JOB OVERVIEW:

The Payroll Specialist provides payroll services to employees and leaders by producing weekly payments for Darden employees and responding to questions and concerns. He/she works within Darden’s internal Payroll Services Department, which requires him/her to process payroll with a high degree of accuracy and a diligent use of data management when using internal information systems. The Payroll Specialist supports final pay processes, updates records, and answers questions from internal customers (e.g., employees, leaders).

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provides payroll services to Darden employees and leaders

-Uses information systems and processes to produce accurate payments for field employees (e.g., Operations) in the United States on a weekly basis; ensures that payments are in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local legal requirements related to payroll (e.g., tax regulations, wage and hour laws).

-Processes special payments and non-standard payments to employees, including final pays, ensuring that taxes, deductions, and overrides are calculated and withheld accordingly; may pay-out termination penalties in applicable states, as required.

-Minimizes risk to Darden by advising Operations Leaders on pay processes (e.g., final pays) by applying federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

-Provides exceptional customer service by responding to customers¿ questions and concerns.

-Reviews and processes all Human Resources and payroll-related data in information systems, including that for new hires, leaves of absence, wage changes, transfers, and other changes.

Supports the overall success of the Payroll Services team

-Processes payroll reports and responds to internal inquiries regarding payroll; analyzes data in information systems to identify problems/issues and make corrections.

-Gains familiarity with payroll processes and procedures in the United States.

-Serves as a back-up to other members of the team.

-Keeps payroll and personnel information strictly confidential.

REQUIRED TECHNICAL SKILLS:

-Excellent verbal and written communication skills

-1 – 3 years payroll or accounting experience preferred

-Restaurant experience a plus Detail-orientation and the ability to perform all work in an accurate and timely manner.

-Ability to use basic mathematics.

-Ability and comfort with using various computer programs and resources (e.g., intermediate-to-proficient with the use of MS Excel, use of websites/internet-based resources).

-Ability to use accounting procedures (e.g., debits and credits, journal entries, general ledger).

-Ability to stay up-to-date with work procedures, new software, and software updates.

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

-High school diploma or equivalent required

-College coursework in accounting or finance preferred

OTHER KEY QUALIFICATIONS:

-Ability to communicate (verbal and written) in a clear and concise manner.

-Ability to prioritize tasks.

-Ability to multi-task.

-Ability to take initiative and ownership

-Proven customer service skills

-Ability to work in a high-demand, fast-paced environment

-Makes Sound Decisions

-Behaves Flexibly (Indv. Contributor)

-Communicates with Impact

-Plans & Organizes (Indv. Contributor)

-Exceptional teamwork and interpersonal skills; enjoys working with multiple customers; is enthusiastic, positive, and customer oriented professional

-Ability to anticipate, respond to, and exceed customer needs and act on customer feedback with a sense of urgency

-Demonstrated ability to produce accurate work product and strong detail orientation

-Handle information in a confidential manner with high integrity and discretion