Area Payroll Specialist

Overview

As the Area Payroll Specialist for the Lake Nona Hotels, you will be responsible for overseeing the payroll process across all Lake Nona hotel properties within Lake Nona. This critical role will ensure that payroll is processed accurately and on time for all hotel employees, including full-time, part-time, on‑call and seasonal staff. You will work closely with hotel leadership, PS teams, and corporate finance to guarantee compliance with labor laws, tax regulations, and internal company policies.

Your expertise in payroll systems, labor compliance, and multi‑property coordination will be key to maintaining smooth operations across all locations.

Essential Functions:

• The Area Payroll Specialist will oversee the payroll processing for all employees across multiple Lake Nona hotel properties, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in payments.
• Manage complex payroll schedules, including salaried, hourly, and seasonal employees, as well as variable pay structures (overtime, tips, bonuses).
• Verify timesheets, employee hours, and tip allocation to ensure accuracy.
• Ensure payroll practices are fully compliant with federal, state, and local tax regulations, wage laws, and hotel industry standards.
• Maintain up-to-date and accurate payroll records for all employees at all properties, ensuring compliance with auditing standards.
• Ensure proper filing and timely submission of payroll taxes, insurance filings, and other compliance documents, as applicable.
• Generate and analyze payroll reports for multiple hotel locations, providing insights on payroll expenses, trends, and discrepancies.
• Assist hotel management and finance teams with budget forecasting and tracking of payroll costs.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll reports for corporate review for audits.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll‑related inquiries for employees across all properties.
• Address and resolve payroll discrepancies and ensure employees are informed of any adjustments or changes to their compensation.
• Work closely with PS team to ensure new hires, promotions, terminations, and benefits adjustments are processed correctly.
• Oversee the use of payroll software systems UKG and Hotel Effectiveness for accurate and efficient payroll processing across all properties.
• Oversee the Evention tips and gratuities reconciliation system to ensure accurate and timely tips and gratuity input in the bi‑weekly payroll. Act as a liaison between F&B management and Evention on the setup and maintenance of the data used for the allocations.
• Identify areas for process improvement in payroll operations and implement solutions that increase efficiency and accuracy.
• Collaborate with hotel PS teams and department heads to standardize payroll practices and streamline systems across locations.
• Review the following on a regular basis:
  • Payroll Register
  • Labor Distribution to Date Earnings
  • Labor Distribution - Current Earnings
  • Deductions/Other Earnings
  • Control Sheet
  • Hours Register
  • Tax Employee Summary
  • Tax Distribution Summary
  • Hours Not Taken
  • Garnishment/Child Support
  • 401 K Plan
• Ensure that all administrative procedures are in place and functioning effectively.
• Ensure compliance with property policies and procedures and all applicable laws.
• Performs other related duties as necessary/assigned.

Qualifications:

• At least 5 years of payroll management experience, with a strong preference for experience in the hotel or hospitality industry.
• Experience managing payroll for multiple locations or properties is highly desirable.
• Proficiency with payroll software systems (e.g. UKG, Hotel Effectiveness, Evention) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or business administration required.
• Must be well‑versed in accounting principles.
• Exemplary communication skills, math skills, strong leadership skills, and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Proficient in accounting software.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.
• Strong Excel skills and experience with accounting software.
• Advanced knowledgeable of payroll, a strong leader and a proven track record in guest and team…