Accounting & Payroll Specialist - Animal Humane Society

Join Animal Humane Society as an Accounting & Payroll Specialist, where you’ll play a vital role in managing payroll processing and various accounting functions. At Animal Humane Society, caring for animals isn’t just a job – it’s our passion. We are on a mission to compassionately and responsibly create a more humane world for animals and their people

Job Summary: The Accounting & Payroll Specialist is responsible for various accounting functions and payroll processing. This position’s key responsibilities include bi-weekly payroll processing, reconciliations, monthly reporting and analysis, financial system data entry, and bookkeeping. This role requires a strong understanding of payroll regulations, fundamental accounting principles, proficiency in financial software, and the ability to complete work that is subject to strict deadlines while also balancing shifting priorities.

Salary: $60-65k annually based on certification and experience

Benefits (see additional benefits below):

• 15+ Days of Paid Time Off
• 4 floating holidays per full calendar year
• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 401k Retirement Plan

Schedule: Full-time; 40 hours per week

• Primarily Monday-Friday during business hours; occasional weekends and evenings needed

Location/Remote Capabilities: This position is a hybrid position. Must be able to regularly travel between our Twin Cities locations and surrounding area. Must be able to successfully work remotely. Subject to change as business needs dictate.

Interview Process: Phone interview followed by 2 department interviews.

Application Requirements: Please include a cover letter with your application.

Essential Functions

Payroll Processing:

Process timely and accurate biweekly payrolls by managing payroll data including new hires, terminations, and pay/benefit changes, reviewing timecards, and calculating wages.

Process supplemental and off-cycle payrolls such as separations, bonuses and corrections.

Maintain and update employee records, including tax information and other payroll-related data.

Monitor payroll inbox, respond to inquiries and resolve issues related to timecards and payroll.

Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations, including taxes and withholdings.

Manage 401(k) activities and interact with 401(k) provider to ensure proper handling of employee payroll contributions, loan repayments, and contribution changes.

Prepare and submit payroll reports for internal and external use, such as for audits or tax filings.

Recommend and implement efficiencies to improve payroll processing and employee satisfaction.

Identify and implement process modifications based on changes in rules, regulations, and emerging issues and trends.

Maintain current documented procedures for payroll activities.

Accounting Functions:

Support the completion of AHS and subsidiary financial statements through preliminary results, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

Prepare balance sheet reconciliations, understand and interpret results, and recommend adjusting entries where needed.

Compile and analyze financial information to prepare journal entries.

Support external audits and preparation of work papers for financial results, 401(k) plan, and workers compensation coverage.

Communication and Culture:

Communicate in a positive and professional manner with customers, other employees, and volunteers.

Promote a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion to make AHS a more welcoming environment for employees, volunteers, customers, and the community.

Technology:

Utilize financial software for accounting operations, accurate record keeping and generating reports.

Monitor AHS email and other messaging software.

Other duties as assigned.

Additional Information:

Schedule and Attendance:

Regular, predictable attendance, punctuality, and availability to work during operational hours.

Attend and participate in regular team meetings, all staff meetings, and one-on-one meetings with direct leader.

May be required to work at a different site based on department needs.

May be required to attend occasional off-site meetings and events.

Work Environment:

Primarily office/desk based.

Adjacent animal shelter areas may be humid, noisy, or odorous.

Requirements

Qualifications

Experience:

2+ years of experience with payroll processing and accounting required.

FPC or CPP certification preferred.

Skills:

Excellent communication, interpersonal skills and attention to detail skills.

Strong understanding of federal and state payroll tax regulations.

Strong administrative and process management skills.

Strong multi-tasking and problem-solving skills.

Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.

Proficient with computers, specifically a working knowledge of Microsoft products.

Physical Demands:

Prolonged sitting at a desk.

Must be able to lift and carry up to 10 lbs.

Emotional Demands:

Must be comfortable with the emotional aspect of work in an animal shelter environment, including the use of humane euthanasia.

Transportation:

Reliable transportation required.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required for this role. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits

About AHS 

Every year, Animal Humane Society provides direct care and services to help nearly 100,000 animals in need across Minnesota. 

As one of the nation's leading animal welfare organizations, AHS is transforming the way shelters care for animals and engage their communities. From innovative medical and behavior programs to investments in outreach and advocacy, we’re advancing animal welfare and creating a more humane world for animals everywhere. 

Why Work Here 

• Make a difference in the lives of animals and people 
• Join a team of coworkers who love animals as much as you do 
• Work-life balance 
• Unique animal adoption benefits and discounts on veterinary care, pet supplies, and animal training classes  
• Health insurance coverage for full time staff includes the following: medical, dental, vision, health savings account, flexible spending account for health care expenses and dependent care, voluntary accident insurance, and employee ­paid supplemental life, accidental death & dismemberment and long term disability insurance. 
• Employer paid benefits for full time staff includes the following: basic life insurance, basic accidental death and dismemberment insurance, short-term disability 
• Mental Health and Counseling Support:  
• All employees have access to our Employee Assistance Program with 3 free counseling sessions per year 
• 401k for part time and full time staff 
• Nine paid holidays for full time staff 
• Paid floating holidays for part time and full time staff (up to 4 days per year based on start date) 
• Paid time off for part time and full time staff (amount is based on hours worked and full time/part time status) 
• Paid parent leave for full time staff 

Our Organizational Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: 

As an organization dedicated to making the world a more humane and compassionate place for animals, we know that people are at the heart of all that we do. Animal Humane Society’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity is essential to our mission and shapes our culture, our work, and the services we provide. 

At AHS we embrace and honor the inherent dignity and diverse experiences of our team members, volunteers, board members, partners, clients, and visitors, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, or income. Working together to instill equity and inclusivity within our organization will allow us to better serve the people and animals of Minnesota, and ultimately have a positive impact on animals in our care.