Accounting, Payroll & Benefits Specialist at Cook Hospital and Care Center – Cook, Minnesota

Cook Hospital & Care Center
Full-Time | Day Shift | Accounting
EEO Employer – M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status

Find your belonging at Cook Hospital & Care Center, where compassionate professionals are committed to excellence in care and service. We are seeking a detail-oriented, knowledgeable Accounting, Payroll & Benefits Specialist to support our financial operations and employee benefit programs with accuracy, integrity, and professionalism.

If you thrive in a role that combines payroll expertise, benefits coordination, and accounting functions — we’d love to meet you.

Starting pay is $28.00 per hour for candidates with an Associate of Arts (AA) degree.
Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree may qualify for a higher starting rate, based on qualifications and experience.

✔ Great Work Environment
✔ Competitive Pay
✔ Generous PTO & Sick Time
✔ Excellent Benefits
✔ Employee Perks
✔ Free Wellness Center Membership
✔ Meaningful Work Serving Our Community

Cook Hospital & Care Center offers a comprehensive benefits package to regular full- and part-time employees working 0.5 FTE (20 hours/week) or more. Benefits are effective the first day of the month following 90 days of employment.

Benefits Include:

• Medical Insurance

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

• Retirement Plans (including PERA)

• Long-Term Disability

• Life Insurance

• Paid Time Off (PTO/EIB)

• Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST)

• Bereavement Leave

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Free Wellness Center Membership

(Casual employees accrue Earned Sick and Safe Time as applicable.)

The Accounting, Payroll & Benefits Specialist ensures accurate and confidential administration of payroll, employee benefits, accounts payable, fixed assets, and selected general ledger functions. This position plays a key role in maintaining financial integrity, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency across the organization.

• Process and administer payroll accurately and in compliance with applicable laws and policies

• Maintain employee payroll, compensation, and benefit records

• Monitor and apply wage adjustments and eligibility changes

• Track and administer leave accruals (PTO/EIB/ESST/PFML)

• Serve as primary contact for time and attendance system

• Administer health, dental, vision, retirement (PERA), and related benefits

• Coordinate enrollments, life events, terminations, and COBRA administration

• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations (FLSA, FMLA, COBRA, PERA, etc.)

• Maintain I-9 documentation and employee tax records

• Prepare required reports including PBJ (Payroll-Based Journal) submissions

• Support audits, reporting, and regulatory filings

• Coordinate benefit communications, new hire education, and annual benefits fair

• Process vendor invoices accurately and timely

• Execute check runs, ACH, and wire payments

• Reconcile vendor statements and resolve discrepancies

• Maintain vendor records and W-9 documentation

• Prepare and distribute annual 1099 forms

• Manage petty cash and related reconciliations

• Maintain asset records from acquisition through retirement

• Reconcile fixed asset accounts to the general ledger

• Ensure proper classification and reporting

• Maintain accounting structure and GL accounts

• Post journal entries and reconcile assigned accounts

• Assist with monthly and year-end closing processes

• Perform bank reconciliations and monitor daily cash activity

• Support annual financial audits

• Process MNCARE payments and reporting

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field

• Payroll and benefits administration experience

• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and payroll regulations

• High attention to detail and confidentiality

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

• Healthcare or union environment experience

• Experience with governmental retirement systems (PERA)

• Experience with payroll/timekeeping systems

We are driven to provide excellent quality care 24/7.

Our Specialty is YOU!

• Integrity

• Compassion

• Accountability

• Respect

• Excellence

Cook Hospital & Care Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status

Visit our careers page https://www.cookhospital.org/careers/ to apply and explore additional opportunities.