Lead Payroll Specialist

Looking to join a trusted brand that offers career growth and long-term stability? Berlin City Auto Group is hiring an experienced Lead Payroll Specialist to join our growing team!

Position Overview:

Berlin City Auto Group is seeking an experienced Lead Payroll Specialist to oversee payroll operations for a multi-state automotive retail group with over 500 employees. This role requires a hands-on payroll professional with strong accounting knowledge who can ensure accurate and timely processing while managing the complexities of commission structures, technician flat rate pay, and employee healthcare benefits billing. The ideal candidate will be an effective communicator with the ability to lead continuous process improvements that enhance accuracy and efficiency in payroll, accounting, and benefits administration.

Range of Pay: $25.00 to $30.00 per hour, based on experience and qualifications

What You’ll Do:

• Process payroll for 500+ employees across multiple states, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Accurately calculate and process commissions, bonuses, and technician flat rate pay.
• Administer payroll-related deductions and coordinate with HR/benefits teams to ensure accurate healthcare benefits billing and compliance.
• Review, audit, and reconcile payroll data to verify the accuracy of timecards, general ledger postings, deductions, benefits, and pay rates.
• Prepare and post payroll journal entries; support month-end close and reporting requirements in collaboration with the accounting team.
• Partner with HR, Accounting, and departmental leaders to resolve payroll discrepancies and deliver reporting as needed.
• Assist with internal and external audits by providing payroll and accounting documentation as required.
• Ensure compliance with wage and hour laws, including overtime and multi-state payroll requirements.
• Train and support managers on timekeeping, payroll processes, and policy adherence.

What You Bring:

• 3+ years of payroll experience with a company of 500+ employees (multi-state payroll required).
• Strong understanding of commission-based pay structures and flat-rate technician payroll.
• Solid accounting knowledge, including reconciliations, payroll journal entries, and reporting.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel required
• Working knowledge of healthcare benefits administration and billing.
• Knowledge of federal and multi-state wage and hour laws.
• Experience with payroll/HRIS systems (Paylocity, ADP, or similar).
• Excellent attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to meet payroll deadlines.
• Strong communication and leadership skills with the ability to manage cross-departmental payroll, accounting, and benefits needs.

What We Offer:

• Paid time off that accrues from day one of employment
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• Wellness reimbursement of up to $75.00 per month
• 401(k) with employer contribution
• Employee discounts
• A collaborative, growth-focused workplace

Additional Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Able to pass a pre-employment background check
• Authorized to work in the United States

What We Offer:

• Competitive pay plan with training, mentorship, and career growth opportunities
• Recognition programs that celebrate excellence and performance
• Paid time off starting on day one
• Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• 401(k) with employer contribution
• Health & Wellness reimbursement (up to $75/month)
• Employee discounts
• A fun, team-oriented atmosphere

Who We Are:

Berlin City Auto Group is a family of dealerships throughout Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. We embrace a culture that recognizes strength lies in differences, not similarities. Our associates are a highly energized, engaged, and diverse team bound together by our core beliefs and values. Together, we are dedicated to honesty, integrity, caring, clarity, and excellence, fostering professional growth and processes that deliver extraordinary customer and associate satisfaction. Our philosophy is Easier – a way of doing business that satisfies every customer with the highest level of service. Our team feels like family, and we treat everyone around us that way. We are passionate about our work and the culture that we have created.

To Learn More about Berlin City Auto Group and Career Opportunities, visit us at https://berlincitycareers.com/

EEOC

Summit Automotive Partners is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. Summit Automotive Partners strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy), gender (including gender nonconformity and status as a transgender individual), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. All Summit Automotive Partners employees, other workers, and representatives are prohibited from engaging in unlawful discrimination. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment.

ADA

Summit Automotive Partners complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended by the ADA Amendments Act, and all applicable state or local laws. Consistent with those requirements, Summit Automotive Partners will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with a disability if such accommodation would allow the individual to perform the job's essential functions unless doing so would create an undue hardship. If you need accommodation, refer any such request to the Human Resources Department. Summit Automotive Partners will also, where appropriate, provide reasonable accommodations for an employee's religious beliefs or practices.

191 Riverside St, Portland, ME 04103