Finance & HR Operations Specialist
Seat: Finance & HR Operations Specialist
Department: Finance / Human Resources
Location: Lutsen Mountains or Snowriver Mountain Resort
Reports To:
- Chief Financial Officer (Primary Manager)
- Chief Human Resources Officer (HR Oversight & Accountability)
Status: Full-Time | Year-Round
Compensation: $85,000-$100,000 (pending proven experience)
Benefits: 401K | Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance | HSA (Health Savings Account) | FTO (Flexible Time Off) | Sick Time | Season Pass
One Position Available
We are searching for one exceptional Finance & HR Operations Specialist to join the Midwest Family Ski Resorts Finanace & HR team.
To attract the strongest talent, this opportunity is being advertised in both Lutsen Mountains and Snowriver Mountain Resort. Only one position will be filled, and the successful candidate will be based full-time at either Lutsen or Snowriver, depending on the selected candidate.
If you apply, please indicate which location you are interested in.
TO APPLY email your cover letter and resume to Caitlin@midwestfamilyskiresorts.com with the subject line Finance & HR Operations Specialist applicant along with the location you are interested in.
Seat Overview
The Finance & HR Operations Specialist is a highly skilled, cross-functional position responsible for payroll execution, labor cost management, financial support, HR program administration, and systems and process improvement across Midwest Family Ski Resorts (MFSR).
The position reports to both the CFO and CHRO, with the CFO serving as the primary manager responsible for overall performance, workload coordination, and prioritization. The CHRO provides direct oversight and accountability for assigned HR responsibilities. Serving as a key operational partner to both leaders, the Specialist independently manages assigned processes, implements approved programs and policies, strengthens internal controls, and drives operational improvements while escalating matters requiring executive approval or policy decisions.
Success requires strong financial and analytical capabilities, sound judgment, and the ability to translate business requirements into accurate, reliable, and scalable processes, along with excellent interpersonal skills and an approachable communication style that builds trust with employees and leaders across all resort locations.
Seat Purpose
Ensure accurate payroll execution, effective labor cost management, and reliable Finance and HR operations through strong financial controls, program administration, systems management, and continuous process improvement.
Core Accountabilities
- Payroll Processing & Accuracy: Own end-to-end payroll execution across all resort locations, ensuring accurate and timely processing, timekeeping review, payroll tax compliance, deductions, retirement contributions, garnishments, reconciliations, year-end reporting, and resolution of payroll discrepancies.
- Labor Cost Management & Analysis: Monitor labor expenses, overtime, scheduled versus actual hours, and payroll trends; identify variances and opportunities for improvement; and provide budgeting support, labor cost projections, and reporting to inform financial and operational decisions.
- Finance & Accounting Support: Support the CFO and Finance team through budgeting, financial reporting, account reconciliations, month-end close activities, audit preparation, and other assigned financial and administrative responsibilities.
- HR Program Administration: Implement and administer approved employee benefits, leave, expense reimbursement, and related HR programs, ensuring accurate system setup, enrollment and eligibility administration, approval and utilization tracking, employee communications, reconciliations, and consistent execution across resort locations.
- Systems Administration & Process Improvement: Own the administration and continuous improvement of assigned Finance and HR systems and workflows, translating approved policies and business requirements into effective system configurations, testing, controls, documentation, training, automation, and scalable processes.
- Compliance, Reporting & Operational Controls: Maintain accurate financial, payroll, and employee records, conduct routine audits and reconciliations, monitor administrative compliance requirements, prepare financial and HR operational reports, and proactively identify and resolve discrepancies, risks, and process gaps.
- Cross-Functional Partnership & Leadership Support: Serve as an approachable, trusted resource for employees and leaders across all resort locations, providing clear communication, sound judgment, and responsive support while representing and extending the CFO and CHRO in assigned initiatives, employee interactions, and operational matters.
Qualifications & Competencies
Required
- 7+ years of progressive experience in payroll, accounting, finance, HR operations, or a combination of related functions.
- At least 5 years of hands-on payroll administration experience, including payroll processing, compliance, and accuracy for hourly, salaried, and multi-location workforces.
- Strong working knowledge of payroll regulations, wage and hour requirements, payroll taxes, deductions, and reporting.
- Experience with financial reporting, budgeting, labor cost analysis, reconciliations, and general accounting practices.
- Experience implementing and administering employee benefits, leave programs, payroll-related HR processes, or comparable employee programs.
- Demonstrated ability to administer, configure, troubleshoot, and improve payroll, HRIS, financial, or related business systems and workflows.
- Advanced Excel skills with strong analytical, reporting, and problem-solving capabilities.
- Ability to independently manage complex processes, balance competing priorities, and implement operational and system improvements.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, sound judgment, and discretion when handling confidential financial and employee information.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust, develop positive working relationships, provide approachable employee support, and communicate effectively with employees and leaders at all levels.
Preferred
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
- Experience with Paylocity or comparable integrated payroll and HRIS platforms.
- Experience in hospitality, resort operations, seasonal businesses, or organizations with complex workforce structures.
- Experience administering payroll and HR processes across multiple states.
- Experience supporting system implementations, process automation, or integration between financial and HR systems.
- Familiarity with retirement plan administration, expense reimbursement programs, and related financial controls.
- Experience supporting financial audits, workers' compensation audits, or other regulatory reporting requirements.
- Familiarity with international seasonal employment programs, including H-2B and J-1.
Schedule & Work Environment
The position generally follows a regular business schedule, with flexibility required to accommodate payroll deadlines, month-end activities, open enrollment, financial reporting, system implementations, and other time-sensitive business needs. As part of a resort-based team, the position may also be expected to provide operational support during peak periods, special events, staffing shortages, or other business needs, including occasional weekends, holidays, or nontraditional hours.
Work is primarily performed in an office environment and involves extended periods of working at a computer, reviewing financial and employee information, preparing reports, and communicating with internal teams and external service providers.
The position supports multiple resort locations and may require occasional travel between properties or to other business-related locations.
Disclaimer
The statements above describe the general nature and primary accountabilities of the seat but are not intended to represent an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required. Responsibilities may evolve based on business needs, organizational priorities, and operational requirements.
Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities as needed. In addition, as we are a recreational business, availability on peak holiday timeframes and weekends is required.
