Payroll Administrator II

Overview

Chenega is a mission-driven Alaska Native corporation and a top Alaska revenue business, with nearly 9,000 employees worldwide and 50 years of steady growth. Consistently ranked among the Top 5 Alaska-owned businesses in the Alaska Top 49ers list, we deliver professional services across defense, intelligence, and civilian markets with operational excellence, integrity, and accountability.

 As an Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) corporation, Chenega combines strong business performance with a commitment to community and cultural values. We are a recognized military-friendly employer, with many veterans, reservists, and military spouses across our workforce. Our culture is performance-driven, team-oriented, and focused on doing the job right while providing long-term career opportunities.

Summary:

• The Under the direction of the Payroll Operations Manager, the Payroll Administrator II is responsible for full‑cycle payroll processing for multiple companies and multi‑state employee groups. This position performs complex payroll functions including preparation, processing, auditing, reporting, and reconciliation of payroll and benefit transactions. The role ensures accurate calculation of wages, deductions, and taxes, and interprets company policies, union requirements, and federal/state regulations affecting payroll administration. The Payroll Administrator works closely with HR and Finance to maintain compliant processing and exceptional customer service.

Work Location:

• In-office -3000 C Street, Ste. 301 Anchorage, Alaska.

Responsibilities

Payroll Processing & Maintenance

• Compile and validate payroll data including hours worked, premiums, leave, adjustments, taxes, insurance elections, union dues, and other withholdings using electronic timekeeping, onboarding systems, and email submission as necessary.
• Prepare payroll files, calculate wages/deductions, and post data to payroll systems for multiple companies and states.
•  Ensure payroll accuracy by reviewing wages, deductions, and system outputs and correcting errors before final posting.
•  Record and update employee master records including tax withholding certificates, benefit changes, garnishments, loans, and direct deposit information.
•  Process off‑cycle and manual checks when required.
•  Maintain documentation for payroll transactions in accordance with internal controls and retention policies.

Compliance, Controls & Tax Administration

• Prepare check requests or electronic remittances for payroll liabilities (benefits, garnishments, tax agencies, retirement plans, etc.).
• Support internal and external audits of payroll controls, tax records, and employee data, ensuring documentation accuracy and timely response.
• Maintain compliance with all federal, state, and local wage laws including FLSA, ACA, state leave requirements, and multi-state labor regulations.
• Ensure strict adherence to data security requirements including HIPAA, PII protection, and payroll system access protocols.

Reporting & Analysis

• Run, audit, and distribute payroll and labor reports using reporting tools and Excel, including earnings reports, labor distribution, tax summaries, and ad hoc reporting for business units.
• Perform payroll account reconciliations and support Finance with month‑end and year‑end activities.
• Identify payroll inconsistencies, trends, or errors and recommend process improvements.

Systems, Technology & Communication

• Participate in system upgrades, testing, and implementation projects for payroll, timekeeping, onboarding, and HRIS integrations.
• Troubleshoot system-related issues, collaborate with IT and assist in documenting new procedures.
• Communicate regularly with Strategic Business Unit HR/Finance teams and Corporate HR throughout the payroll cycle.
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries with professionalism and accuracy
• Support process standardization and documentation updates.
• Assist department leads with year‑end activities and W‑2 distribution.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: (To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.)

• Minimum of two (2) years of payroll experience.
• High school diploma or GED required; bachelor’s degree in accounting, Business, or related field preferred (relevant payroll experience may be substituted).
• Significant experience with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams).
• Knowledge of payroll principles, tax withholding rules, and wage calculations)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two (2) years of experience using Deltek Costpoint.
• Experience processing payroll for a multi-state, multi‑entity employee population.
• Experience with ADP tax services or other third‑party tax filing providers.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation or progress toward certification.
• Experience with union payroll and collective bargaining agreement requirements.
• Experience with electronic onboarding, HRIS integrations, and modern timekeeping systems

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll laws including FLSA, ACA, state leave laws, and wage/hour requirements.
• Strong understanding of accounting concepts, internal controls, and payroll audit practices.
• Ability to support system upgrades, testing, integrations, and workflow improvements.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Extremely detail‑oriented with strong accuracy and data validation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast‑paced, changing environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with ability to communicate at all organizational levels.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information responsibly.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.