Payroll and Accounting Specialist

Payroll & Accounting Specialist

ABOUT US:

Kona Brewing Hawaiʻi is an independent, island-born craft brewery headquartered in Kailua-Kona on Hawaiʻi Island, with an additional pub in Hawaiʻi Kai on Oʻahu. Founded in 1994, the brewery is known for creating Hawaiʻi-inspired beers that reflect the islands’ spirit and natural beauty, served fresh across its local pubs and restaurants throughout the state. The team focuses on sustainability, community connection, and living aloha every day, offering a welcoming, growth-minded workplace for people who love great beer and Hawaiʻi. We have roughly 250 employees who work across our pubs and at our brewery.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

The ideal candidate will be based on either Oahu or the Big Island. If located on Oahu, the role is remote with the requirement to travel to Kona once per quarter. If located in Kona, the candidate will work out of our local office. We are seeking a candidate with a strong background in full-cycle payroll processing and administration. While general experience is required, preference will be given to those with restaurant-specific payroll expertise, including the management of tips and tip credits. Additionally, professional experience in General Ledger accounting is strongly preferred.  In addition, we hope to find someone that is excited about our brand and organization, and has demonstrated alignment with our core values, HEART: heart, environment, accountability, respect, and teamwork. Keen attention to detail, excellent written and verbal communication, people-oriented service mindset, and business and HR acumen are critical for success in this role.

EXPECTED SALARY:

$65,000 - $72,000K depending on experience

PERKS OF THE JOB:

We offer medical, vision, dental insurance; 401(k) matching, and paid time off. Additionally, employees receive a free post-shift beer at one of our pubs when off-duty and on-site, free growler fills on Fridays, and a 40% discount on nearly all merchandise and food.

JOB DETAILS:

The Payroll & Accounting Specialist manages end-to-end payroll processing, tip distribution, and HR administration while supporting general finance duties such as journal entries, reconciliations, and inventory/COGS analysis. In this cross-functional role, you will partner with HR and Finance to ensure accurate pay, compliant benefit treatment, and seamless employee experience.

Reports to: Director of Finance

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Duties/Responsibilities:

Payroll Administration

• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, including tip reporting, overtime calculations, and tax filings.
• Manage and process payroll for staff, ensuring accuracy and timeliness for hourly and salaried employees.
• Accurately calculate, record, and distribute tips, ensuring compliance with wage and tax laws.
• Oversee contributions, enrollments, and compliance reporting related to the company's 401(k) plan.
• Address payroll inquiries, resolve discrepancies, and provide guidance on payroll policies.
• Ensure accurate collection and approval of hours worked, overtime, differentials, and paid/unpaid leave for hourly and salaried employees.
• Audit timecards and schedules for compliance with wage and hour laws and company policies, resolving discrepancies with managers prior to payroll processing.
• Preparation of payroll journal entries

General ledger accounting

• Reconciling various accounts to the general ledger

• Support the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes by meeting close deadlines and assembling supporting documentation for internal review and external auditors.
• Support brewery and restaurant-specific accounting, focusing on inventory management and cost of goods sold (COGS).

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Proven experience as a Payroll Specialist
• Expertise in processing tips and handling tip allocations in compliance with regulations
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, payroll processing software and NetSuite preferred
• Elevated level of detail and accuracy, organizational skills, ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to work with a high level of confidentiality by demonstrating discretion and integrity in all aspects of their work
• Effective problem-solving skills to identify and correct financial discrepancies
• Ability to work on a team and independently
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field highly preferred
• SHRM-CP or another HR certificate completed or in progress
• At least two years of payroll experience required; 2 years of accounting experience preferred.
• Experience with restaurant or manufacturing/production preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.