Payroll Specialist

Company Overview: Southwind is a leading innovator in the home services industry, featuring renowned brands like 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, You Move Me, DreamLawn, Shack Shine, and MVP Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing & Electric. Committed to excellence in customer service and employee satisfaction, we're expanding across 40+ US locations. Join us and help redefine home services.

The Payroll Specialist I serves as the next step in the Payroll career path, building upon the foundational responsibilities of the Payroll Processor. This role processes payroll for 20+ markets, including those with varying pay structures and compliance needs. Payroll Specialist I develops strong relationships with leaders across the Southwind system, identifies opportunities for process improvement, and strengthens problem-solving skills by leveraging available resources. In addition to payroll processing, this position provides enhanced support during Open Enrollment and year-end, mentors Payroll Processors, and partners with the Payroll Manager and HR Business Partners to support compliance initiatives and organizational growth.

Location: Mission, KS (In-Office)

Salary: $50,000 - $60,000

What you'll do:

Payroll Processing & Market Support

• Process payroll for 20+ markets, including markets with varying pay structures and compliance requirements.
• Collect and validate payroll data from Southwind App and labor sheets.
• Import data into Paylocity and generate payroll registers for GM/operator validation.
• Issue pay corrections and maintain accurate teammate records.
• Respond to garnishment requests and teammate inquiries.
• Provide paycheck education and support teammates with Paylocity access/navigation.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Gain deeper knowledge of wage and hour compliance, overtime rules, paycheck stub accuracy, and tax requirements.
• Work with Payroll Manager and HR Business Partners to identify compliance needs, including new acquisitions.
• Provide feedback and identify trends that may impact compliance or payroll accuracy across markets.

Relationship Building & Support

• Develop strong, trusted relationships with General Managers and leaders across the Southwind system.
• Serve as a resource for resolving payroll-related issues by using available tools and resources to problem-solve effectively.
• Communicate clearly with leaders and teammates to ensure payroll accuracy and compliance.

Team Mentorship & Development

• Provide guidance and informal mentoring to Payroll Processors, sharing best practices and supporting skill development.
• Act as an escalation point for payroll questions or issues from processors.

Process Improvement & Feedback

• Identify recurring issues or inefficiencies in payroll processes and recommend improvements.
• Collaborate with Payroll Manager, HR, and Finance teams to support new ideas and process enhancements.

Benefits & Annual Support

• Provide enhanced support during Open Enrollment, including teammate education and enrollment tracking.
• Assist in year-end payroll and benefits activities, including distribution of tax documents.
• Support communication to Southwind leaders and teammates regarding benefit options, wellness programs, 401k, and paid leave.

What we’re looking for:

• Relationship Building – Builds trust and credibility with leaders and teammates.
• Problem Solving – Uses resources effectively to resolve issues.
• Growth Mindset – Seeks to deepen compliance knowledge and professional expertise.
• Collaboration – Partners with Payroll, HR, and Finance teams to enhance processes.
• Mentorship – Supports Payroll Processors with guidance and best practices.
• Process Improvement – Identifies opportunities for efficiency and accuracy.

Why Southwind?:

• Competitive Compensation.
• Career advancement opportunities with professional development and leadership training.
• Recognized for our award-winning culture as "Best Places to Work" and "Fast 50 Company" by Business Journals and “100 Fastest Growing Companies” by Ingram’s Magazine.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, life, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401k matching program and options for HSA/FSA, AD&D, and more.

Join Us: At Southwind, we believe in fostering a dynamic work environment where you can make an impact and are provided with the tools, support, and resources you need to grow your career and thrive. Join our team and help us revolutionize the home services industry! Apply now!

Southwind and its group of companies are proud to be an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, Veteran friendly employer.

What you'll bring:

• 2-3 years of payroll experience (multi-market or multi-state experience preferred).
• Familiarity with Paylocity or comparable payroll systems.
• Excel expertise is required.
• Strong relationship building and communication skills.
• Knowledge of basic payroll laws and eagerness to expand compliance expertise.
• Ability to identify trends, analyze issues, and recommend solutions.
• High attention to detail with strong organizational and problem solving skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.