Payroll Coordinator in Fargo, North Dakota at Forum Communications Company

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Forum Communications Company is a family-owned media and technology leader with more than a century of delivering trusted, quality journalism and innovative business solutions. Storytelling is at the heart of who we are, but today, we’re so much more than a newspaper. As one of the Upper Midwest’s leading media organizations, we’re driving the future across print and digital news, sports streaming, technology, broadcasting, commercial printing, and full-service agency advertising.

Job Summary

The Payroll Coordinator is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of bi-weekly company payroll, ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. This role calculates wages, commissions, deductions, and benefit deductions, maintains payroll records, and serves as a key point of contact for employee payroll inquiries.

Working closely with HR and Finance, the Payroll Coordinator reconciles payroll data, supports reporting requirements, and ensures accurate tax filings and benefit payments. This is a full-time, Monday–Friday position with standard daytime hours. Hybrid flexibility is offered; however, regular onsite presence is required. Candidates must live within a reasonable commuting distance of Fargo, ND.

Essential Functions

• Process bi-weekly payroll with a high degree of accuracy, including timekeeping, wages, commissions, taxes, and deductions.
• Manage payroll-related changes such as new hires, terminations, promotions, transfers, direct deposit updates, and garnishments.
• Review payroll data to identify discrepancies, investigate issues, and implement timely corrections.
• Partner with Finance department to reconcile payroll data with the general ledger and benefit invoices.
• Prepare and submit payroll-related reports and filings, including quarterly 941s, unemployment taxes, workers’ compensation, and benefit contributions.
• Ensure data integrity and alignment between HRIS and external vendor systems.
• Maintain employee payroll records in compliance with regulatory retention requirements.
• Process garnishments, child support orders, and other required withholdings.
• Prepare and distribute year-end documents, including W-2s and 1095s.
• Execute month-end, quarter-end, and year-end payroll processes.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing required documentation.
• Respond to employment verifications and external payroll inquiries.
• Address and resolve employee payroll questions in a timely, professional manner.
• Generate payroll and workforce reports for Finance, leadership, and other stakeholders.
• Validate benefit invoices against enrollment data.
• Complete required data submissions for federal and state agencies.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of payroll experience in a mid- to large-sized organization, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working with HRIS/payroll/accounting systems; Paylocity strongly preferred. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel required.
• Payroll certification (CPP, FPC) is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of payroll tax regulations, including multi-state payroll compliance.
• Exceptional attention to detail with strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Proven ability to manage sensitive data with accuracy, discretion, and integrity.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations, including percentages, commissions, and deductions.
• Demonstrated ability to leverage technology and tools to improve efficiency and accuracy.

Expected compensation for this role is between $24.00 and $31.00/hour, based on qualifications and experience.

Forum Communications Company offers the following to all Full-Time and 32-Hour Benefited employees:

• Health, dental, and vision packages
• Paid maternity and parental leave
• Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance
• Additional options for critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity coverage
• Retirement benefits with company match
• Generous PTO and paid volunteer hours

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. FCC currently does not offer employer sponsorship.