Payroll Specialist

Northwood Hospitality LLC; Islamorada (FL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with employer matching

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Disability insurance (Short/Long-Term)

HSA and FSA options

Life insurance and AD&D

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Employee discounts on resort amenities

Job summary

Cheeca Lodge & Spa in Islamorada, FL is seeking a Payroll Specialist to support daily payroll operations in the Accounting Department. The role focuses on accurate payroll processing, timekeeping, and financial reporting within a luxury resort environment.

You will work closely with department managers and the accounting team to ensure timely, audit-ready payroll and confidentiality. Prior hospitality payroll experience is valued. This is a full-time position with strong benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience handling payroll for a hotel, resort, or restaurant is preferred.
• Proficiency with ADP or similar payroll systems.
• Strong Excel skills and familiarity with financial reporting tools.
• Excellent attention to detail, discretion, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced hospitality environment.

Responsibilities

• Process bi-weekly payroll with data entry, audits, and pre-payroll validations.
• Monitor time clock punches and resolve discrepancies with managers by daily deadlines.
• Validate timekeeping records for accuracy and proper coding across departments.
• Assist with payroll adjustments, retroactive pay, overtime corrections, and reimbursements.
• Support off-cycle payrolls, termination checks, and special payments with proper documentation.
• Prepare and run payroll reports for HR, Finance, and leadership.

Skills

Payroll

Timekeeping

Accounting

Discretion

Hospitality

Tools

ADP

Excel

Job description

Job Description

Payroll Specialist
Cheeca Lodge & Spa – Islamorada, Florida Keys
Full-Time | Accounting Department

Join our award-winning team at Cheeca Lodge & Spa, a premier Four-Diamond resort in the heart of the Florida Keys. We are currently seeking a Payroll Specialist to support the daily financial and administrative operations of our Accounting Department. If you’re organized, discreet, and experienced in payroll, cashiering, and general accounting, this is your opportunity to grow your career in a luxury resort environment.

Position Overview:

The Payroll & Accounting Specialist plays a key role in the accurate processing of payroll, general cashiering functions, and financial support for our resort’s Club Member and Owner accounts. This individual works closely with department managers and our accounting team to ensure timely and accurate financial operations while maintaining the highest level of confidentiality and professionalism.

Responsibilities Include:

Payroll Processing & Reporting

• Process bi-weekly payroll, including data entry, audits, and pre-payroll validations to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Monitor employee time clock punches and coordinate with department managers to resolve punch discrepancies by established daily deadlines.
• Review and validate timekeeping records for accuracy, ensuring proper coding across departments, positions, and properties.
• Collaborate with managers to resolve missing time, incorrect entries, and late approvals prior to payroll processing deadlines.
• Assist with payroll adjustments, including retroactive pay, overtime corrections, and employee reimbursements.
• Support the processing of off-cycle payrolls, termination checks, and special payments, ensuring proper documentation and compliance.
• Generate, analyze, and review payroll reports to identify discrepancies and ensure accuracy prior to finalization.
• Assist in maintaining accurate pay statements and support the distribution of live checks as needed.
• Maintain organized and accurate payroll records, ensuring all documentation is complete and audit-ready.
• Coordinate with internal teams to follow up on payroll-related requests and resolve issues in a timely manner.
• Prepare and run standard and ad hoc reports to support HR, Finance, and leadership data needs.
• Escalate complex payroll or benefits issues as appropriate, ensuring timely follow-through and resolution.
• Assist with payroll-related month-end close activities, including journal entries and financial reporting.
• Participate in special projects and perform additional duties as assigned by department leadership.

Qualifications:

• Prior experience in payroll... hotel, resort, or restaurant preferred

• Experience with ADP or similar payroll systems.

• Strong proficiency in Excel and financial reporting tools.

• Excellent attention to detail, discretion, and communication skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced hospitality environment.

Why Join Cheeca Lodge & Spa?

• Be part of a Four-Diamond luxury resort

• Work in a beautiful oceanfront setting

• Join a collaborative and supportive accounting team

Full-Time Employee Benefits Include:

• 401(k) with employer matching

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Employer-paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options

• Life insurance and AD&D

• Up to 18 Days of Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Employee discounts on resort amenities

Source: Northwood Hospitality