Payroll and Accounting Specialist

Grand Central Bakery ignited a bread revolution in 1989 by introducing rustic artisan loaves to Northwest tables. Values are at the heart of our company and sustainability touches everything we do - from where we buy ingredients to how we care for our employees and invest in our communities. A Certified B Corporation, Grand Central Bakery is part of a global movement of organizations using business as a force for good.

Title: Payroll & Accounting Specialist

Job summary: The Payroll & Accounting Specialist combines payroll operations, accounting, and financial data expertise to deliver accurate, compliant, and employee-focused payroll services support in support of Grand Central Bakery’s mission to serve our customers delicious, authentic food made from high quality local and sustainable ingredients. The position owns end-to-end payroll processing, ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, serves as the subject matter expert for payroll systems. The Payroll & Accounting Specialist supports payroll accounting, reconciliations, reporting, and financial analysis that informs month-end close and operational decision-making. Success requires strong analytical skills, sound judgment with confidential information, and a commitment to exceptional employee service while partnering cross-functionally with HR, Finance, and Operations.

Location: This position works on site in either Portland, Oregon or Seattle, Washington.

Compensation: $36.05/hour

Schedule Requirements: As a full-time hourly employee, the Payroll and Accounting Specialist typically works 5 days a week with flexibility to adjust schedule around special projects and may be required to work extra hours and/or days on an irregular basis due to unforeseen circumstances and emergencies.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• 5+ years of hands-on payroll processing experience with ownership of end-to-end payroll cycles, including taxes, reconciliations, vendor payments, and payroll journal entries with at least 3+ years of experience in preparing journal entries, reconciling payroll and benefits accounts to the general ledger, and supporting month-end close activities.
• Experience using HRIS/HCM and payroll systems (e.g., Workday, ADP, Rippling, Oracle, or similar), including reporting, configuration, and troubleshooting.
• Experience working in an accounting or ERP system (e.g., Restaurant 365, NetSuite, Sage, or similar).
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations, wage-and-hour laws, and benefits compliance requirements.
• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, formulas, and data analysis).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to investigate discrepancies, identify root causes, and implement practical solutions.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and sound judgment when handling confidential payroll and employee information, with a solid understanding of data privacy and HR compliance requirements.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain payroll and benefits information to employees and managers.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities while maintaining accuracy in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Collaborative, service-oriented mindset with the ability to work cross-functionally with HR, Finance, IT, managers, and external vendors.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must be able to add, subtract, and multiply with ease and accuracy
• Ability to read, write, and speak English (required); English/Spanish bilingual preferred
• Due to this position being located in a food production facility, the employee must maintain a valid Food Handler's Card at all times and follows health department guidelines.
• Must demonstrate regular attendance and punctuality.