Payroll and HR Administrator

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:

We have a strong preference for someone in O’ahu who would work primarily remotely and be able to travel weekly to our pub in Hawai’i Kai. Some travel to our Kona brewery and pub will also be required (quarterly). We would like someone with experience running and approving payroll, with a preference for someone with restaurant payroll experience (including tips, overtime, etc.). HR experience, particularly with benefits and leaves will be highly valued. 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:

$60,000 - $68,000K depending on experience

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: 
Online application form
Cover Letter: Please explain why you're interested in this role and how it fits into your future career goals. 
Resume

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 & HR Administration Specialist (Payroll Administrator) is responsible for end-to-end payroll processing, tip distribution, and payroll compliance, and also supports benefits, leave of absence, time and attendance, workers’ compensation, and related HR administration. This role partners closely with HR and Finance to ensure accurate pay, proper benefit and leave treatment, and a positive employee experience throughout the employment life cycle.

Reports to: VP of Talent and Culture

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Duties/Responsibilities:

Payroll Administration

• 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.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, including tip reporting, overtime calculations, and tax filings.
• Lead the migration from our current payroll system to a new platform, ensuring smooth implementation, data integrity, and staff training.
• 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.
• Maintain payroll records, prepare reports, and collaborate with HR and finance teams on payroll-related matters.
• Identify areas for efficiency and recommend improvements in payroll procedures.
• Reconciling various accounts to the general ledger and preparation of payroll journal entries

Leaves, benefits, and workers’ compensation

• Support leave of absence administration (e.g., FMLA, state family/medical leave, TDI, and company leaves) by tracking leave status, updating pay and leave codes, and ensuring correct benefits and deductions while employees are on leave.
• Coordinate workers’ compensation wage replacement and related leave/payroll entries, ensuring accurate coding of lost time, light duty, and return to work status.

Time and attendance

• 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.

General HR administration

• Support with the implementation of a new HRIS and transition to a new PEO.
• Maintain complete HR records.
• Oversee anniversary recognition.
• Track 90-day, quarterly and year end performance review.
• Respond to employee and manager questions regarding pay, benefits deductions, leaves, and timekeeping, escalating complex HR issues as appropriate.
• Support HR projects and processes such as recruitment, onboarding, employee engagement, performance review, open enrollment, audits, and HRIS/payroll system implementations or improvements.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Proven experience as a Payroll Administrator; experience in the hospitality industry ideal
• Expertise in processing tips and handling tip allocations in compliance with regulations; experience working with TOAST ideal
• Working knowledge of leave of absence programs (e.g., FMLA, state leaves, TDI/STD) and workers’ compensation as they impact payroll, timekeeping, and benefits.
• Strong knowledge of payroll regulations and 401(k) administration requirements.
• Proficiency in payroll software and Microsoft Excel
• 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:

• SHRM-CP or another HR certificate in hand or in progress
• At least two years of payroll administration experience required

Physical Requirements:

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