Accounting & Payroll Manager

Sand Valley is a golf resort and community settled gently upon 12,000 acres of rugged, pre-historic sand dunes in central Wisconsin. Here, residents and guests will find six world-class golf courses built in harmony with the land: Sand Valley, Mammoth Dunes, Sandbox, The Lido, Sedge Valley, and Commons.  Founded in 2016 by brothers Michael and Chris Keiser, the resort is known for its friendly hospitality and a community of golf and outdoor enthusiasts who have been drawn to the raw beauty and serenity of the vast Wisconsin Wilderness.

Beyond premier golf, Sand Valley is a year-round celebration of all the outdoors from fat-tire biking, hiking, and kayaking to ice hockey, skating, or a guided cold plunge. The resort now features a 13,000-square-foot Tennis Center with 16 grass tennis courts and the eleventh Court Tennis facility in the United States. Alongside soul-stirring golf and outdoor exploration, Sand Valley offers a variety of savory dining venues showcasing globally inspired and rustic Wisconsin cuisine.

The Sand Valley team works together to create experiences of a lifetime by asking questions and sharing ideas. With authenticity and a hard-working attitude, Sand Valley helps guide guests through an immersive experience in Wisconsin's natural beauty and away from the demands of daily life.

The Accounting & Payroll Manager plays a critical role in supporting the day-to-day financial operations of Sand Valley, with a primary focus on payroll.

This role owns payroll processing across a large, seasonal workforce with varying pay structures, ensuring team members are paid accurately, on time, and in full compliance. In partnership with the Assistant Controller, this position also supports core accounting operations including close, reporting, reconciliations, and internal controls.

Working closely with People & Culture and department leaders, this position helps ensure both the team member experience and financial operations run smoothly and with integrity.

Payroll Leadership (Primary Focus)

• Lead full cycle payroll processing across all departments, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance
• Manage payroll across a dynamic, seasonal workforce with multiple pay structures, employment types, and peak season fluctuations
• Review and validate payroll registers, variance reports, and supporting data prior to processing
• Manage payroll adjustments, off cycle runs, and complex pay components including seasonal pay, bonuses, and other earnings
• Maintain accurate payroll records and reporting, including earnings, deductions, benefits, garnishments, and tax filings
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll regulations
• Prepare and support year end payroll reporting, including W 2 processing
• Reconcile payroll to the general ledger and support related accruals
• Ensure payroll is completed accurately and on schedule within strict processing deadlines
• Maintain payroll calendars, processing schedules, and key deadlines
• Ensure confidentiality and security of payroll and employee data
• Serve as the primary resource for payroll related questions, resolving issues with care, clarity, and follow-through

Accounting & Financial Operations

• Support daily and monthly accounting functions including general ledger activity, journal entries, and reconciliations
• Assist with month end, quarter end, and year end close processes, including payroll related accruals and reconciliations
• Prepare and post journal entries related to payroll and assigned accounts
• Prepare, review, and support distribution of financial reports
• Support daily revenue posting and reconciliation across golf, lodging, and F&B operations
• Monitor accounts, investigate discrepancies, and resolve issues to ensure accuracy
• Assist with sales tax filings, reporting requirements, and audit preparation
• Support tax reporting requirements, including coordination of payroll and applicable state and local filings
• Support budgeting and forecasting processes, providing payroll and labor insights as needed
• Support tracking and accounting for capital projects and key initiatives
• Maintain accurate accounting records and supporting documentation across assigned areas

Controls, Systems & Process Ownership

• Execute and uphold internal controls across payroll and assigned accounting processes, identifying inconsistencies and escalating as needed
• Own the day-to-day administration, accuracy, and continuous improvement of payroll systems, including ADP Workforce Now and related tools
• Support integration and data flow between payroll, HR, and accounting systems
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, increase efficiency, and stay current on payroll regulations and accounting standards

Team & Cross Functional Partnership

• Provide day-to-day guidance and coordination across payroll and accounts payable functions
• Partner closely with People & Culture on employee lifecycle changes impacting payroll
• Collaborate with department leaders and operational teams to ensure accurate financial information and support business needs
• Support onboarding and training of team members across payroll and accounting processes
• Contribute to a team environment built on trust, accountability, and shared support

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred
• 5+ years of accounting experience, including direct ownership of payroll
• Experience in hospitality, resort, or multi-entity environments strongly preferred
• Strong understanding of payroll regulations, accounting principles, and financial reporting
• Experience with payroll systems such as ADP Workforce Now and strong Excel skills
• High attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, seasonal environment
• Clear communication skills and a collaborative, accountable approach

Physical activities may include, as applicable to the role, standing, walking, bending, lifting, and operating role specific tools or equipment. Lifting requirements vary by role and will be discussed during the interview process. Reasonable accommodations may be made in accordance with applicable law.

Sand Valley team members work within a resort environment with both indoor and outdoor work settings. Work conditions may vary by role, season, and business needs.

• Golf Privileges
• Retail & Restaurant Discounts
• Employee Meal Program
• Uniform Benefit Provided
• Employee Assistance Program – Canopy

Sand Valley LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We participate in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility.

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