Payroll Specialist

Location: Honolulu, HI

Kupu’s Story

Established in 2007 as a 501(c)3 non-profit, Kupu empowers future generations to create a more sustainable, pono Hawai‘i. Kupu accomplishes this by partnering with conservation and sustainability focused agencies throughout the state and pacific in providing hands-on service opportunities which educate and mentor young adults and emerging professionals to become stewards of our communities and environment.

Kupu’s Mission

“To empower youth to serve their communities through character-building, service-learning, and environmental stewardship opportunities that encourage integrity (pono) with Ke Akua, self, and others”

Kupu’s CHOSEN Values

C         Character

H         Humility

O        ‘Ohana

S          Service

E          Excellence

N         Nobility

Position Overview

The Payroll Specialist at Kupu will play a crucial role in ensuring the accurate and efficient execution of payroll transactions in accordance with State and Federal labor laws and business best practices. The primary responsibilities include preparing bi-weekly payroll submissions, journal entries, and managing paid time off accruals for Kupu staff. The Payroll Specialist will also be responsible for maintaining employee records, department codes, and pay codes in the PEO payroll administration portal.

• Conduct oneself with aloha and drive Kupu’s culture.
• Conduct oneself with integrity, credibility, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to Kupu’s mission.
• Execution of payroll transactions in accordance with State and Federal labor laws.
• Prepare bi-weekly payroll submissions, journal entries, and manage PTO accrual for Kupu staff.
• Maintain employee records, department codes, and pay codes in the PEO payroll administration portal.
• Review expense allocations for payroll-related expenses.
• Support Payroll Manager with payroll changes submitted by HR or Program Managers.
• Review all payroll reports for program participants and record expenses to appropriate funds.
• Assist in reviewing the process flow of payroll activities to ensure internal controls, standard operating procedures, and adherence to best practices.
• Collaborate with the PEO contracted by Kupu.
• Assist Payroll Manager to supply necessary data and information in preparation for the annual audit.
• Perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
• Safeguard sensitive payroll information, ensuring strict confidentiality, restricted access to authorized personnel, and adherence to legal compliance.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of payroll expereince.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Adobe Acrobat Pro.
• Demonstrates excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Conducts self in a professional and ethical manner.
• Demonstrates attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Ability to independently research State and Federal labor laws and business best practices to ensure compliance in payroll administration.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with staff and the management team.
• Exhibits a willingness to learn.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Proficiency with HR Symphony, ProService, or similar platforms.
• Self-motivated with an ability to follow through and complete assigned projects.
• Detail-oriented with good analytic and communication skills.
• Experience or interest in environmental conservation.
• Experience in a non-profit setting.

Compensation and Benefits

• Pay range: $25 - $29.81 per hour based on experience
• Employer paid health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• PTO (up to 120 hours)
• Eligible for 401(k) plan after one year of service and 1,000 hours of service
• Lifestyle benefits (gym reimbursement, ticket discounts, etc.)

*In accordance with Federal Law, Kupu is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability