Payroll and Accounting Specialist

About the Company

Highgate is a leading real estate investment and hospitality management company with over $15 billion of assets under management and a global portfolio of more than 400 hotels spanning North America, Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America. With a 30-year track record as an innovator in the hospitality industry, Highgate provides expert guidance through all stages of the property cycle, from planning and development through recapitalization or disposition. The company specializes in developing a diverse portfolio of bespoke lifestyle hotel brands, legacy brands, and independent hotels and resorts, featuring contemporary programming and digital acumen.

TradeWinds Island Resorts offers a tropical beachfront paradise on St. Pete Beach, featuring two connecting resorts with dining, beachfront bars, relaxing comforts, and endless activities for family fun, romantic retreats, or group getaways.

About the Role

TradeWinds Resort is seeking a Payroll and Accounting Specialist to support team members and overall operations by ensuring accurate payroll processing and contributing to key accounting functions, including accounts payable and receivable. This role is ideal for a hands-on accounting professional who thrives in a fast-paced setting, values accuracy, and enjoys collaborating with the accounting team.

Responsibilities

• Process payroll accurately and on schedule in conjunction with the Complex Assistant Director of Finance, adhering to company policies and applicable regulations.
• Maintain payroll records, including earnings, deductions, and tax information.
• Review timekeeping and payroll reports, resolving discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Troubleshoot and resolve errors or inconsistencies in payroll data.
• Monitor daily time and attendance, coordinating with management across all departments to align time clock recordkeeping and hours worked.
• Process and distribute employee tips, commissions, and incentive earnings based on POS reports and departmental submissions; ensure accuracy and timely inclusion in payroll.
• Coordinate with HR on employee payroll needs and record changes.
• Receive, organize, and distribute employee checks to departments in a timely manner.
• Respond to payroll-related inquiries with professionalism, urgency, and confidentiality.
• Distribute the daily payroll report to managers.
• Maintain timekeeping and payroll records in compliance with company SOPs.
• Perform other duties as requested by management.
• Support accounts payable and receivable functions.
• Provide general accounting support to the finance team as needed.

Requirements

• 2–5+ years of experience in payroll and/or accounting, including AP and AR.
• Experience utilizing Dayforce, Oracle, and Opera preferred.
• Experience processing payroll in a mid- to large-sized organization preferred.
• Working knowledge of payroll regulations and accounting principles.
• Proficiency in payroll and accounting systems and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and time management skills.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills and a team-oriented mindset.