Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Position Title:

Payroll and Benefits SpecialistReports To:

Payroll and Benefits ManagerCategory:

Full-Time, ExemptDepartment:

FinanceLocation:

Juneau, AlaskaWork Location RequirementsThis position is based in Juneau, Alaska, the heart of our companys operations and culture. We strongly believe that experiencing our Alaska Native corporate environment firsthand is essential to understanding our mission, values, and the way we work together as an organization.

Remote work may be approved for candidates residing in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, or Idaho; however, maintaining a strong connection to our Juneau headquarters is a core expectation of this role.

All remote employees are required to travel to the Juneau office for their first week of employment to support onboarding, relationship building, and direct exposure to our corporate culture. In addition, remote employees will return to Juneau approximately 13 times per year to stay engaged with our team, strengthen collaboration, and remain connected to our corporate culture.

Position SummaryThe Payroll & Benefits Specialist supports the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of payroll for Huna Totem Corporation and its subsidiary entities, covering a workforce of 500+ employees across seasonal and year-round operations. This role coordinates closely with Human Resources, Finance, and ADP to ensure all personnel actions, time records, and benefit elections are properly documented, approved, and reflected in payroll systems. The position requires a high level of accuracy, discretion, and adherence to regulatory requirements.

Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesPayroll ProcessingAssist in processing bi-weekly payrolls in ADP Workforce Now across multiple entitiesReview timecards and exception reports for accuracy and complianceEnsure timely payroll submission and fundingValidate earnings, deductions, taxes, and benefit electionsProcess off-cycle payrolls, adjustments, and correctionsHR Coordination & Data ManagementProcess personnel actions in ADP, including hires, terminations, pay changes, and job changesVerify all payroll-related actions are approved and properly documentedMaintain accurate employee master dataCoordinate with Human Resources to resolve payroll discrepanciesCompliance & Internal ControlsEnsure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulationsMonitor overtime calculations and Alaska labor law requirementsSupport ACA tracking, garnishments, and workers compensation reportingMaintain payroll controls, procedures, and documentationReporting & ReconciliationPrepare payroll registers, funding reports, and audit documentationReconcile payroll to the general ledger and benefit invoicesSupport month-end and year-end close processesAssist with year-end tax reporting, including W-2 processingProvide payroll data for audits, budgeting, and financial analysisProcess Improvement & Employee SupportMaintain and update payroll procedures and documentationIdentify and implement process improvementsSupport system upgrades and integrationsRespond to employee payroll inquiriesResearch and resolve discrepanciesPerform other duties as assignedPhysical Requirements & Work EnvironmentPrimarily office-based or remote work environmentRegular travel to Juneau required for remote employeesTravel may include small aircraftAbility to lift up to 25 pounds occasionallyQualificationsEducation & ExperienceAssociates or Bachelors degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or Human Resources preferred26 years of payroll experience supporting a workforce of 300+ employeesExperience with multi-entity or seasonal workforces preferredADP Workforce Now experience strongly preferredTechnical Skills & CompetenciesProficiency with payroll and timekeeping systemsAdvanced Excel skills for reconciliation and reportingKnowledge of payroll tax, wage and hour laws, and benefit administrationAbility to integrate payroll data with HRIS and accounting systemsStrong attention to detail and accuracyEffective organization and time management skillsAbility to maintain confidentialityClear and professional communication skillsHuna Totem Corporation is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, with Native Preference under P.L. 93-638.