Payroll Specialist

General Summary

The Fresh Air Society, d/b/a Tamarack Camps, was founded in 1902 – initially organized as a camp for immigrant mothers and children (located on Belle Isle in Detroit, Michigan). From its humble beginnings over a century ago which started with 2 women providing a handful of children an opportunity to experience the “fresh air,” today, Tamarack Camps has grown to serve over 12,000 individuals, annually.

Our main campus in Ortonville, Michigan (Oakland County) is a 1200-acre reserve nestled a short distance from the urban bustle of Metropolitan Detroit — yet feels like a different world. This landscape provides a foundation, the canvas upon which Tamarack Camps has the potential to build, engage, connect, and educate countless individuals.

Annually, through its residential camping program at Camp Maas, Agree Outpost Camp (Ontario, Canada), Camp Kennedy (Munising, Michigan), three (and sometimes three) Western Trips, two Alaska experiences, and an excursion to Israel, Tamarack Camps is home to approximately 1,250 Detroit-area Jewish children and teens, as well as 90 Israeli campers. In addition to its camper population, Tamarack Camps summer programming engages and trains a staff of 400 (approximately) college-age young adults from the Metro Detroit area and from around the world. Further, throughout the year, Tamarack Camps also provides extensive family camp opportunities for 1,300 (approximately) additional participants (children and parents and/or grandparents).

Beyond the resident summer camp, teen and family camp programs, Tamarack Camps, through the Tamarack Adventure and Retreat Center (“TARC”), provides year-round activities for the general community, and, annually, serves more than 10,000 participants e.g., fifth grade camp, band camps, and other secular and non-secular groups. TARC staff are experts in expanding participants’ comfort zones and strengthening individual and group dynamics.

Authority and Accountability

The ideal candidate will have significant and a strong background in managing payroll processes, employee records, and benefits administration. This role requires exceptional organizational skills, a keen eye for accuracy, and the ability to handle a high volume of payroll transactions during the summer months.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Payroll Processing: Ensure the accurate and timely processing of biweekly payroll for all employees. Calculate wages, benefits, taxes, and deductions with precision.
• Employee Records: Maintain and update employee payroll records, including new hires, terminations, salary adjustments, and time off requests.
• Timekeeping Verification: Verify timekeeping records and address any discrepancies to guarantee the completeness and accuracy of payroll data.
• Benefits Administration: Process and manage employee benefits, including retirement plans, health insurance, and various deductions.
• Employee Support: Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll, taxes, and benefits in a professional and timely manner.
• Reconciliation: Reconcile payroll accounts and resolve discrepancies to ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Reporting: Generate payroll reports for both management and accounting purposes.
• Audits: Participate in financial audits related to payroll, providing necessary documentation and information as required.
• Best Practices: Implement and maintain payroll best practices to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of payroll processing.
• Summer Employee Onboarding: Assist with the onboarding process for a substantial number of summer employees, both domestic and international.
• Invoices: Provide support in entering construction and facility maintenance invoices as needed.
• General Ledger: Handle bookkeeping where necessary.
• Expense Reimbursement: Assist employees in the creation of expense reports to ensure proper reimbursement.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in payroll processing, preferably with leading payroll and human resources soaftware system.
• Strong understanding of payroll regulations, tax codes, and employment laws.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with the utmost discretion.
• Prior experience with international payroll and employee onboarding is a plus.
• Familiarity with construction and facility maintenance invoices is desirable. 

Employment Details

Position to begin upon mutually agreed upon starting date.

To Apply

A cover letter and resume are required in applying for this position. We look forward to hearing from you.