Payroll Manager
Payroll, Sales & Use Tax, and Benefits Administration
Company Overview
Hooker Furnishings, in its 102nd year of business, is a designer, marketer, and importer of case goods, leather furniture, fabric-upholstered furniture, and outdoor furniture for the residential, hospitality, and contract markets. The company is committed to delivering quality products, exceptional customer experiences, and innovative solutions to retailers, designers, and consumers worldwide.
Position Summary
Hooker Furnishings is seeking an experienced, detail-oriented Payroll Manager to independently manage the Company's full-cycle, multi-state payroll operations, along with sales and use tax compliance and benefits billing administration. This is a highly hands-on position requiring someone who can take full ownership of these functions, manage multiple deadlines, and ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely processing.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll Administration
- Independently manage all aspects of full-cycle, multi-state payroll processing, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time.
- Handle payroll calculations, adjustments, deductions, reconciliations, tax withholding, reporting, and year-end processing.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations and wage and hour requirements.
- Research and resolve payroll discrepancies and maintain accurate payroll records.
- Prepare payroll-related reports, journal entries, and reconciliations, and assist with financial audits and internal control requirements.
- Stay current with UKG (UltiPro) system updates and enhancements, manage the payroll-related functions of the HRIS, and identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, increase efficiency, and maximize system capabilities.
Benefits & 401(k) Administration
- Manage employee benefits billing administration, including reviewing and reconciling carrier invoices, resolving discrepancies, and ensuring timely payment.
- Prepare, process, and reconcile 401(k) payroll contribution files, ensuring accurate and timely submission.
- Work closely with Human Resources, Finance, and benefit providers to resolve billing and contribution discrepancies.
- Assist with benefit plan audits, including the annual 401(k) audit, by preparing reports, reconciliations, and supporting documentation.
Sales & Use Tax Compliance
- Manage the Company's sales and use tax compliance activities across applicable jurisdictions.
- Prepare, reconcile, and file required sales and use tax returns accurately and on time.
- Maintain supporting records and documentation and assist with related inquiries and audits.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of 5+ years of progressively responsible payroll experience, including significant hands-on responsibility for full-cycle payroll processing.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience independently managing full-cycle payroll processing, preferably in a multi-state environment.
- Strong working knowledge of payroll processing, payroll tax regulations, wage and hour requirements, and payroll reporting.
- Experience with payroll reconciliations, quarterly and annual payroll tax filings, and year-end processing.
- Ability to independently identify, troubleshoot, and resolve payroll issues with minimal supervision.
- Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities while meeting strict deadlines.
- Proficiency with payroll systems and Microsoft Excel.
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work effectively with Human Resources, Finance, and external service providers.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with UKG (UltiPro) payroll software.
- Experience with employee benefits billing, accounting, and reconciliation.
- Experience processing and reconciling 401(k) payroll contributions and supporting retirement plan audits.
- Experience with multi-state sales and use tax compliance, including preparation and filing of returns.
- Experience preparing payroll-related journal entries and general ledger reconciliations.
- Prior experience in an accounting or finance environment.
- Familiarity with publicly traded company financial reporting, internal controls, and audit requirements.
Prior sales and use tax experience is not required; however, the successful candidate must be willing and able to learn and assume responsibility for this function.
Why should you apply?
- A company dedicated to fostering a welcoming and supportive workplace where all individuals are valued and respected
- Competitive compensation plans
- 8 paid holidays (Plus an additional 2 floating holidays).
- Paid sick and vacation time.
- The ability to be a part of a Multinational, global organization with 14 locations in the US and offices in Vietnam.
- Career development focus including training opportunities and leadership development programs.
- Tuition reimbursement program.
- Emphasis on charitable giving and volunteering in our communities.
- Focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance).
- Comprehensive medical, dental, vision plans including a generous employer health saving account (HSA) contribution each plan year.
- Matching 401k employer contributions.
Location:
This position offers the flexibility to work from our High Point, NC or Martinsville, VA office, or remotely.
Pay:
$75,000-$95,000 annually depending on experience