Payroll & Benefits Manager

Carmel Country Club currently has a Full-Time opening for a Payroll & Benefits Manager. The Payroll & Benefits Manager handles all payroll processing, variable earnings, tax compliance, benefits administration, and vendor management for all club staff. This role is responsible for the full payroll function including compliance strategy, benefits administration, and vendor management. The position reports to the Chief Financial Officer and serves as the escalation point for complex payroll issues. Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions Payroll Processing Run bi-weekly payroll for all full-time, part-time, seasonal, and tipped staff. Manage seasonal ramp-up and wind-down pay cycles tied to the golf calendar. Process first paychecks from Director of Talent new hire handoff and final checks on termination, including PTO payouts. Variable & Supplemental Earnings Calculate golf, tennis, and fitness instructor lesson fees and commission splits per approved structures. Calculate pro shop, F&B, and retail sales commissions each pay period. Process approved event stipends and supplemental earnings. Reconcile variable earnings against department revenue reports; submit summary to Finance/Controller. Tax & Wage Compliance Own FLSA, wage-and-hour, and payroll tax compliance strategy. Withhold and remit federal, state, and local payroll taxes; prepare and sign off on W-2s and year-end filings. Apply overtime, tip credits, and FLSA rules for all hourly and tipped roles. Apply correct paid/unpaid leave treatment per Director of HR-approved notifications. Serve as escalation point for complex pay issues — garnishments, retroactive adjustments. Benefit Administration Manage open enrollment and serve as primary employee contact for health, dental, vision, and 401(k) questions. Process all benefits deductions each pay period; audit for accuracy. Manage broker and carrier relationships; reconcile monthly invoices and resolve coverage disputes. Records & Reporting Maintain payroll registers, pay history, audit logs, and reconciliation reports for Finance/Controller. Execute all Director of HR-approved compensation changes in the payroll system. Confirm approved pay ranges to Director of Talent before offers are extended. Report payroll metrics and labor cost summaries to Finance/Controller. Qualifications — Education & Experience Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Finance, or a related field (equivalent experience will be considered). Certification in Payroll (CPP) or Human Resources (preferred). Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in payroll administration, including variable and commission-based payroll. Proficiency in payroll systems such as ADP (or similar) and Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel. Knowledge of 401(k), benefits program administration, and broker/carrier relationships. Experience in a hospitality, private club, or similarly seasonal staffing environment preferred. Skills & Abilities Deep understanding of FLSA, wage-and-hour law, payroll tax regulations, and compliance requirements. Strong numerical and analytical skills; able to accurately calculate multi-type earnings, commissions, and reconciliations. High attention to detail and accuracy in data entry, record-keeping, and audit preparation. Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to consistently meet payroll deadlines. Strong communication skills; able to explain complex payroll and benefits matters clearly to team members and leadership. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive compensation and benefits data with integrity. Problem-solving ability to resolve discrepancies, garnishments, and retroactive adjustments effectively. Working Conditions Position is office-based with high visibility to assist team members. Regular interaction with Finance/Controller, Director of HR, Director of Talent & Engagement, and Club leadership. This role may occasionally require extended hours during payroll deadlines, audits, or open enrollment periods. Frequent handling of sensitive and confidential payroll and benefits data. Physical Requirements Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer. Ability to operate standard office equipment (computer, phone, printer, copier, scanner). Frequent use of hands and fingers f