The posting
Job Title:
Payroll Specialist
Department:
ACC
Reports to:
Assistant Controller
FLSA Status:
Exempt ☐
Non-Exempt ☒
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Yes ☐
No ☒
Travel:
Yes ☒ %
5%
Revision date: September 2026
Summary: The KOA Payroll Specialist performs a wide range of payroll and benefits duties for up to 1,800 employees across the US and Canada. Primary duties include managing end to end payroll processing to ensure that employees are paid accurately and on time while complying with internal policies, procedures, and federal, state, and local tax laws. The position also responds to employee questions, maintains accurate and confidential records, and partners with HR on policies, procedures, and the HRIS platform, Dayforce. Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Prepare and process bi-weekly payroll, annual profit share and bonus checks for KOA employees across the US and Canada. Record changes affecting net wages, such as exemptions, insurance coverage, salary increases, or other payments for each employee to update master payroll records. Process, audit and record documentation for employees; including terminations, campground site rent audits, transfers, sick leave/benefits and promotions, ensuring appropriate taxes are applied for state-to-state transfers. Prepares follow-up for Stop Payment requests, bank returns, and void/reissue of check requests.
Investigate and correct payroll discrepancies and errors.
Assist in administration of 401k retirement plans, including manual 401K corrections between Dayforce and Principal Financial Assist in administration of benefit payments and file feeds, including health and disability insurance plans.
Address employees’ pay-related concerns and provide accurate payroll information. Timely processing of final payroll checks for terminations based on state law requirements. Complete requests for pay-related documents, including statements and employment verifications.
Responsible for timely processing of unemployment claims that are requesting payroll data.
Update Minimum wages in the system. Review and update Holiday pay and Holiday groups for each new year. Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations and guidelines.
Responsible for proper, workable back-up system. Prepare and submit all related accounting quarterly and annual reports for payroll function. Provide monthly report on PTO status and quarterly report on annual review dates to respective managers in the field and home office.
Manage and maintain comprehensive and compliant payroll records.
Prepare information for Workers Compensation audits. Responsible for monthly journal entries pertaining to payroll. Accurate and on-time payroll processing. Provide answers and troubleshoot employees’ inquiries. Full compliance with all state and federal regulations. Help support and train other payroll personnel as necessary. Maintain confidentiality of protected personal information.
Non-Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
This job description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Required Education and Experience:
High school diploma or equivalent
5+ years of payroll processing experience Familiarity with generally accepted accounting principles
Ability to research, resolve and communicate complex payroll issues accurately and efficiently Excellent communication abilities with aptitude in problem-solving Outstanding organizational and time management skills
Demonstrated excellent understanding of internal controls
Data driven problem solver with sharp mathematical acumen Strong attention to detail Confidentiality and integrity
Preferred Education and Experience:
Associate’s degree in accounting, business administration, or related field Multi-state payroll experience strongly preferred.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboard, including lifting and carrying a laptop and other small items up to 20 pounds.
Prolonged exposure to computer screens and artificial lighting.
Use of repetitive motion, standing, bending, sitting, lifting, and walking short distances. May be expected to drive a vehicle to KOA locations, other locations as directed, and conferences which requires close and distance vision, sitting, seeing and reading signs, traffic signals, other vehicles, etc. Travel occurs in all weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold. Frequent in person interaction with KOA employees in various settings, where noise level is typically low to moderate, including office spaces.
Will experience interruptions and shifting priorities.
