Payroll Specialist

What You’ll Do: We are seeking a payroll professional to join our People & Culture team! As the Payroll Assistant, you will act as primary back-up for the Payroll Administrator including preparation of journal entries and other month-end responsibilities. With time and training, you eventually will aid in accurately and efficiently process U.S. and Canadian payroll on a semi-monthly basis for a staff of approximately 550, and you will import and audit time tracking data (vacation, sick time, etc.), payroll deductions (insurance, 401(k), Flex, etc.) and supplemental wages (bonuses, commissions, etc.). In addition, you will learn internal Field Staff payroll validation processes, look for/recommend efficiencies, and act as a backup to cover validation responsibilities and import field staff hours into payroll. You will also: Resolve payroll discrepancies and answer payroll-related questions Calculate and generate off-cycle paychecks Maintain/update payroll instructions documentation. Support quarterly payroll forecasting process with the worldwide management team, including preparation of and processing of forecasting templates Support quarterly budget/forecasts for payroll taxes Maintain payroll reports and payroll database. Act as liaison with internal managers and payroll software providers. Keep office payroll back-ups trained on payroll processing procedures. Maintain the integrity of data stored in HRIS and recommend ways to leverage the system to gain operating efficiencies. Respond to and complete requests for employment verifications, wage audit requests (workers comp, unemployment, etc.), and wage garnishment requests. Who You Are: You have an analytical mind, exceptional attention to detail, exemplary communication, and strong organizational skills. You are someone with an enthusiasm for mastering complexity and who wants to learn more about how payroll touches other parts of the company. You exercise excellent judgment and discretion when dealing with confidential matters. What You’ll Need: 1 to 2 years of experience in a payroll role. Exceptional organizational and analytical skills, strong detail orientation, rapid data entry ability. Previous experience working with payroll and/or HRIS software strongly preferred. Workday payroll experience a plus. Proficiency with MS Office required, advanced Excel skills strongly preferred. General HR and employee benefits knowledge is a plus. Strong written and verbal communication skills. A keen eye for improving processes. Ability to work at a computer desk for prolonged periods of time. Friendly, helpful and upbeat personality with a strong desire to assist fellow employees Unwavering good discretion and ability to always maintain confidentiality. Enthusiastic about working for Backroads and have a passion for active travel and the outdoors. About the Department: At Backroads, our people are our most cherished resource. The People & Culture department puts people first in a way that supports both our employees and the business. Within the People & Culture area there are two teams. Our People Operations team is responsible for compliance, benefits, compensation, payroll, and other employee programs. Our Talent Development Team is responsible recruiting, hiring & onboarding, developing culture, centralizing training, and supporting performance management. About Backroads: At Backroads we’re passionate about connecting our guests with so many of the most beautiful places in the world. We use our four-plus decades of expertise to create exceptional biking, hiking, and multi-adventure trips in over 50 countries for people wanting a deeper and richer travel experience. We travel on land as well as by small luxury ships on active river and ocean cruises. Our trips are for all ages – including dedicated itineraries just for families. We are known for our unwavering attention to quality. We have a dynamic work environment and a strong company culture. Why Backroads: At Backroads, we value every single member of our staff, and we’re proud to offer a dynamic work environment that enables growth. Your colleagues will be some of the most dedicated, competent, active, and fun people you will ever meet. A job at Backroads is unlike any other job you will ever have – you will be challenged, you will be inspired, and you will be gratified. No matter what you do here, you will be part of something that makes us all proud – delivering authentic, enriching, and often profoundly life-changing experiences. On top of all that, we have some pretty great benefits and perks: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) with company match, flex plan, and parental leave Generous paid time off, 8 paid holidays, and additional time off to go on Backroads trips! Complimentary trips and trip discounts for employees, and trip discounts for employees’ friends and family! Outdoor industry discounts and deals Alternative commuter incentives for biking, walking, carpooling, or using public transportation to get to work Wellness programs, onsite fitness center, and regular lunchtime bike rides and workouts Backroads is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Salary Ranges: $28.00 - $36.00 This pay range is intended for in-person work in our Berkeley, CA headquarters. Pay ranges for remote-eligible roles will be subject to adjustment based on the geolocation of the employee. I can't imagine a better way to travel the world than under your own power and in the company of like-minded adventurers. Sure, Backroads provides superb accommodations and meals, amazing Trip Leaders and unforgettable local encounters. But whether you’re sticking with the group or breaking off on your own, all of our planning and support are ultimately aimed at one simple thing: giving you the flexibility you need to discover the world on your own terms. Tom Hale, Founder & President

Salary : $28 - $36