Payroll & Benefits Accountant

Position Title: Payroll & Benefits Accountant  

Classification: Exempt  
Reports To: CFO 

Who We Are:

Mid-States Distributing ("Mid-States") is a national leader in Farm, Ranch, and Home products. Our company is owned by independent Farm, Ranch & Home retailers (“Members”) who operate over 700 stores in 36 states with billions in annual sales.  Our member/owners retail items such as apparel & footwear, pet products, sporting goods, agriculture parts & supplies, automotive products, hardware & tools, lawn & garden, animal health supplies, and various other products for the Farm, Ranch, and Home.

We are looking for competitive people who like to win big and have fun doing it.  We place a tremendous amount of emphasis on creating a unique and positive company culture.  Most of our employees will tell you this is the best place they’ve ever worked.  We value high-energy people who like to work hard and play hard.  Our consumers are primarily rural people raising “kids, pets, cows, and crops” so traditional values like God, family, and patriotism are important virtues around here.  So, if you are enthusiastic and competitive, have a great attitude, have good communication skills, build relationships, love to win, and like ice cream – Mid-States is the place for you!  If you are not, please apply with our competitors!

POSITION OVERVIEW:

As a Payroll and Benefits Accountant, you will be responsible for delivering exceptional payroll and benefits administration for our employees.  You will manage our routine and off-cycle payroll submissions via our Payroll service provider, participate in annual development of employee benefits offerings, calculate accruals, administer profit sharing benefits to employees, ensure accurate administration of employee benefits programs within our HR software platform, calculate and book all compensation and benefits accounting entries, participate in month-end close processes, provide all requirements for the annual financial Audit of our 401k plan, and respond with care when our team members have questions or need your support. This role demands discretion, a caring approach for your co-workers, meticulous attention to detail, payroll and benefits expertise, a deep understanding of payroll regulations and tax compliance, and a commitment to service for all stakeholders.  Excellent communication, organization, documentation, collaboration, and cross-functional teamwork are essential as you will be working closely with our HR team, service providers, and broadly with our organization as a whole.

KEY RESPONSIBLITIES:

• Execute reliable end-to-end payroll processing activities within our Payroll platform, including data entry, calculation, and audit of wages, deductions, and tax withholdings in compliance with all company policies and applicable regulations.
• Assist with evaluation and implementation of employee benefits programs, including health, dental, and life insurance, retirement savings plans, profit sharing, paid time off, and employee leave.
• Work with 401k advisors and administrators to ensure all plan decisions are executed timely and accurately.
• Manage all accounting and financial close activities related to Payroll and Benefits.
• Partner with Human Resources and management to provide support and guidance to employees on payroll and benefit matters.
• Participate in annual financial audits for the company and our 401k plan.
• Prepare reports and presentations on payroll and benefits data.
• Additional accounting, tax, and/or compliance responsibilities, as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, COMPETENCIES, AND EXPERIENCE:

• College Degree in accounting, finance, human resources, or related field.
• Proven experience in payroll processing and benefits administration.
• Proficiency with MS Office, with advanced Excel skills.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to data accuracy.
• Ability to manage within strict deadlines.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Experience with Paycom or other HRIS/ Payroll software.
• Experience with multi-employer 401k plans.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Generally, the job requires 80% sitting, 10% walking, and 10% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean environment.  The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling, some stooping, and significant fine finger dexterity.

TRAVEL:
Some travel may be involved

OTHER DUTIES:

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of the employee's activities, duties, or responsibilities required for this position. Duties, obligations, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

A few words from our COO:

Mid-States is truly the best company I have ever worked for.  We strive to provide a unique, exciting, fulfilling work environment for our staff.  We are cautious when we hire because we want to protect that environment.  Drama, laziness, and entitlement have no place at Mid-States.  Our company is very financially sound and growing like crazy.  If you are an enthusiastic, high-energy person with a positive attitude and the skills described above then you may have just found the last job you will ever apply for.  I look forward to meeting you. – Jeff