company policies and local/state regulations.
- Maintain and update employee records, including pay rates, deductions, and benefits.
- In coordination with department leaders and the People function, manage details related to payroll and benefits for new hires, terminations, and status changes.
- Calculate overtime, commissions, bonuses, and other payroll-related adjustments.
- Reconcile payroll discrepancies and address employee payroll inquiries in a timely manner.
- Ensure timely and accurate payroll tax filings, including federal, state, and local tax withholdings.
- Accounts Payable:
- Process and review vendor invoices, ensuring they are accurate and in compliance with company policies.
- Handle and resolve discrepancies with vendor accounts, invoices, and payments.
- Prepare weekly and monthly accounts payable reports, ensuring that all payments are processed on time.
- Maintain accurate records of all payments and transactions, including checks, ACH payments, and credit card transactions.
- Assist with month-end and year-end closing processes, ensuring all AP transactions are recorded in a timely manner.
- General Administrative Support:
- Maintain accurate, organized records for both payroll and accounts payable files.
- Provide payroll and AP reports to management as requested.
- Assist in audits and prepare documentation for both internal and external auditors.
- Stay updated on payroll and accounts payable best practices and legal requirements.
Requirements
- Energized by attention to detail and accuracy.
- Highly organized.
- Enjoys using technology.
- 2 years of experience in payroll processing and accounts payable, preferably in a retail or multi-location environment.
- Strong knowledge of payroll systems (we use ADP).
- In-depth knowledge of state and federal payroll regulations, tax filings, and compliance requirements.
- Unquestioned integrity and discretion in order to maintain confidentiality.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to interact with employees, company leaders, and vendors in a professional manner.
- Parallel processor who can prioritize, re-prioritize, complete tasks, and meet deadlines.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Experience with NetSuite or similar ERP platform, as well as related plugins.
- Excel mastery.
- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification is a plus.
- Experience in a high-volume retail environment or multi-location business is a plus.
High school diploma or equivalent; associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
- Ability to sit for long periods while working on a computer.
- Ability to communicate clearly in English. Bi-lingual proficiency in Spanish is a big plus.
- Occasional lifting of documents and office supplies (up to 25 lbs).
- This role is based in an office, with no possibility of remote or hybrid work.
- Rare travel to retail locations.
Compensation
- Competitive salary based on experience and upside.
- Bonus plan based on department and company goals.
- Benefits: Health, Vision, Dental, EAP, Disability, Life. PTO. 401k.
- Advancement opportunities related to the continued rapid growth of the company.