Payroll & Accounts Payable Specialist

Position overview

This role combines payroll administration and accounts payable support, with the majority of the work centered on payroll and the remaining portion focused on AP. The position helps keep multi-site operations running smoothly by ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time, payroll matters are handled professionally, and vendor invoices and payments are processed in an orderly and timely way.

Location and scheduling requirements

Candidates must live in either the Eastern or Central Time Zone. Preference will be given to applicants based in Ohio, Tennessee, Mississippi, or Arkansas. The role is primarily remote, although travel may be required for mandatory company meetings or events. Work volume can rise during payroll cycles and at year-end, and the job involves extended computer-based work and sitting for long periods.

Payroll responsibilities

• Run bi-weekly payroll accurately and within deadline for both hourly and salaried staff.
• Check timekeeping records, including punches, overtime, premium pay, and pay-rate details, and correct issues as needed.
• Handle off-cycle payroll needs such as corrections, missed punches, retroactive pay, bonuses, final paychecks, and manual checks.
• Ensure payroll practices align with federal, state, and local wage-and-hour rules, including overtime, minimum wage, and final pay obligations.
• Answer payroll questions from employees and managers promptly and professionally.
• Work with HR and Operations to fix payroll discrepancies and confirm approvals and documentation are in place.
• Support payroll reconciliations, reporting, and audit requests.
• Help coordinate year-end payroll work such as W-2 preparation, review, corrections (W-2c), and distribution.
• Protect payroll and employee information with strict confidentiality.

Accounts payable responsibilities

• Process vendor invoices accurately and on schedule.
• Match invoices against purchase orders and receiving records when applicable.
• Assign invoices to the proper general ledger accounts and cost centers.
• Prepare and execute check runs, ACH transfers, and other electronic payments.
• Reconcile vendor statements and resolve any mismatches.
• Respond to vendor questions about payments and account balances.
• Keep AP documentation organized and audit-ready, whether maintained digitally or on paper.
• Track AP aging and ensure payments are made according to agreed terms.
• Assist with month-end close tasks tied to accounts payable, including accruals and reconciliations.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• An associate degree or bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• At least 1 to 3 years of experience in payroll, accounts payable, or general accounting.
• Working knowledge of payroll rules, including the Fair Labor Standards Act and related wage-and-hour requirements.
• Hands-on experience with payroll and timekeeping platforms; experience with Paylocity is a strong advantage.
• Comfort using accounting software and ERP systems.
• Strong Excel skills and familiarity with basic accounting tasks.
• Excellent accuracy, organization, communication, and customer-service abilities.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and maintain a positive, solution-oriented approach.

Preferred experience

• Background handling multi-state or multi-location payroll.
• Exposure to high-volume invoice processing or quick-service restaurant environments.
• Experience with expense reports, credit card reconciliations, and vendor relationship management.
• Experience processing off-cycle payroll and year-end payroll reporting.
• Understanding of basic accounting principles and internal controls.

Benefits and culture

• Opportunities for career growth and advancement.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Paid time off.
• Electronics allowance.
• Supportive and energetic team environment.

Additional notes

The responsibilities and requirements for this position may change over time. Management reserves the right to add, remove, or revise duties as business needs evolve. This description is intended to outline the general scope of work and is not a complete list of every task that may be assigned.